Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TAKE CARE WHO YOU LISTEN TO, STEVIE: STUBBS
ALAN STUBBS has warned Steven Gerrard to be careful who he listens to after his opening-day conspiracy controversy.
The St Mirren boss admires the way his former Merseyside derby rival has handled the early weeks of his career in management under the microscope at Rangers.
But his fellow Scouser’s claim that the Ibrox side have been on the receiving end from refs smacked to Stubbs (right) of outside influences having words in his ear.
And as he prepares to go head-tohead again with the former Liverpool great this afternoon, Stubbs reckons the Gers gaffer has to be – and will be – strong enough to make up his own mind as he finds his way in Scottish football’s minefield.
The ex-Everton stopper said: “Steven’s dealing with it well. He just needs to be careful who he listens to.
“He is a strong enough to make up his own mind. Even when I’ve spoken to him away from football, he has always known what he wants.
“Steven will understand quickly how here in Scotland people will jump on things.”
Asked if Gerrard’s comments were planted with him, Stubbs grinned and said: “I don’t know … you know.”
Gerrard spoke out after Alfredo Morelos’ red card in their day-one draw with Aberdeen – a decision that was quickly rescinded by the SFA.
Stubbs said: “I can see why Morelos was sent off so the linesman was doing his job. There must be a grey area somewhere for people to think differently.”
The former Celtic stopper sent assistant Brian Rice to take in Gers’ match with Maribor on Thursday. He doesn’t expect a warm welcome this afternoon.
The Englishman laughed and said: “I’ve had a modicum of success there, and a few defeats as well. But it’s different this time, another challenge.
“I loved going there as a player. It can be intimidating but I was never scared. It was the same when I was manager at Hibs.
“If you can’t enjoy going to Ibrox and Celtic Park, in front of 50,000 fans, then you shouldn’t be a professional. You might as well pack it in.
“It’s not daunting unless the 50,000 are singing a song about me and even then I think that’s respect. They might not like me but it’s respect that they’ve even sung a song about me.
“It was the same when Steven went to Goodison. Everton fans would sing a song about him. It’s respect. Nothing else.
“We’ve all been called a w ***** in the past – so does it matter if it’s 50,000 people?”