Archie Knox who was the assistant manager to Walter Smith, guided Rangers to a ten games undefeated run in the European competition in the 1992-93 season, a feat which has been bettered by the current Rangers team. Knox who was one time assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United claims that Gerrard has brought in the old school belief and work ethic which is making a significant difference.
Knox was quoted as saying, ”I know he doesn’t have managerial experience but he has so much football experience. He captained Liverpool, won over 100 caps for England and captained them as well, so everyone will have been in awe of him. His approach to management will be the same as he approached playing. There will be sports science and all that stuff but with him I think it’s the old brigade kicking in at Rangers.”
”You go to training, you get on with training and if you don’t work at the level which is needed then you won’t get a game. I have seen that within Gerrard. It comes through loud and clear he’s that way inclined. In older days Alex Ferguson, Walter and Jim McLean watched the youth games. A lot of that doesn’t happen now. But I know for a fact Gerrard is interested in what is coming through, what is happening at the Academy, and he’s been taking some of these lads into the first-team training.”
We believe Knox is spot on with his claims here as the sense of positivity isn’t just because of Gerrard’s aura as a player or professional but his work ethic and passionate style of management. This is what makes the fans fill up with optimism and pride for the club.
Gerrard isn’t afraid of calling a spade a spade as we have seen him calling out Umar Sadiq publicly for his lack of commitment. He has also claimed that all his players are up for sale if the opposition is willing to meet their asking price.
Young players like Glenn Middleton, Ryan Kent are doing exceedingly well and we can see the team fighting for the badge once again which was lost in the last few years. Let us also not forget Gerrard’s guidance in Rangers landing some top Liverpool talents. One can honestly feel the former Liverpool man’s influence in the transfer market.
The manager has brought in players who are willing to take on responsibility and would act as leaders on the pitch. To that end, he hasn’t been scared to get someone like Allan McGregor in the transfer market as even though he might be old, his experience and work ethic is a major contributor in the team.
There have already been some heroic performances from this side especially in Europe and the way they approached their game against the likes of Villarreal, Rapid Wien or the way they played against Ufa after going down to 9 men showed immense character and desire. This is an attribute which has rubbed on to the players because of Gerrard’s demands and hope from the team to be the best in Scotland.
