You didn’t need to be Einstein to see Steven was manager material
Dave King has been in the news, giving his thoughts on a few things, from Celtic’s current situation to his appointment of Steven Gerrard as Rangers manager.
He did ask for my opinion on Steven’s suitability to become the gaffer at Ibrox.
Back then, in 2018, he was managing the youth team at Liverpool. He was doing so in a first-class manner, and making a fine impression.
One of the biggest things Steven had in his locker early in his coaching journey was that it was clear he was able to improve players.
Many of the players he’d have to work with wouldn’t be on the same level as he was during his playing career. But he was patient, and able to get his messages and instructions across in the perfect way.
Being able to get the best out of players – and improve them – are massive ticks against anyone’s name.
So my view – as I have stated many times in this column – was that Steven had an excellent future in management.
But you didn’t need to be Albert Einstein to figure out that he the qualities to manage at a higher level!
Rangers offered him that opportunity, and he now stands on the verge of winning the Premiership title with them.
It’s worked out very well for everyone.
Apart from the domestic success this season, there has also been fantastic progress in Europe.
Rangers are in the last 32 of the Europa League and are back in action on Thursday night, away to Royal Antwerp.
They are doing well in the Belgian league right now, and should not be underestimated.
But the draw was favourable to Rangers, and I’d expect them to qualify over the two legs.
Beyond that, you never know. But I don’t think too many clubs will be hoping to get Steven’s team in the draw.
The Rangers players, I’d imagine, will be refreshed and looking forward to getting back into European action.
They have enjoyed the luxury of a few free midweeks in the past six or seven weeks and that should be beneficial.
Training will still have been taking place but it will have been measured. Players will not have been asked to go at full pace every day. They will be guided well.
Clearly, they have been given the correct information on many aspects in this campaign. That’s why they have such a strong lead at the top of the table, and have had so many clean sheets.
The way the defence has performed has been admirable. If you keep regular clean sheets, then you know you’ll get a at least a point from every game.
Allan Mcgregor deserves much credit. He has been in brilliant form, and was so again last weekend in the 1-1 draw at Hamilton Accies.
After the game, he let rip at the level of his team’s performance, and his honesty was commendable.
But it’s worth remembering that it’s impossible to be bang on it every single week.
That said, I’m sure Steven would have been pleased to see Allan being so forthright.
It was a timely reminder to the whole squad at the stage of the campaign where nobody inside Ibrox will want to take anything for granted.
They have worked very, very hard this season, and they are close to it all being rewarded in the best possible way.
But they still have work to do. That is for sure.
Celtic appear to be too far behind to make any real inroads towards the title, but Neil Lennon’s players are now three games unbeaten and won 4-0 away to St Mirren in midweek.
They play at St Johnstone this afternoon, and that will be a difficult game.
Saints are in good form, and Callum Davidson has his team playing entertaining football.
But Neil will want to make it as difficult and uncomfortable as possible for Rangers in the next few weeks.
But they have just been too inconsistent this season, and that will ultimately cost them.
My view – as I have stated many times in this column – was that he had an excellent future in management
Jonjoe believe anything season.
The Englishman is able to take a slightly more detached view of the furore that has surrounded the reigning champions in recent times.
He has in three victories Lennon’s arriving
Everton.
Although the fullback appreciates that maximum effort is needed to give the Celtic fans have a happier end to the season, he doesn’t see any reason for panic at Parkhead.
He said: “I don’t think Celtic need to prove anything.
“They’ve won league titles, nine row, four Trebles.
“There’s a big fuss going round, but what can you expect? You’re making a big deal out of one season.
“It wasn’t season, it months.
“But for the fans and the support they give to the team, we want to go out and prove to ourselves just how good we are, and try to give everyone a little bit of a buzz.
“We want to finish on a little bit of a high, and that’s all we can really do right now.
“We’ve just won three games and scored 10 goals, so I think the confidence is getting better.
“It’s human that when you have a little dip, confidence goes.
Kenny doesn’t Celtic have to prove this taken part consecutive for Neil side since on loan from even was nine in a one six
“I’ve been there before, but that’s football. Not everything is going to be perfect all the time.”
Kenny is grateful to Neil Lennon for giving him a chance to get regular football.
The 23-year-old had only played eight times for Everton this season, and will get his fourth game in Scotland against St Johnstone today.
It was another former Celtic favourite, Alan Stubbs, that gave the Under-21 international a start in professional football.
He said: “I worked with Stubbsy when I was about 16, and he had a massive influence on my career when I was younger.
“He was the one that really helped me to push on. I really loved playing under him at Everton.
“He had a massive part in my career. He gave me the chance to play with the reserves at 16.
“Even now, to get a manager that trusts me to play and perform, it’s all you want.
“I can only speak about Neil Lennon on what I’ve seen during the time I’ve been here, and the man has been outstanding with me.
“He has belief in me, and has given me a chance to go out and do what I’m good at.
“I had a couple of months at Everton where I wasn’t playing, but I know what I’m all about.
“I want to play football. That’s part and parcel of football. It’s up and down.
“You want to find the balance and enjoy the ride.”