Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Wrexham, Steven Gerrard, Football, Rangers
Luke Davies
A current Wrexham player has spoken openly about his previous experience with Steven Gerrard as the former Liverpool midfielder is linked with the Red Dragons’ job.
Gerrard, 45, is widely recognised as one of the best midfielders of his generation, having, at times, almost single-handedly dragged Liverpool to silverware during his 710 appearances for the 20-time Premier League champions.
Following a brief spell at MLS side LA Galaxy during the 2015/16 campaign, the Liverpudlian called time on his playing career, but he was not away from the game for long.
In 2017, the 45-year-old began working with Liverpool’s academy, coaching the Under 18/19 side, which developed players such as current first-team midfielder Curtis Jones.
Advert
Then, in 2018, Gerrard landed his first senior managerial role when he took charge of Scottish giants Rangers.
And in the 2020/21 season, he guided the side to the Scottish Premiership, stopping archrivals Celtic from winning a historic tenth title in a row.
In the following campaign, Gerrard became head coach of Premier League outfit Aston Villa but failed to capture success in Birmingham before being sacked in October 2022.
Advert
Once again, he wasn’t out of the game for long, returning to management with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in 2023 until his eventual departure earlier this year.
So, what’s next for Gerrard?
During his time off, the 45-year-old has been linked with a return to Rangers as well as potentially replacing Wrexham head coach Phil Parkinson if he were to leave the Welsh club.
The Red Dragons sit 15th in the Championship, having drawn 1-1 with Derby County on Saturday – although there’s no suggestion that Parkinson’s exit is imminent.
Advert
However, current Wrexham forward Josh Windass briefly worked with Gerrard during his time at Rangers and has already made his feelings clear on the 45-year-old.
Speaking to Pitchside last year, Windass offered insight into Gerrard’s management style.
He said: "He didn't really speak, he was just scary. He just stood there with his arms folded. The coaches did most of the work; he was just like the disciplinarian."
Advert
Windass then recalled a moment when Gerrard referenced former Liverpool teammate Fernando Torres during a training session.
The forward explained: “The funniest thing I remember was in training in pre-season, genuinely what happened is that I'd pulled off the centre half and he [Gerrard] has whipped one round the back, I've gone through and scored. He comes up to me and he's like, 'I used to do that for Torres, lad'.
"I beat him in a shooting drill, and he had Copas [football boots] on because he'd just got the job, and I was having a laugh.
"He was like, 'You won't beat me when I get my Preds on', and I started laughing, and he's blank face staring at me. He's like, 'No, seriously, once I get my own boots on, you won't’."