Steven Gerrard’s last words as Rangers boss as penny-pinching moans swirl again amid Dave King claim

Dave King’s claim that Steven Gerrard was “kicked out” as Rangers boss have gone down a storm as the former chairman, who has also called for an EGM, looks to make a return to to Ibrox.

The South Africa-based businessman was a huge influence in attracting the Liverpool and England legend to the Light Blues hot-seat with Gerrard the man who eventually took the Scottish Premiership title back to Govan. King said: “Steven was absolutely kicked out. I have no doubts about that. Steven did not want to leave at that point in time.”

Gerrard, now managing in the Saudi Pro League, spent three-and-a-half years in the Rangers hot-seat before he left for a return to the English Premier League, where he spent his playing career at Anfield, with Aston Villa.

But towards the end of his days at Rangers there were rumours swirling that he was ready to end his stay, with Newcastle United also heavily linked before Eddie Howe’s appointment. There was his infamous “Do I look happy” interview and here, following King’s claims, Record Sport looks at some key quotes pre and post his departure to see if there is any hint of him being ‘kicked out’.

The first signs that Gerrard wasn't happy with the backing he was getting from the board - which might be what King is referring to - was the day after a 1-0 Europa League defeat to Sparta Prague one month before he left.

The Light Blues had gone out of the Champions League qualifiers to Malmo earlier in the season and had taken a dunt in Uefa's second tier competition.

And Gerrard said: "We’ve been short in the two Europa League games, but at this level - which is improving year in, year out - if we want to keep growing and going to the extra level, we need to spend big money in transfer