STEVEN GERRARD has revealed he was “very close” to returning as Rangers manager.
The Liverpool legend emerged as the No1 candidate to replace Russell Martin and looked set to complete a stunning return to Ibrox before talks collapsed at the final stages.
Sources close to Rangers confirmed that talks fell through after Gerrard told them the timing wasn’t right to come back.
That’s despite the title-winning boss flying over from Bahrain to London to meet chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe.
Gerrard was working as a pundit for TNT Sports for tonight’s showdown between his former clubs Liverpool and Aston Villa when he was quizzed on the collapsed move.
Gerrard said: “In terms of Rangers, very close. I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners.
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“It felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain and I had a lot to think about in a short space of time.
“There were a few things that I was uncertain about.
“If I’m going to take on a challenge that important – I have that connection with Rangers – for me to take it on, it had to be perfect.
“I had to be 100 per cent ready and unfortunately I wasn’t due to the timing.
“I wish them all of the best and they have a fantastic manager now.
“I’ll watch from afar as a fan and I wish them all of the best.”
Pressed further on whether or not it was down to timing or concerns about the club’s current structure, Gerrard replied: “The timing wasn’t right from a family point of view, but of course you have to do your due diligence and if things aren’t perfect, I have to analyse and ask ‘is it right for me?’
“The pressure and the responsibility is on your shoulders. It’s a massive responsibility and a massive club.”
Gerrard insists he will continue to follow the Light Blues despite turning down the chance to manage them again.
He added: “My heart was there and it always will be for Rangers, but I’ve got to look at the football side and if things are perfect for me to be the best version of myself.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t feel right to me.”
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