Steven Gerrard explains why even Pedro Caixinha will deserve credit for Rangers' 55th title

Most Rangers supporters would be happy to airbrush Pedro Caixinha’s ill-starred eight-month managerial tenure in 2017 out of the Ibrox club’s history.

Pedro Caixinha pictured with Alfredo Morelos in 2017 during the Portuguese coach's short-lived and ill-starred tenure as Rangers manager. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group).

But as Steven Gerrard closes in on ending Rangers’ long wait for their 55th league title, he insists all of those who were in charge before him during a lean decade deserve acknowledgement.

“Just because you didn't have success as a previous manager here doesn't mean you haven't played your part,” said Gerrard.

“Because there are still players here now who we're getting a contribution from who were brought in by other managers, like Mark Warburton for example.

“Pedro brought Alfredo Morelos in, so you have to respect them all. People take the job at different stages, different times and in different situations.

“Some managers at this club had the luxury of spending big money, playing in the Champions League and being able to attract players from Holland and down south.

“In recent times, managers haven't had that luxury. But what they've all tried to do is make this club better – that's why I appreciate and respect it.

“I've got respect for all the managers who've gone before me. I bounce a lot of things off Walter Smith and use him as an unofficial mentor.

“There were successful bosses before him like Graeme Souness, a hero of mine and a hero of my dad's growing up.

“So I've got respect for all of them. But even the guys who've been successful in a different way, like Ally McCoist who had to go down the leagues and stayed with the club. I'm a massive fan of his as a player and a guy.

“But I appreciate the work that they all did. This is a pressured situation and a pressure job to be in.

“It doesn't work for everyone but I still respect managers who've come here and given it a right good go.

“That's the reason why we're so desperate and doing everything we can to bring success back and make the supporters and all the previous people who represented the club happy. Hopefully when we get to where we want to get to, it'll be the time to mention all of those people.”

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