‘Even after the defeat at Hearts, there was no chanceSteven would walk away’ Raith on the up after win
MARK ALLEN never doubted Steven Gerrard would deliver Rangers their timely title — even in the grip of crisis 12 months ago.
The crestfallen Ibrox boss appeared to be on the brink this weekend last year.
The club’s domestic dreams disintegrated in a Scottish Cup exit to Hearts and Gerrard admitted he had ‘serious thinking’ to do.
Now Gerrard is on the verge of steering Rangers to a first Premiership crown in a decade and wrecking Celtic’s 10-in-a-row bid.
That ambition was pinnacle part of a detailed three-year plan set out by Allen when in the Ibrox director of football role.
Allen, who helped recruit
Gerrard for the job, was sure the manager wouldn’t bail out two years into the project.
Allen said: ‘I’m sure we’ve all had days when we’ve thought: “Is there an alternative?”
‘But knowing the character of Steven, there was no way on earth that he was going to walk away from Rangers. No chance.
‘The plan was very simple. The first point was to close the gap.
The second was to win the league. And the third was to put Rangers back to where their consistency level used to be.
‘Without trying to be smart, I did think it would take three years. Lo and behold, it’s been three years.
‘Of course, it’s always wise after the event to say that. But it was always laid out in that way.
‘I was confident that we just had to show year on year that we were getting closer, focus on our part and not worry about others.’
Allen helped convince the Ibrox board to consider the credentials of Liverpool’s youth coach in
May 2018.
He hopes the bold move by Dave King to go for the Anfield legend will be remembered as one of the club’s best-ever signing swoops.
Allen said: ‘I certainly think it was going to take someone of Steven’s ilk to help turn the situation around and put Rangers back on that track.
‘I’d like to think when Rangers look back through history, they’ll reflect on the appointment of Steven as a very important turning point.
‘Everything he stands for is absolutely critical to Rangers Football Club. I wanted a winner, leader and character.
‘And, for that, Steven Gerrard was one of the most experienced candidates.
‘So I wasn’t concerned in the slightest, despite the scepticism. I had every confidence — from day minus one.’
Rangers secured pre-contract arrangements with Allan
A second-half blitz from Raith Rovers saw them come from behind and climb above Dunfermline into second place.
Trailing to Innes Cameron’s 14th-minute opener at half-time, the hosts levelled on 68 minutes through Iain Davidson.
Goals in the final six minutes from Reghan Hendry and then Jamie Gullan secured the win and left Alloa four points adrift at the bottom of the table.