Steven Gerrard opens up on his double Ibrox snub

Steven Gerrard has hinted at the real issues behind his decision to snub a return to Ibrox as manager.

As soon as Russell Martin was sacked after 123 days in charge attention turned to Gerrard who had also been a candidate before the vegan, Buddhist was appointed.

The loyal messengers were all kept on board. Talks were held between Andrew Cavenagh and Gerrard in London. After two days the term constructive was used to keep fans in the loop.

WALKING AWAY, AGAIN

Then, suddenly Gerrard walked away. The news came out on a Saturday night, the hopes and dreams of thousands of fans were dismantled.

Those life-size cardboard cut-outs were sent back into the loft.

That was quickly followed by Danny Rohl knocking them back. Attention turned to Kevin Muscat. When the former Australian defender knocked them back Rohl got an improved offer and signed up.

ON MESSAGE

Cavenagh, Paddy Stewart and Kev Thelwell presented it as a process. But bears were left upset at being led up the path by Gerrard before he ran away.

Only the messengers swallowed the line that it had been as issue of timing.

The Thelwell connection is believed to be behind Gerrard’s decision to bolt back to Bahrain.

The guy that appointed Martin is now stocking Ibrox up with family and friends.

Speaking to TNT Sport at Anfield last night Gerrard hinted at issues at the club while trying to keep repeating the timing excuse.

The timing wasn’t right from a family point, of course, but you have to do your due diligence into certain things, and if things are not perfect as well, I have to analyse ‘is it right for me?’. The pressure, the responsibility is on your shoulders are such a massive challenge at such a massive club.

My heart was there and it always will be with Rangers. But I also have to look into the football side of it, is the timing right? Are things perfect for me to be the best version of myself?

Unfortunately, the timing didn’t feel right to me. I have got that much respect for Rangers, and the owners and everything connected with the club. I wouldn’t go in there if I was 80, 90 per cent ready. Hopefully, one day, I will be more ready and that chance might come again. My heart was 100 per cent there because I have that connection with the club.

Gerrard hasn’t had a sniff at a job since 11 disastrous months at Aston Villa. The Ibrox speculation, a podcast with Rio Ferdinand and a return as a pundit are all aimed at getting him another management job. The family issue seems less of a problem. Timing isn’t an issue.

Just before Martin was sacked Thelwell appointed his 26-year-old son Robbie as Head of Recruitment. Robbie started work as a scout at the age of 17 with Wolves.

Jonathan Hunter-Barrett, another old mate from Wolves moved to Ibrox this week as the new Head of Academy.