Three reasons Steven Gerrard rejected Rangers as Liverpool legend 'surprises' Ibrox chiefs

Steven Gerrard had three crucial factors behind snubbing Rangers during their hunt for a new manager, according to repors. The championship-winning Ibrox chief Gerrard was the man American owners Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises were eager to bring back to replace Russell Martin following his sacking earlier this month.

The Liverpool legend was the supporters' top choice for a comeback but, following two days of discussions in London, Gerrard withdrew from contention. Ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl and Shanghai Port chief Kevin Muscat are now frontrunners for the empty hotseat.

However, Gerrard's motives behind declining the opportunity to return to Glasgow have now emerged, reports the Daily Record. Record Sport revealed on Saturday evening that Gerrard ultimately concluded the timing wasn't suitable - forming part of the decision from the former Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq manager.

Now radio station talkSPORT reports he harboured "some reservations" about "working under the current Rangers sporting structure" following face-to-face discussions - overseen by sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

The decision isn't described as "personal" against Thelwell - who joined from Everton during the summer - but stems from Gerrard wanting "more autonomy" similar to his initial spell in the Ibrox hotseat.

It also highlighted that Gerrard was wary about the challenge of transforming Rangers mid-campaign.

They are stuck in eighth position in the Scottish Premiership and the incoming manager will be under enormous pressure to rescue a woeful season. Gerrard reportedly "wants to bide his time" and "would be more inclined to take a job over a summer when he's got a full season ahead of him."

His decision apparently