The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
King and I: Friendship won’t change for Gers boss
Gerrard hails relationship with outgoing Ibrox chief after shock news at AGM
Steven Gerrard insists his relationship with Dave King will not change despite the Rangers chairman announcing he is set to step down from the post.
King broke the shock news at the Ibrox club’s AGM on Tuesday that he plans to give up his boardroom role in the new year.
But he will remain as Gers’ major shareholder and Gerrard says that is good news for him after developing a close relationship with the South Africabased businessman since taking over at Ibrox 18 months ago.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s Europa League showdown with Feyenoord, the Rangers boss said: “I met Dave on Saturday night, we had dinner together, he told me about his decision.
“I’ve got massive respect for Dave and the job he’s done chairing the board.
“The positive thing is he’s not going anywhere. He’ll still be a shareholder. He’ll still be about. I think it’s important that I’ve got that relationship.
“Dave is somebody that I trust very much. He’s given me fantastic support.
“He was a big influence on my decision to come here in the first place.
“The main thing that came out of the meal was the relationship won’t change. He’ll still be there for me. That’s very important.
“The relationship has been as close as it needs to be. We always spend some hours together, when he’s over, talking about the team, individual players, the progress.
“We always have a review of where we’re at. That won’t change. We’ll continue to sit down when he comes over.
“I’ve got contact into him whether it be email or phone. He’s always been very quick to respond and always been there for me from day one.”
Rangers can take a major step towards booking a last-32 slot if they overcome Dick Advocaat’s team at De Kuip tonight.
They also have a Betfred Cup final showdown with Celtic to look forward to next month but Gerrard does not believe the legacy of the outgoing chairman – who was given a standing ovation by shareholders as he announced he was calling time on his five-year reign – should be measured in wins and losses.
The Light Blues boss said: “I don’t think the games and results moving forward will impact his legacy. You saw reaction at the AGM and the reaction since the news.”
Jermain Defoe has been ruled out of tonight’s clash, while Gerrard is sweating on the fitness of Borna Barisic.
Striker Defoe picked up a knock in training while Barisic took a few kicks against Hamilton, and will be assessed before kick-off.