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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Why off-field issue could prevent a potential Rangers return for Steven Gerrard

Alan Shearer has raised an important off-field issue that could put paid to Steven Gerrard potentially returning to Rangers.

With pressure on current Ibrox boss Philippe Clement, fans who have turned against the Belgian have started to focus on who could possibly become the club's next manager.

Kilmarnock's Derek McInnes is often linked with the job, but Gerrard - who previously managed the club for three and a half years - is another who has been touted should Clement be relieved of his duties.

Gerrard guided the club to their 55th league title in 2021. This also stopped Celtic in their tracks to win 10 in a row.

But Shearer, a Newcastle and England legend, believes that while Gerrard loved his time in Glasgow, there is an important money factor that could come into his thinking due to the obscene finances he'll be earning as Al-Ettifaq gaffer in Saudi Arabia.

He told Betfair: "Clement is under pressure with the club not where it wants to be, nine points behind both Aberdeen and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

"Gerrard has been linked with a return to the club, because I see his recent results in Saudi and he's getting a bit of stick at the moment.

"However, as a manager he will know, you will always get criticism at some stage. 


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"I don't know what's going on at Rangers, I read the reports like everyone else, and the club is certainly not where it wants to be.

"They are not getting results and there are problems off the field, so whether that would appeal to Steven if things don't improve in Saudi, who knows.

"I do know that when he was at Rangers, he had an incredible time there and gave them great moments, so he'll be fondly thought of, and I guess some would love him back for how he won the league there and for toppling Celtic.

"However, I don't know how Steven's life is going, whether he's enjoying Saudi Arabia and for tax reasons, he may not be able to come back yet."

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