Rio Ferdinand has tipped his former England team-mate Steven Gerrard to return for a second stint as Rangers manager. The former Liverpool captain has swiftly emerged as the odds-on bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Russell Martin, who was sacked on Sunday evening(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)

Rio Ferdinand has tipped his former England team-mate Steven Gerrard to return for a second stint as Rangers manager amid reports the two parties are set to hold talks this week. The former Liverpool captain has swiftly emerged as the odds-on bookmakers' favourite to succeed Russell Martin, who was sacked on Sunday evening.

Gerrard remains a hero to many Rangers supporters after leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21, which remains the only time they have won the league since their financial implosion in 2012.

In an interview with the 'Rio Ferdinand Presents' podcast, released on Tuesday but conducted before Martin's dismissal, the 45-year-old former Aston Villa boss revealed he had "a bit of unfinished business" in management and wanted "to be at a team that's going to compete to win because I think that suits me...