Gerrard has brought the winning mentality of Souness and Smith
Rangers’ swoop to bring Steven Gerrard north from Liverpool to become Rangers manager in 2018 instantly gained John Brown’s approval.
“My first thought was: ‘He’s a world name, who’s proven as a class act’,” Brown recalled.
“I’d played for Graeme Souness, and I could see he was in the same mould.
“It’s not about being second best for him. It’s about winning.
“If there was a jog in a training session, Graeme stopped it and ran us. Five-a-side, seven-aside, he wanted it 100% – even the day before Old Firm games.
“Tackles flying in from Terry Butcher, Gary Stevens, Richard Gough, Ian Ferguson – giving everything to show how much they wanted it.
“That’s like our manager now. I’ve followed his career, and Steven Gerrard’s up there with the top guys.
“I had no doubts he would succeed. But it was going to take time. To do it in six transfer windows is remarkable.
“He brought his winning mentality, and the players bought into it. He’s brought steel back to Ibrox. There’s togetherness, hunger, and a mix of youth and experience.
“There’s that drive, that fire. Steven will know Souness always said to us: ‘When you lose fire in the belly, it’s time to move on.’.
“As long as that’s burning – and I know it is in Gary McAllister, the manager and staff – they’ll push these players for the maximum. This is just the start.”
The biggest compliment Brown can credit Gerrard’s players with is the similarities he notes with the heroes of Walter Smith’s first era.
Brown explained: “They’ve won the respect of opponents but, at the same time, put fear into them.
“We had that. Teams knew if they scored, they got a reaction. The reaction doesn’t need to be a Morelos goal.
“It could be a Goldson crunching tackle. An Arfield challenge in the middle of the park. A McGregor wonder save.
“It lifts you when you know team-mates are right on their game. That’s the sign of a good team.”
That team is worth much more than the club paid.
Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson and Glen Kamara are great examples of cheap purchases improved under Gerrard.
“The value the manager has added is immense,” Brown stressed.
“Goldson was only getting 10 games a season for Brighton. To then play over 50 times a season for Rangers is a big ask. But he’s been outstanding. His value is probably £10-15-million.
“Glen Kamara for 50 grand? His value is in excess of £10m. That’s the sign of a good manager.
“Steven’s name is so big it attracted talented players, who wanted to play for him. And now we know he’s a top manager.
“He’s the ambassador, the spokesperson and everything he comes out with is flawless.
“I hope he stays at Rangers for as long as we can keep him.”