With the announcement that Steven Gerrard has left Rangers for Aston Villa this morning, thoughts have quickly shifted to who his successor might be.
The early favourite is former Gers midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and supporters on Twitter are almost in complete agreement that the Dutchman is the standout candidate:
No brainier for me. Ticks every box.
— Alex MacIver (@AlexMacIver) November 11, 2021
It’s the obvious and best appointment for me.. Will get the fans on board straight away which is important.
It’s a must for me
— Russ (@RSeymourWATP) November 11, 2021
would be a gross dereliction of duty if they didn’t at least ask him.
— Robert Inglis (@ralf1972) November 11, 2021
Him or gattuso seem to fit the bill perfectly
— || Scott || (@riverbankloyal) November 11, 2021
Worked with pep and top coaches at city as well
— Charlie (@cspeedie72) November 11, 2021
Sign here…….
— NS Kenny (@NSKenny1) November 11, 2021
All boxes tick m8 it’s really a no brainer
— Jimmy bells stare 👀 (@greegsysburds2) November 11, 2021
It’s got to happen
— Lewis (@Lewis25O8) November 11, 2021
Van Bronckhorst is not only an ex-player but he has a very good record in management as well. He took over an unfancied Feyenoord team in 2015 and led them to the Eredivisie title in 2017.
The 46-year-old also won two Dutch Cups and two Super Cups during his time with Feyenoord before leaving in 2019. He did have an unsuccessful period at Chinese Super League side Guangzhou CIty in 2020 but that shouldn’t really blot his copybook.
Van Bronkhorst plays a similar style of football to Gerrard, knows the Scottish league, and has experience of the game at every level. It would be a surprise if he isn’t on Ross Wilson’s shortlist of potential options.