Steven Gerrard says it was a ‘no brainer’ to take Rangers job as he reveals his assistant manager

Steven Gerrard has revealed it was a “no brainer” to become the new Rangers manager as he announced Gary McAllister as his assistant during his first press conference since the announcement of his arrival on a four-year deal on Friday afternoon.

The former Liverpool captain replaces Graeme Murty, who was sacked on Tuesday following the 5-0 humiliation to rivals Celtic last weekend, who are incidentally managed by Gerrard’s former boss Brendan Rodgers.

Gerrard has been coaching Liverpool’s under-18 side, which he balances with television commitments, since hanging up his boots but the Rangers job represents his first foray into first-team management.

And he revealed that when Liverpool informed him of Rangers’ interest, it was an instant yes.

“A lot of things I needed to weigh up,” he said. “A huge opportunity presented itself. We’re all very aware of the size of the club. I’ve been lucky enough to sample a few of the Old Firm games but when the call came to Liverpool with the opportunity to speak to Rangers it was a no brainer for me.

“I got a different feeling in my stomach from the previous opportunities I’ve had in terms of being a number one manager. From that phonecall I got a special feeling that Rangers was for me.”

One of the criticisms of Gerrard’s appointment is the lack of experience he has, but the 40-year-old admitted he knows there is nothing he can do about that, even if it is an issue for other people.

“It may be an issue for other people and I respect everyone’s opinion. I’ve been around a big football club for a long time, and big football matches, I’ve watched big managers perform and I’ve worked under big managers but I can’t do nothing about having no experience. There is only one way to get more experience.

“Pressure’s not a bad thing. I’ve played under pressure and lived under pressure since I left school. Bring it on. “

Gerrard’s contract does not begin until 1^st June but confirmed that Gary McAllister, who he played with at Liverpool, will be his assistant.

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McAllister has the first-team managerial experience that Gerrard does not, having been in charge of Coventry City, Leeds United and Aston Villa, in a caretaker role. He also began is playing career in Scottish football with Motherwell.

“I don’t like calling him my No 2, he’s my assistant as he is just as important as me,” Gerrard added. “It will be Gary McAllister. He’s a long-time friend of mine, I played alongside Gary at Liverpool and have kept in touch with him since then.

“I’ve got a huge amount of respect for Gary and he ticks the box where maybe I’m not the most experienced manager right now but Gary has been around the game for a long time. So as a partnership I feel that’s very strong and he will be a big rock for me. He was very excited to take this job, as soon as I asked him it was a yes straightaway.”

When asked what his message to the Rangers supporters would be, he simply responded: “Let’s go.”