Gerrard Vs. McCoist's Near-Rangers Appointment: A Lost Opportunity

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Post on Mar 13, 2025

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Gerrard vs. McCoist's Near-Rangers Appointment: A Lost Opportunity?

The recent flurry of speculation surrounding potential managerial appointments at Rangers has reignited a fascinating "what if" scenario: what if Ally McCoist, rather than Steven Gerrard, had taken the reins at Ibrox in 2018? This near miss represents a significant point of divergence in the club's recent history, prompting reflection on a potentially transformative – and perhaps lost – opportunity.

While Gerrard ultimately enjoyed a successful period, leading Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade, the path almost taken with McCoist offers a compelling counterfactual. This article explores the contrasting styles, experiences, and potential outcomes had the club chosen a different route.

<h3>The Gerrard Era: Success and Shortcomings</h3>

Steven Gerrard's appointment in 2018 was met with considerable excitement. His legendary playing career and managerial experience at Liverpool's U23 side generated high expectations. He delivered the coveted league title in 2021, ending Celtic's dominance. However, his departure for Aston Villa mid-season the following year left a bitter taste, particularly given the subsequent Champions League qualification failure. Gerrard's time at Rangers was marked by:

• Tactical innovation: His emphasis on possession-based football and high pressing brought a modern approach to Rangers.
• Youth development: He integrated promising academy players into the first team.
• Ultimately, an incomplete project: The premature departure prevented him from building long-term success.

<h3>The McCoist Alternative: A Familiar Face, Uncharted Waters</h3>

Ally McCoist, a Rangers legend as both player and manager of the reserve team, represented a different kind of appointment. His intimate knowledge of the club and its culture was undeniable. However, his managerial experience at the time was largely limited to the reserve level and a short, ultimately unsuccessful stint at the helm of the struggling Scottish Championship side, Rangers' bitter rivals, Heart of Midlothian. This lack of top-flight experience was a crucial factor in the decision-making process. A McCoist appointment could have meant:

• Immediate fan connection: His legendary status guaranteed instant buy-in from the fanbase.
• A focus on youth and homegrown talent: This aligned perfectly with Rangers' desire to strengthen academy pathways.
• Higher risk, potentially higher reward: The lack of high-level managerial experience represented a gamble, but with the potential for a unique and passionate leadership style.

<h3>The Unanswered Questions: A Lost Opportunity?</h3>

The "what if" scenario surrounding Gerrard and McCoist remains a captivating subject for Rangers fans. Could McCoist have achieved similar on-field success? Would his approach have differed significantly? Would the club's trajectory have diverged, potentially leading to longer-term stability and a different style of play? These questions, though impossible to answer definitively, highlight the complexities and uncertainties involved in managerial appointments at the highest level of football. The decision to appoint Gerrard, while ultimately rewarding in terms of the league title, also carried a significant level of risk and ultimately fell short of long-term expectations due to his early departure. The McCoist alternative, while potentially riskier, also offered a different path, and perhaps, a different kind of legacy. The near miss serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal moments that shape a football club's destiny.