Danny Murphy sees the current Rangers squad as 'inept' but doesn't think it would take a miracle to catch their Glasgow rivals
14:09, 21 May 2025
Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard
Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard(Image: SNS Group)
Danny Murphy sees Steven Gerrard as the "easy" option for Rangers to appoint as their new boss - as he's the last man to knock Celtic off their perch.
Gerrard is set for talks with Ibrox chiefs over the next 48 hours as they try to thrash out an agreement that will see him return for a second spell in charge, over three years after leaving for Aston Villa.
With Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises' take over of the club still not yet rubber stamped, the new boss will be up against it time wise if he is to build a team capable of challenge Celtic for the title next season.
Rangers are keen to make an appointment before the end of this week to try and get the ball rolling on pre-season preparations as quickly as possible.
Gerrard stopped Celtic's march to 10-In-A-Row back in 2021 and they haven't got close to breaking their rivals' dominance since. And that achievement alone makes him an obvious choice as far as Murphy is concerned.
Danny Murphy
Danny Murphy
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"I am not surprised, because for Rangers, it’s an easy option,” he told talkSPORT.
"When was the last time we had success? Who brought it for us? Who was able to knock Celtic off their perch? It was Stevie, wasn’t it?!
"There is no guarantee for Rangers, whoever they appoint, they have to do some really cute business in the transfer market, by all accounts, because the squad is inept compared to Celtic’s."
As to whether Gerrard can provide a proper challenge to Brendan Rodgers' all-conquering Celtic side, Murphy isn't sure. But he doesn't think it should be beyond his former Anfield teammate, because he doesn't buy into the hype surrounding the Scottish champions.
"It’s hard for me to know, because I haven’t watched enough of Celtic or Rangers to see the gap," he added. "I know you can see the table and see the points, and what Rangers need from a player perspective. How his hands are going to be tied or not.
"If Stevie is given a decent budget, and able to bring some players in. They will be competitive. Celtic aren’t brilliant, are they? They are a good side. Brendan is good and more experienced."
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