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Steven Gerrard has been at the center of conversation after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin on Sunday, and the former manager will talk about a possible return with the team's owners.

The decision-makers at Rangers have stated that a "comprehensive, thoughtful hiring process" is currently underway.

Other candidates are set to be reviewed, however if ex Liverpool and England captain is open to a return spell at Ibrox, is the job essentially his?

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

In a latest audio interview with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be recorded prior to Martin's brief reign concluded, Gerrard stated he wanted “to be at a team that's set to compete to win because I believe that suits me more”.

He added: “If the right call comes my way, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I plan to have at a future date, I'll take that challenge on because it's in me.”

Performance at Rangers in Initial Period

After gaining knowledge as a academy manager at Anfield, Gerrard took on his first managerial role in the summer of 2018.

Over three complete seasons at Rangers, he won only a single title – however it proved significant.

Following placements of nine and 13 points after Celtic in his initial pair of campaigns, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden premiership title in a decade, which just happened to prevent their Glasgow rivals an historic 10-in-a-row title.

And he achieved it in style, with his team unbeaten in the process.

Rangers won all of their home games, scored 92 goals and conceded a only 13.

The downside was that it occurred against a backdrop of the pandemic and empty stadiums.

It continues to be Rangers' only league triumph since 2010-11.

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Look?

In stark contrast to Martin's unhappy experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, going 12 games unbeaten until his first visit to Celtic Park.

In his first campaign the Old Firm results were even, each side securing two domestic victories, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic came in the next truncated season, after which Rangers winning in the eastern part of Glasgow for the first time since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard remained undefeated in derbies, winning five more and drawing once.

Rangers progressed through four stages of qualifying to reach the main phase of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.

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

Why Did Gerrard Leave Rangers?

Aston Villa made an approach in November 2021, paying £4.5m in fees.

He departed Rangers with a lead ahead of Celtic at the top of the table – however their local opponents would claw that back to prevail by the same margin.

The attraction of the Premier League is powerful and it may have been seen as the natural progression on a fairytale comeback to Anfield at a time when his coaching reputation was at its peak.

“Steven and his backroom staff have made sure that the team is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” said then Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

“We have had a goal to advance the club, to update our facilities and to return the team to winning ways.”

What Was Gerrard's Record at Aston Villa and in Saudi Arabia?

Gerrard failed to complete a year at Villa Park.

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

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

He transferred to the Middle East in summer 2023 when he assumed control at Al-Ettifaq.

His latest role lasted 18 months and he departed with the team sitting 12th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the drop zone.

“In summary, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a positive journey personally and for my loved ones,” he remarked in late January. “But soccer is uncertain, and at times events don't unfold the way we hope.”

Those after Rangers experiences could cause some pause for thought and the man himself may have concerns over inheriting a underperforming team, but Gerrard probably has the personality to handle such a prominent position.

He is the sole Rangers boss to have won the championship since the great Walter Smith. That experience might well be difficult to overlook for an pressured Rangers leadership.