NEWS that Steven Gerrard was out of the running to become the next Rangers boss sent shockwaves rippling through Scottish football on Saturday night.
The Liverpool legend appeared to be closing in on a sensational second stint as manager after holding talks with the Ibrox hierarchy.
Bookies suspended betting on Gerrard making a stunning return with many Rangers fans excited at the thought of the former England ace replacing Russell Martin in the dug-out.
But that all came to an end when SunSport revealed that Gerrard had decided he didn’t want to return to the club at this time.
Gerrard – who still lives in Bahrain – met with Light Blues chairman Andrew Cavenagh in London 24 hours earlier.
But after taking time to weigh up his next move, he informed Gers chiefs he no longer wished to be considered for the role.
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Rangers fans have been left scratching their heads at the apparent U-turn, said to be on the grounds of timing.
Gerrard has yet to comment publicly on why he has decided NOT to return to Ibrox for a second spell.
But he did break cover on his Instagram account to offer his congratulations to another former Ibrox figure.
Ross Wilson was the sporting director at Rangers during Gerrard’s time as manager.
Now the former Falkirk executive has made another massive career switch by leaving Nottingham Forest to become sporting director at Newcastle United.
And Gerrard was on hand to wish his former colleague all the best.
He wrote: “Congratulations @ross_wilson7, great club for you, best of luck mate”, illustrated with a picture of Wilson.
Newcastle had to buy Wilson out of his contract at Forest and the Scot was delighted to be taken up a new challenge at St James’ Park.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here at Newcastle United.
“This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.
“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson.
“The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together.
“I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department.
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“There’s already excellent work being done here and, from the first team to the women’s team and academy, my aim is to build on that, strengthen our structures over time, and work with our staff to create environments where players and staff can continue to thrive.”
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