They have done it again, those Rangers. Steven Gerrard, coming off poor spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq, has decided to turn down the Ibrox job. One has to wonder what the expectations were but it clearly did not meet those of the Englishman after more than one meeting between the two parties. Of course, Celtic have their fair share of problems that need sorting. But it is nothing compared to their Glasgow rivals.
Russell Martin's run at the club was historic but for all the wrong reasons. He won just one of his seven league games, and not much needs to be said about the results in Europe. The 9-1 aggregate loss at the hands of Club Brugge was a highlight for sure.
On the other hand, after a week of convincing themselves that Gerrard is a great manager ready to turn things around at Ibrox, the Rangers fans now have to get ready to welcome somebody else as the club's manager. It is safe to say that a good portion of them are not happy with that.
Here is how Rangers fans reacted on their Follow Follow forum. It is safe to say that Celtic fans will enjoy it.
Celtic fans laugh as Rangers fan forum reacts to Steven Gerrard rejection
Even though Gerrard only won one trophy in three-plus years at Ibrox, it looks like some Rangers were convinced that he was the solution to their long-running issues. One wrote: "I don’t think the owners understand the magnitude of the inability to secure Gerrard. Many were already on their last straw with Rangers. Gerrard is likely the only name that would’ve brought everyone back on board and given the time it will need to see us back in a strong position both on the park and off it. Anyone that comes in now (bar an absolute rabbit out the hat) will already be on the back foot with the support, the complete opposite of what we require right now."
That is a fair assessment of the situation though. We have already seen the reaction of the Rangers fans to suggestions that Danny Rohl could get the job, although he exceeded all expectations at Sheffield Wednesday. It is very likely that their next manager, unless it is a high-profile name, will not have the full backing of the support.
Another Rangers fan wrote about the club's current situation: "I’m starting to think the people in charge of our club don’t know what they are doing."
There have been suggestions that Gerrard has not closed the door on a future return, but some Rangers don't want that any longer. One wrote: "Twice he's been asked now, shouldn't happen again."
Another Rangers fan said: "Gerrard should never be offered the role again, knocked us back in our time of need."
Well, there is a lot more in case any Celtic fan is interested enough in going on to the fan forum and having a read through. It remains to be seen who the Rangers ultimately end up appointing and whether that person is able to provide a challenge to the Hoops.