Dave King has named Steven Gerrard as his preferred candidate to become the new Rangers manager.
The former Rangers chairman believes the Liverpool icon has "unfinished business" at Ibrox as he claimed the manager was "forced out" of the club when he left for Aston Villa.
King had brought Gerrard to Rangers in 2018 and celebrated the league title in 2021 with the manager at the helm.
According to King, Gerrard was "forced out" by Douglas Park as he backed the free agent to make a difference if he were appointed as Rangers boss after Russell Martin was sacked.
Gerrard left Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent in January after two seasons with the Saudi Pro League club.
In an exclusive interview with STV, King said: “I would love to see Steven back at the club. Steven is a winner and will get more out of the squad than we have witnessed so far.
“We have been watching a team that doesn’t seem to have a plan for what to do when in possession and when out of possession, and Steven would quickly sort that out.
“I believe he has unfinished business after being forced out by Douglas Park when he was on track to win 56.
“I think he can get more out of the present squad reasonably quickly and get back to winning ways.”
Read more:
- Russell Martin officially worst-ever Rangers manager as win rate laid bare
- Inside Russell Martin's axed Rangers international break plans before sack call
Asked whether a new manager should be appointed in swift fashion over the international break, King said: “Only if the right candidate is available immediately. We can’t make another mistake.
“The pressure is now intense for two reasons. It is vital to get the club back to winning ways, and the owners need to quickly reverse the loss of confidence that supporters have evidenced.”
A Rangers club statement confirming Martin's exit on Sunday read: "Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with Head Coach, Russell Martin.
"While all transition periods require some time, results have not met the club's expectations.
"Assistant Head Coach, Matt Gill, and First-Team Coach, Mike Williamson, will also be departing.
"Russell and his staff have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at the club. We thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future.
