LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool applauds the Kop end after he Barclays Premier League match betrween Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 16, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Former Rangers assistant Gary McAllister has revealed that Steven Gerrard holds no regrets over his decision to leave Ibrox for a shot at Premier League management.
McAllister worked alongside Gerrard and Michael Beale during the historic 55th title winning campaign that ended Celtic’s long dominance of Scottish football.
Gerrard steered Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, ending a decade of Celtic supremacy, before departing to take charge of Aston Villa later that year.
The Light Blues have not reclaimed the Premiership title since, with Celtic quickly resuming their grip on Scottish football following Gerrard’s departure.
Speaking to the Daily Express, McAllister said: “Knowing Steven, he’s not somebody who looks back and thinks, ‘Would’ve, should’ve, could’ve,’ and all that.”
McAllister added that the move felt natural given the opportunities available to Gerrard at the time, saying: “There was an opportunity to go to the Premier League in England. Players make that jump.”
He continued: “Steven felt he could go to Villa and progress his coaching career, and I don’t think he has any regrets.”
Gerrard’s managerial career since leaving Rangers has been difficult, as he was dismissed from Aston Villa after less than a year before moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
He has been out of work since January 2025 after departing Al-Ettifaq during a relegation battle, and earlier talks over a dramatic Rangers return ultimately came to nothing before Danny Rohl was appointed.
McAllister also addressed suggestions that the absence of fans during the Covid pandemic had somehow diminished Rangers’ title achievement, firmly rejecting that narrative.
He said: “Some people say it might have been an advantage that there were no fans and there was no pressure from fans being in the stadiums, because it was during Covid and stuff.”
McAllister was emphatic that external circumstances could not undermine what the squad accomplished, stating: “Nothing can take away from the fact that we won the title. Celtic had such a stronghold on it, and we broke their run.”
He added that the triumph produced memories that no amount of outside criticism could diminish, describing them as “great, unforgettable memories” for everyone involved with the club.
McAllister also reflected warmly on the role Dave King played in giving Gerrard his first management opportunity, noting: “He loved the fact that Dave King gave him the opportunity in his first job to manage one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Turning his attention to the current Ibrox setup, McAllister backed new manager Derek McInnes, saying: “I’ve always felt that he was going to be Rangers manager at some point. It’s come, and I think it’s come at the right time as well.”
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