Steven Gerrard wanted for Rangers return after disastrous Europa League exit

A Rangers fan has called for Steven Gerrard to make a sensational return to Ibrox, amid mounting pressure on Derek McInnes.

The Glasgow giants suffered a new low on Thursday, as they crashed out of the Europa League in qualifying with a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok.

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After a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, the Gers were unable to overturn the deficit at Ibrox, who could only manage a 1-1 draw.

This condemned Rangers to an embarrassing Europa League exit in the third qualifying round, piling the pressure on new boss McInnes.

Despite only being appointed manager in June, the 55-year-old is already under fire following a disastrous start to his reign.

McInnes, who guided Hearts to second in the Scottish Premiership last season, remains without a win in his first four matches since joining at the beginning of June.

As well as failing to overcome Jagiellonia over two legs in Europe, Rangers drew their Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United before a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian on Sunday.

Boos were also heard at full-time in that match, which left McInnes’ side already five points off leaders Celtic after two matches.

‘Bring back Stevie G’

Despite only just beginning his Ibrox tenure, McInnes has already been warned he could suffer a similar fate to last year’s boss Russell Martin and be dismissed before Halloween.

Calling in to Friday’s talkSPORT Breakfast in the wake of Rangers’ Europa League exit, fan Mal insisted more disappointment could soon be around the corner, with a Scottish League Cup clash with St Mirren to come on Sunday.

Mal told Alan Brazil and Ray Parlour: “I’ll tell you right now, the horror shows are still to come on Sunday whenever Rangers don’t progress in the League Cup anymore.

“So that’s the first horror show that’s going to come. And you’re right Alan, the league is over. The league is over already.”

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Continuing to vent, Mal called for the return of former boss Gerrard, who enjoyed an historic three years at Ibrox between 2018 and 2021.

The Liverpool legend ended a decade-long wait for league glory in the 2020/21 campaign, guiding the Light Blues to an unbeaten season and a staggering 102-point haul – the first time they had cracked a century of points.

Gerrard left Rangers to take charge of Aston Villa in November 2021, and most recently managed Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.

He came close to a return to Scotland last October after Martin’s sacking, but ultimately decided not to take up the opportunity.

Mal insisted: “I’ll take back Stevie G. Bring back Stevie G, I’ll take him in a drop of a hat. 

“The only man that can win Rangers the league again is Stevie G.”

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Gerrard has been out of work since leaving Al Ettifaq in January, but has been linked with several jobs since then.

The 46-year-old was rumoured to have been open to taking over from the under-fire Scott Parker at Burnley in April, and was also touted as a potential interim option at Liverpool last term had Arne Slot been sacked during the season.

Days are numbered?

After calling for the return of Gerrard, Gers fan Mal continued to slate McInnes’ decisions in his team’s Europa League exit.

He blasted the performance of goalscorer and summer signing Lawrence Shankland, and insisted it is only a matter of time until McInnes reign is brought to an early end.

Mal fumed: “It’s absolutely disgusting with Derek McInnes, and the substitutions that he brought on were far too late.

“Shankland was the worst player on the pitch. [Ryan] Naderi over six foot tall can’t even hit a ball, can’t even win a ball in midair. It was disgusting.

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“[Emmanuel] Fernandez wasn’t even that great either at the back. He doesn’t have a starting 11. He doesn’t have a captain.

“And I’m sorry Derek, good effort, but unlucky mate you’re out the door by Halloween. But thanks for the horror shows. It’s absolutely greatly appreciated.”