Having spent the greater portion of his life with Liverpool in some capacity or other, Steven Gerrard is now set to begin a new chapter of his career.
Taking an ambitious first step into football management, Gerrard will hope that his association with Rangers can be a profitable one for both manager and club. With so much ground to make up on Brendan Rodgers and Celtic, some have already written off Gerrard's chances.
However, according to the former England international, fans of Liverpool have been remarkably confident of his abilities.
Previously filling the role as Liverpool's U-18s manager, Gerrard has spoken to the club's website in an effort to explain his decision, and share his enthusiasm for a brave managerial step:
It’s excitement in terms of the challenge that lies ahead, and the opportunity for me to progress as a manager – which is what I want to do for many, many years.
I go this time with the supporters’ blessing and everyone within the club’s blessing because they see the opportunity, they see the size of Glasgow Rangers and how difficult it would have been where I was to turn down.
Working with numerous promising young players in the Liverpool academy, Gerrard made it clear that he has "had a magnificent time at the Academy."
Learning from and supported by "fantastic coaches who have helped me grow and educated me in terms of getting used to being on the pitch on a daily basis," Gerrard clearly believes he is up to the challenges ahead.
Having previously balked at previous job offers from lower-league clubs in England, the magnitude of the job on off this time didn't pass him by:
When Glasgow Rangers come knocking and you’re the youth-team coach, it’s a huge opportunity. I’m going with the club’s support and the club’s backing – and I’m really excited to get started.
Gerrard's tenure will officially begin with the 2018/19 season.
