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Steven Gerrard has been at the center of discussion after Rangers dismissed Russell Martin on Sunday, and the former manager is set to discuss a possible return with the club's owners.

The decision-makers at Ibrox have stated that a "comprehensive, thoughtful recruitment procedure" is currently underway.

Other candidates will be considered, but if ex Liverpool and England skipper is open to a second stint at the club, could the position essentially his?

The mid-forties coach has recently mentioned about “unfinished business” in coaching and disclosed he has started approaching potential staff for his backroom team.

In a latest audio discussion with Rio Ferdinand, which seemed to be filmed 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 think that suits me better”.

He added: “If the suitable offer arrives, the right club, the correct opportunity, and I've assembled my staff, which I will have at some point, I'll accept that role because it's in me.”

Performance at Rangers in His First Stint

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

During three complete seasons at Ibrox, he won only a single title – but it proved significant.

Following placements of nine and 13 points after their rivals in his first two campaigns, Gerrard led Rangers to their maiden top-flight title in a ten years, which just happened to deny their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented 10-in-a-row title.

And he achieved it impressively, with his team undefeated throughout.

Rangers triumphed in all of their domestic games, scored 92 goals and allowed a only 13.

The downside was that it came amid of Covid and empty stadiums.

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

How Did Gerrard's Derby Record Look?

In sharp difference to Martin's disappointing experience, Gerrard started strongly at Rangers, going 12 games unbeaten until his initial trip to Celtic Park.

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

A pair of defeats to Celtic occurred in the next shortened season, followed by Rangers winning in the east end of Glasgow for the initial occasion since 2010.

From then on, Gerrard stayed unbeaten in derbies, winning five additional and drawing once.

Rangers progressed through four stages of preliminaries to enter the group stage of the European competition in Gerrard's first season.

In 2019-20, they progressed to the knockout rounds of the same competition, being eliminated to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, with their journey ending at the identical round the following season.

What Led Gerrard Leave Rangers?

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

He left Rangers four points clear of Celtic at the summit of the standings – but their local opponents would claw that back to win by the same margin.

The lure of the Premier League is strong and it may have been viewed as the next logical step on a dream comeback to Liverpool at a time when his coaching reputation was high.

“Steven and his coaching team have ensured that the team is undoubtedly in a stronger position today than it was three-and-a-half years ago,” said then Rangers football executive Ross Wilson.

“We have shared a goal to move Rangers forward, to modernise our facilities and to make the club win again.”

How Did Gerrard's Record at Villa & Al-Ettifaq?

Gerrard failed to complete a year at Aston Villa.

Inconsistent performances resulted in a 14th-place position at the conclusion of season 2021-22 before a 3-0 defeat at Fulham left them 17th in autumn 2022 when he was dismissed.

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

He moved to the Middle East in summer 2023 when he assumed control at the Saudi club.

His latest job lasted a year and a half and he moved on with the team sitting in 12th in the Saudi Pro League, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

“In summary, I have gained valuable experience, and it's been a positive experience personally and for my loved ones,” he said in late January. “But soccer is unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go the way we want.”

Those post-Ibrox experiences may give certain pause for thought and the individual may have concerns over taking over a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the character to manage such a prominent post.

He is the sole Rangers boss to have won the league trophy since the great Walter Smith. That achievement could be difficult to overlook for an pressured Rangers leadership.