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Steven Gerrard is in the spotlight of conversation after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on the weekend, and the ex-coach will talk about a potential return with the club's leadership.

The decision-makers at Rangers have stated that a "comprehensive, considered recruitment process" is currently in progress.

Additional names are set to be considered, however if ex Liverpool and England skipper is open to a return spell at Ibrox, could the position essentially his?

The 45-year-old manager has recently mentioned about “unfinished business” in coaching and revealed he has begun approaching potential staff for his backroom team.

In a recent podcast discussion with the former defender, appearing to be recorded prior to Martin's brief reign concluded, Gerrard stated he desired “to be at a club that's set to challenge to win because I believe that suits me better”.

He added: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the appropriate team, the right challenge, and I've got my people set, which I will have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's in me.”

Gerrard's Record at Rangers in Initial Period

After gaining experience as a academy coach at Liverpool, Gerrard took on his maiden coaching role in the summer of 2018.

Over three full seasons at Rangers, he secured just one title – however it was a big one.

Following placements of 13 and nine points behind Celtic in his initial pair of seasons, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden premiership title in a decade, which just happened to deny their Old Firm rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row title.

And he achieved it impressively, with his team unbeaten throughout.

Rangers won all of their domestic games, netted 92 goals and conceded a only 13.

The downside was that it came amid of Covid and empty stadiums.

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

How Did Gerrard's Old Firm Record Look?

In sharp difference to Martin's unhappy spell, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, going 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Parkhead.

In his debut campaign the Old Firm results were even, each side earning two home victories, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic occurred in the following shortened season, followed by Rangers securing a victory in the eastern part of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard remained undefeated in Old Firm clashes, claiming five more and drawing once.

Rangers progressed through four rounds of qualifying to enter the main phase of the Europa League in Gerrard's debut season.

In 2019-20, they advanced to the elimination stage of the same tournament, losing out to the German side in the last 16, with their run ending at the same stage the following season.

What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?

Aston Villa came calling in November 2021, forking out £4.5m in compensation.

He left Rangers four points ahead of Celtic at the top of the standings – however their local opponents would claw that back to win by the same margin.

The attraction of the English top flight is powerful and it may have been seen as the next logical step on a dream comeback to Liverpool at a point when his coaching reputation was high.

“Steven and his backroom staff have ensured that the team is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was several seasons ago,” said at the time Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

“We have had a goal to move Rangers forward, to modernise our facilities and to return the team to winning ways.”

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

Gerrard did not last a full season at Villa Park.

Inconsistent performances resulted in a mid-table position at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before a three-goal defeat at Fulham placed them in 17th in autumn 2022 when he was dismissed.

During 2022, he won only eight of his 31 games, losing 15.

He moved to Saudi Arabia in summer 2023 when he took over at the Saudi club.

His most recent role lasted 18 months and he moved on with the club placed 12th in the Saudi Pro League, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

“Overall, I have learned a lot, and it's been a beneficial experience personally and for my loved ones,” he said in late January. “But soccer is uncertain, and sometimes things don't go the way we want.”

These after Rangers exploits could cause some pause for thought and the man himself may have concerns over taking over a underperforming squad, but Gerrard likely has the character to handle such a prominent position.

He is the only Rangers boss to have lifted the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That experience could be difficult to overlook for an pressured Rangers leadership.