Gerrard hints at taking Gers hotseat as Murty is shown the door

Murty axed with ex-Red so close to Rangers job

STEVEN GERRARD will hold further discussions with Rangers in the coming days as he closes in on a deal to become the new Ibrox boss.

The Light Blues announced yesterday that manager Graeme Murty (inset) had been ‘relieved of his duties’ as Jimmy Nicholl and Jonatan Johansson were handed control for the final three Premiership matches. Attentions will now turn to completing a deal with Gerrard that will see the 37-year-old begin his managerial career in Glasgow. SportTimes revealed yesterday that Gerrard could be confirmed as boss by the end of the week and the former England midfielder spoke for the first time about the

position as part of BT Sport’s Champions League coverage.

Gerrard said: “Yes, there is truth in the rumours. I have held initial talks with Rangers and the plan is to pick them up in a couple of days’ time.

“We’ll see. There is [an interest]. I have held positive talks with them and the plan, I am busy now for a couple of days, but I will pick it up on Thursday and see if we can progress it.”

Rangers have been in discussions with Gerrard for some time after director of football Mark Allen identified him as the man to replace Murty ahead of the new campaign.

Murty was bullish about his own Ibrox future ahead of the Old Firm clash with Celtic at the weekend but the 5-0 defeat at Parkhead has proven to be his final game in charge.

Rangers still have fixtures with Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Hibernian to come as they attempt to finish second in the Premiership this term.

But Murty won’t return to the dugout after holding talks with managing director Stewart Robertson yesterday morning.

A club statement read: “Graeme Murty has this morning been relieved of his duties as manager.

“Jimmy Nicholl and Jonatan Johansson will take charge of the team for the three remaining matches of the season.

“Rangers are grateful to Graeme, who did not hesitate when asked last October to become interim manager after the departure of Pedro Caixinha and then again at the turn of the year.

“Graeme has had to contend with difficult circumstances but conducted himself in a thoroughly professional manner.”