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The former Liverpool captain has been at the center of conversation after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, and the ex-coach will talk about a potential return with the team's owners.

Those in charge at Ibrox have stated that a "comprehensive, considered hiring process" is currently underway.

Other candidates are set to be reviewed, however if ex Liverpool and England skipper is open to a return spell at Ibrox, is the job essentially his?

The 45-year-old coach lately mentioned about “remaining goals” in management and revealed he has started contacting prospective staff for his coaching team.

In a latest audio discussion with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be recorded before Martin's short tenure concluded, Gerrard stated he desired “to be at a club that's going to compete to win because I think that fits me better”.

He continued: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the appropriate team, the right challenge, and I've got my people set, which I plan to have at a future date, I'll take that challenge on because it's in me.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in His First Stint

Having acquired knowledge as a academy coach at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his first managerial position in the mid-year of 2018.

During three full campaigns at Rangers, he secured just one trophy – however it proved significant.

After finishing nine and 13 points after their rivals in his first two seasons, Gerrard led Rangers to their first top-flight title in a ten years, which just happened to prevent their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row win.

And he achieved it impressively, with his team undefeated in the process.

Rangers won all of their home games, scored 92 goals and conceded a mere 13.

The downside was that it occurred amid of Covid and empty stadiums.

It continues to be Rangers' sole title success since the 2010-11 season.

How Did Gerrard's Derby Record Look?

In sharp difference to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his first visit to Parkhead.

In his first campaign the derby honours were even, each side securing two domestic victories, with Rangers having last beaten Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic came in the next shortened season, followed by Rangers winning in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard remained unbeaten in Old Firm clashes, claiming five more and tying once.

Rangers progressed through four stages of preliminaries to enter the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.

In the 2019-20 campaign, they advanced to the elimination stage of the same competition, being eliminated to the German side in the last 16, with their run ending at the same stage the following season.

What Led Gerrard Depart Rangers?

The Birmingham club made an approach in late 2021, forking out £4.5m in fees.

He left Rangers with a lead ahead of Celtic at the summit of the table – but their city rivals would recover to prevail by the same margin.

The lure of the English top flight is strong and it may have been seen as the natural progression on a dream return to Anfield at a time when his managerial stock was at its peak.

“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the team is undoubtedly in a stronger position today than it was several seasons ago,” commented at the time Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

“We have had a desire to advance the club, to update our infrastructure and to return the team to winning ways.”

How Did Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?

Gerrard did not last a year at Villa Park.

Inconsistent results yielded a 14th-place position at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 loss at Craven Cottage placed them 17th in autumn 2022 when he was dismissed.

During 2022, he secured just eight of his 31 games, losing 15.

He moved to the Middle East in July 2023 when he assumed control at Al-Ettifaq.

His latest job continued for 18 months and he departed with the club placed in 12th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the relegation zone.

“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a beneficial experience for me and for my loved ones,” he said in late January. “But soccer is uncertain, and at times events don't unfold the way we hope.”

These after Rangers experiences could cause some hesitation and the man himself may have doubts over taking over a underperforming team, but Gerrard likely has the character to manage such a high-profile position.

He is the sole Rangers manager to have lifted the championship since the legendary Walter Smith. That experience could be hard to ignore for an under-pressure Ibrox board.