Steven Gerrard turning down the Rangers job did come as a surprise to most. Several reliable outlets had suggested that there had been constructive talks between the two parties over the last few days, with some even claiming that an agreement was just a matter of ironing out the final details. Well, if that was the case, they were not able to get it over the line because the Englishman has turned down the Ibrox job.
It was very clear that the majority of the Rangers fans wanted Gerrard back at Ibrox. Perhaps they forgot that he had won only one title in three-plus years managing in Scotland the last time around and there was very little chance the club would show that kind of patience again.
All we can do is speculate on the reasons behind Gerrard turning the Rangers down. It is now like top clubs are lining up for his services after his poor spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.
Then again, that might be exactly why Gerrard is being extra careful about his next job. Another failed spell and that could be the end of his managerial career as a whole. And Ibrox might not be the best place if you are looking for guaranteed success.
Celtic hero Chris Sutton's reaction to Steven Gerrard rejecting Rangers
We all knew Chris Sutton would have something to say about the matter and he did not disappoint. He reacted to the news of Gerrard rejecting the Rangers with a tweet that read: "He’s assessed the squad…"
Well, let's see where the Rangers go from here in their search for a new manager. It is very clear that Gerrard was their top pick. You do not hold talks with someone for consecutive days if he is not.
Interestingly, the Danny Rohl rumours have been picking up pace over the last couple of days as well, which might suggest that someone in or around Ibrox had already anticipated that bringing in Gerrard would not be simple. But would the young manager be the right man for the task at Ibrox right now?