Steven Gerrard on three-man shortlist for top EFL job after snubbing Rangers return

Steven Gerrard recently pulled out of talks to becomes Rangers manager for the second time and now the Liverpool legend is being eyed up by a club from the English Championship

Steven Gerrard has emerged as a name on Middlesbrough’s three-man shortlist as the club prepare for the departure of Rob Edwards to Wolves. A vacancy is set to open after Boro gave Edwards permission to speak to the Premier League strugglers after just five months at the Riverside.

Edwards, 42, has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Wolves, who he made over 100 appearances for during his player career and coached in their academy. That’s left Middlesbrough, who’ll receive a healthy £3million in compensation, searching for their next boss as they look to continue their promotion push in the Championship.

Liverpool legend Gerrard is reportedly one of three candidates whom Boro are considering at this early stage. It follows his decision to reject a return to Rangers last month.

Gerrard – as well as former Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray, and Valencia manager Carlos Coberan – are being touted for the role. Mowbray both played and managed Boro while Coberan has experience in the Championship with West Brom.

Gerrard has never worked in England’s second tier, having joined Aston Villa from Rangers exactly four years ago. The 45-year-old most recently coached Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, resigning in January after 18 months in charge.

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Gerrard was heavily tipped to become Rangers manager for the second time last month following the sacking of Russell Martin. But the ex-England captain didn’t feel that the timing was right, allowing former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl to take the job.

Asked by TNT Sports earlier this month how close he was to returning to Ibrox, Gerrard revealed: “Very close. I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners. It felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain at the time. I had a lot to think about in a short space of time to give a decision.

“There were a few things I was uncertain about, and if I am going to take a challenge that big and that important, I have got that affection and that connection with Rangers. For me to take that on again it would have to be perfect and I had to be 100 per cent ready.

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“Unfortunately I was not due to the timing, so I stepped aside and I wish them all the best. They have got a fantastic manager now, I will watch as a fan from afar and I will wish them all the best.”

As for Middlesbrough, the experienced Adrian Viveash – part of Edwards’ coaching staff – took charge of Saturday’s 2-1 win at home to Birmingham City. Supporters unfurled a banner criticising Edwards and chanted against him, having been stood down from his duties before the game.

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