Gerrard has ‘rock solid’ backing from chief King

STEVEN GERRARD insists he has the ‘rock solid’ support of Dave King and the

Rangers board as he endures the toughest spell of his fledgling managerial career.

The former Liverpool and England captain takes his team to Dingwall, for this afternoon’s Premiership clash with Ross County, a full 16 points behind Celtic following the league leaders’ 5-0 win over St Mirren yesterday.

Rangers hold two games in hand over their rivals but a shock defeat to Hamilton in midweek continued a dreadful run of form that has seen them drop points from five league fixtures since the winter shutdown.

Despite falling so far behind in the title race and suffering a Scottish Cup exit to Hearts last weekend, 39-year-old Gerrard insists he retains the full backing of chairman King and his fellow directors.

‘Dave has supported me since day one,’ said Gerrard. ‘I have regular contact with him and this week, during the bad results, all the board have been there for me and been rock solid.

‘I think any manager at this football club needs that.’

Having already lost the League Cup Final to Celtic, Gerrard is likely to complete a second full season without a trophy, yet his team’s European form has been a ray of light. Rangers’

consistently excellent performances in the Europa League have brought progress to the last 16 of the tournament, where they will face German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, who visit Ibrox on Thursday.

Asked whether South Africa-based King had expressed his confidence in the job he is doing, Gerrard responded: ‘Collectively, as a group, they (the board) have. I don’t necessarily want to quote just Dave on that comment.

‘I think the board have seen enough over the 20 months, with this same group of players, that they are capable of getting through this.

‘Of course, confidence has been hit. A few things have been hit of late. This is a challenge for all of us to prove ourselves. That starts from today.’