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Steven Gerrard is in the spotlight of conversation after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on Sunday, and the ex-coach will talk about a potential comeback with the team's owners.

The decision-makers at Ibrox announced that a "comprehensive, thoughtful hiring procedure" is now in progress.

Other candidates will be considered, but if ex Liverpool and England captain is open to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position essentially his?

The mid-forties manager lately mentioned about “unfinished business” in management and disclosed he has begun approaching potential members for his backroom team.

In a latest podcast discussion with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be recorded prior to Martin's brief reign concluded, Gerrard expressed he wanted “to be at a club that's going to challenge to win because I think that fits me better”.

He continued: “If the right call arrives, the appropriate team, the correct opportunity, and I've got my people set, which I plan to have at a future date, I'll accept that role because it's in me.”

Performance at Rangers in His First Stint

After gaining knowledge as a youth development manager at Anfield, Gerrard took on his maiden coaching position in the summer of 2018.

Over three complete seasons at Ibrox, he won only a single trophy – but it was a big one.

After finishing nine and 13 points after Celtic in his initial pair of campaigns, Gerrard led Rangers to their first premiership title in a ten years, which just happened to prevent their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row win.

And he did it in style, with his team unbeaten throughout.

Rangers triumphed in all of their home games, scored 92 goals and allowed a only 13.

The downside was that it came amid of Covid and fanless grounds.

It remains Rangers' sole title success since the 2010-11 season.

What Was Gerrard's Old Firm Record Look?

In stark contrast to Martin's unhappy experience, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, remaining 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Parkhead.

In his debut season the Old Firm honours were even, each side earning two home victories, with Rangers having last beaten Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic occurred in the following truncated season, after which Rangers winning in the eastern part of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

After that, Gerrard stayed undefeated in derbies, claiming five more and drawing once.

Rangers came through four rounds of qualifying to enter the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's debut season.

In 2019-20, they advanced to the elimination stage of the identical tournament, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, with their journey concluding at the same stage the next year.

What Led Gerrard Depart Rangers?

The Birmingham club came calling in November 2021, paying £4.5m in fees.

He left Rangers with a lead ahead of Celtic at the top of the table – however their local opponents would recover to win by the identical gap.

The attraction of the English top flight is powerful and it could have been seen as the next logical step on a dream return to Anfield at a time when his coaching reputation was high.

“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the team is undoubtedly in a stronger position today than it was several seasons ago,” commented at the time Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a goal to advance the club, to update our infrastructure and to make the club win again.”

How Did Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?

Gerrard failed to complete a year at Aston Villa.

Up and down performances resulted in a 14th-place finish at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 defeat at Fulham placed them in 17th in October 2022 when he was sacked.

During 2022, he secured just eight of his 31 games, losing 15.

He transferred to Saudi Arabia in summer 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His latest role lasted a year and a half and he moved on with the club sitting 12th in the Saudi Pro League, just five points above the relegation zone.

“Overall, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a beneficial journey for me and for my loved ones,” he said in late January. “But football is uncertain, and at times things don't go the way we want.”

Those post-Ibrox experiences could cause some pause for thought and the man himself may have concerns over taking over a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the character to manage such a high-profile position.

He is the sole Rangers manager to have lifted the championship since the great Walter Smith. That experience could be hard to ignore for an under-pressure Rangers leadership.