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Steven Gerrard is in the spotlight of conversation since Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on Sunday, while the ex-coach will talk about a possible comeback with the team's owners.

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

Additional names are set to be reviewed, but if the former Anfield and Three Lions captain is willing to a second stint at Ibrox, could the position as good as his?

The mid-forties coach lately spoken about “remaining goals” in management and revealed he has started contacting potential members for his backroom team.

In a recent audio discussion with Rio Ferdinand, appearing to be recorded before Martin's short reign concluded, Gerrard expressed he wanted “to be at a club that's set to challenge to win because I believe that fits me better”.

He continued: “If the suitable offer comes my way, the appropriate team, the right challenge, and I've got my people set, 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

Having acquired experience as a academy coach at Anfield, Gerrard accepted his maiden coaching position in the mid-year of 2018.

Over three complete campaigns at Rangers, he secured just one trophy – but it proved significant.

After finishing nine and 13 points behind Celtic in his initial pair of campaigns, Gerrard guided Rangers to their maiden top-flight championship in a decade, which coincidentally prevent their Glasgow rivals an historic tenth consecutive win.

And he did it in style, with his team unbeaten throughout.

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

The downside was that it came against a backdrop of Covid and empty stadiums.

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

What Was Gerrard's Derby Record Look?

In stark contrast to Martin's disappointing spell, Gerrard hit the ground running at Rangers, remaining 12 games without defeat until his first visit to Celtic Park.

In his debut campaign the derby results were shared, each side earning two domestic victories, with Rangers having previously defeated Celtic in 2012.

Two losses to Celtic occurred in the following truncated season, followed by Rangers winning in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

After that, Gerrard stayed unbeaten in derbies, claiming five additional and drawing once.

Rangers came through four rounds of qualifying to enter the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.

In 2019-20, they progressed to the elimination stage of the identical tournament, losing out to the German side in the last 16, with their journey 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 compensation.

He left Rangers four points 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 viewed as the natural progression on a fairytale return to Liverpool at a point when his coaching reputation was high.

“Steven and his coaching team have made sure that the club is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” commented then Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.

“We have had a desire to advance the club, to update our infrastructure 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 full season at Villa Park.

Inconsistent results resulted in a mid-table position at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign before a 3-0 loss at Fulham placed them 17th in October 2022 when he was sacked.

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

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

His most recent job continued for a year and a half and he departed with the team sitting 12th in the Saudi league, just five points above the drop zone.

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

Those post-Ibrox exploits could cause certain hesitation and the man himself might harbor doubts over taking over a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the character to manage such a high-profile post.

He is the sole Rangers manager to have won the league trophy since the legendary Walter Smith. That achievement might well be hard to ignore for an pressured Rangers leadership.