Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has been installed as the early bookies' favourite with Betfair for a sensational Ibrox return.
The former Liverpool and England hero departed the club last year for a crack at the English Premier League with Aston Villa - but has since been axed like Giovanni van Bronckhorst and is now on the lookout for a new job. He successfully ended Celtic's bid for 10-in-a-row during his time at Ibrox and has been priced at 2/1 favourite for a second stint.
His No2 and the very highly-regarded Michael Beale, currently in charge of English Championship outfit QPR, is next in line at 4/1 while Sean Dyche is an 8/1 shot for the vacant Ibrox role with the 51-year-old out of work since leaving Burnley. Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Steven Gerrard is the 2/1 favourite to make a sensational return as Rangers manager after Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked on Monday. QPR boss Michael Beale is 4/1 to replace the Dutchman, with Sean Dyche 8/1. Meanwhile, bold punters could back former Celtic manager Neil Lennon at 33/1 to take over at Ibrox.”
READ MORE: Giovanni van Bronckhorst SACKED by Rangers as search for new Ibrox boss underway
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Van Bronckhorst was SACKED by Rangers on Monday morning after falling nine points behind Celtic and Ange Postecoglou in the race for the Scottish Premiership crown.
A poor run of results and performances have ultimately proved the downfall of the Dutchman with dropped points pre-World Cup against Livingston, St Johnstone and St Mirren. They also endured an unhappy return to the Champions League losing six out of six and ending the group stages with the 'worst ever' tag.
A club statement read: "Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The board would like to put on record sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as manager.
"Arriving at the club just over a year ago, Gio led the club to a fifth European final and won the Scottish Cup last May. He also led the team to the club’s first Champions League qualification in 12 years.
"Unfortunately, results and performances over recent months haven’t met expectations and the decision was made today by the board to terminate the contract of the manager.
"The search for the new manager is now underway."
Chairman, Douglas Park, commented: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.
“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”
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