Steven Gerrard has turned down the chance to return to Rangers for a second stint as manager, with the timing of the move believed to be behind his shock decision. The former Liverpool and England captain held talks with the Scottish Premiership club earlier this week following Russell Martin's dismissal as head coach on Sunday.

Those discussions were thought to have gone well but, while the 45-year-old is believed to be open to returning to Ibrox at some stage and the club are of a similar mind, it will not be in the near future. Gerrard was previously in charge at Ibrox between 2018 and 2021, winning the Scottish title in the 2020-21 season.

The 45-year-old has recently expressed a desire to return to management following unsuccessful spells with Aston Villa and Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, but withdrew from the interview process on Saturday. It leaves the fledgling Rangers hierarchy still searching for a head coach to succeed Martin, who lasted just 17 matches after being appointed in June. They sit eighth in the Scottish top flight, having won just once in their opening seven league matches, with their next game the visit of Dundee United next Saturday.