Steven Gerrard has revealed secret chats with Alex Ferguson have helped him become the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Manager of the Year.
The Rangers boss scooped the prestigious award today after being voted top boss in Scottish football ahead of Callum Davidson, David Martindale and Steve Clarke.
Former Manchester United boss Ferguson this week described Gerrard’s achievement of leading Rangers to their first Premiership title in a decade as “magnificent”.
And the Ibrox boss admitted that chats with his former foe have been invaluable since he took his first steps into management back in 2018.
Gerrard said: “It’s very high praise and I’m extremely flattered. He’s an iconic figure in the game.
“Through no fault of our own we became big, big rivals at Liverpool and Manchester United, the two biggest clubs in British football.
“We were massive rivals for many years and he’s someone that even though he was a rival I looked up to him immensely because he is such an iconic figure in the game and what he achieved in the game is up there with the very best who have ever lived.
“So I’m really flattered and humbled by his words and I’ll let you into a little secret, I’ve had a couple of conversations with him.
“Since I’ve retired, we’ve parked our rivalry up and he gave me time on the phone to bounce a few things off him, a few questions to do with the management up here at Rangers.
“He was fantastic in those conversations and at some point moving forward I’d love the chance to sit down with him and have a coffee.
“He’s agreed to that and that’s fantastic from his point of view because he doesn’t have to give him his time, especially being a rival.
“But I think that goes to show what type of man he is — he’s not just the iconic manager we all know.”
After being confirmed as the SFWA Manager of the Year, Gerrard insisted it was recognition for the work of all his staff rather than just him.
He added: “I receive it collectively with my staff. I think that goes without saying because we are very much a team here. I think we have achieved the success we have this season as a team of staff and I thank all of you guys in the Press for voting for me and I certainly cherish the award.”
