Revealed: Steven Gerrard makes huge decision on Rangers return after Liverpool legend approached to replace sacked Russell Martin

Former MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton manager Martin only took charge at Ibrox over the summer. His ball-playing philosophy was considered to be a good fit for Rangers, but many fans had their doubts from the off. Those fears proved to be well-founded, with Martin stumbling out of the blocks and never getting into his stride. A 1-1 draw with Falkirk proved to be the final straw, with Rangers left languishing in eighth spot after picking up just eight points from seven top-flight fixtures this season. They have just one league win to their name and are already 11 points adrift of table-topping Hearts, while trailing Old Firm rivals Celtic by nine points.

Before the manager's sacking, the Rangers fans had made their feelings clear when they went public with their protest against the boss as they visited the Ibrox for a Scottish League Cup quarter-final clash with banners, which read: "Russell out - worst manager in history." They also hurled balls onto the pitch, which led to a delay in the start of the game.

Soon after Martin left the job, Rangers prepared a shortlist of head coaches, which consisted of several top names, including Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, who had previously managed the club and even guided them to the Scottish Premiership title. Gerrard has been without a job since January, when he mutually parted ways with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Shabab, where he spent one-and-a-half seasons.

Gerrard also had the backing of Gers legend Ally McCoist, who claimed in April that the England icon would be a perfect fit for the club. He had said: "It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one. It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi. It’s similar to Frank Lampard - his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on."

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Gerrard is no longer keen on accepting the manager's role at Ibrox Stadium. The former England international has withdrawn his name from contention for Rangers' managerial role. The report adds that Gerrard is not quite ready to take up a new assignment as head coach at the moment. He had held positive talks with the Scottish side and an agreement was almost reached, however, both parties have now ended the discussions, although they have kept the door open for future negotiations. 

While negotiations were going on with Gerrard, Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl was also seen as a possible candidate to manage the Gers, while former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche was another coach who was being considered. Dyche is currently out of work and could be charged with the task of delivering a reversal in fortune for Glasgow-based giants. 

Gerrard, on the other hand, might have pulled out of the race to become the next Rangers boss, he has been told that Wrexham could be a possible destination for him. Former Red Dragons star Matt Jansen, in an interview with GOAL, has said: "There is always going to be names linked to it - the razzmatazz around it, the Hollywood theme. There are always going to be names linked to it, that’s the nature of the beast. Will Parkinson stay there? Will a bigger name come in? Would a Steven Gerrard be interested in a similar thing to what Frank Lampard is doing at Coventry? Then you have got Graham Potter, who is out of work now. You’ve got Sean Dyche, who is vastly experienced. Then you’ve got Big Sam [Allardyce], who is always there or thereabouts. There are always going to be names dotted about. Phil Parkinson has done a fantastic job so far. How long that will continue, who knows."