The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Into touch for last time
Gerrard could take game by scruff of neck
is closed. A new one is yet to begin.
He added: “I’ve got friends in businesses who would like me to join them, so there’s options. It’s time to get a real job, rather than messing about with these paintings. It’s back to the real world and start grafting – it doesn’t bother me at all.” Former Aberdeen defender Kevin McNaughton rates Steven Gerrard as one of the best players he came up against as the Liverpool legend starts his managerial career with Rangers.
McNaughton faced Gerrard twice in his career, in the Carling Cup in 2007 and the final of the same competition five years later, and recalls the former England midfielder taking control of the game and dragging Liverpool past Cardiff City.
Gerrard was unveiled as Rangers manager earlier this month on a three-year contract, replacing Graeme Murty who was dismissed on May 1.
It is his first senior managerial role after a stint in charge of Liverpool’s under-18s.
McNaughton recalled Gerrard’s dominance as a player and believes his profile will do wonders for the domestic game north of the border. He said: “When people ask me who’s the best player I’ve played against, I remember a 15-minute spell he had against us in the League Cup where he was unbelievable.
“We’d just scored and he took the game by the scruff of the neck, he was untouchable. He’s one of those players you look at and think he’s just too good for us. It was embarrassing.
“I used to think he would just spray passes around, I didn’t realise how fast he was. His appointment will lift Rangers and it’ll be interesting to see who he brings in.
“I think it helps the league if Rangers are stronger and it will improve the profile of the league.”
McNaughton, who spent the past season as a player-coach at League 1 side Forfar Athletic, also played alongside Gerrard’s cousin Anthony during his time with Cardiff.