Leeds United were once linked to a manager who is now set to join Rangers, with the 49ers making the decision to remove Russell Martin this week.
Russell Martin was appointed in the summer after leaving Southampton midway through last season, having defeated Daniel Farke and Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley.
The 49ers and Farke had the last laugh, however, with the Whites now a Premier League club. But it has not been going so well for the 49ers with the other British club of which they own the majority.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  Heart Of MidlothianHeart Of Midlothian | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 19 |
| 2 |  CelticCeltic | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 17 |
| 3 |  KilmarnockKilmarnock | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 9 |
| 5 |  St MirrenSt Mirren | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 9 |
| 6 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 8 |
| 7 |  HibernianHibernian | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 8 |
| 8 |  RangersRangers | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 8 |
| 9 |  LivingstonLivingston | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 14 | -4 | 6 |
| 10 |  FalkirkFalkirk | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 13 | -5 | 6 |
| 11 |  DundeeDundee | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 13 | -7 | 6 |
| 12 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 4 |
Now, they could be set to reappoint a former famous face at Ibrox in recent years, with Steven Gerrard a serious consideration for Rangers after three-and-a-half seasons from 2018-2021.
Steven Gerrard eyed by the 49ers at Rangers after wanting him for Leeds
Ange Postecoglou and Gerrard were linked with Leeds’ vacancy after Jesse Marsch was sacked. In fact, Gerrard was seriously considered by Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani just months before the 49ers took full control of the club that summer.
Gerrard believes Leeds are a unique club and there were once thoughts Gerrard could be Marcelo Bielsa’s long-term successor with Leeds eventually as well. That didn’t transpire, though.
The 49ers reportedly wanted Gerrard for Leeds for if they ended up taking full control from Radrizzani. They did so, but ended up going for Daniel Farke after a lengthy appointment process instead.
Also recently-relegated Leicester City eyed Gerrard with Leeds back in 2023, but it was said at the time Leeds had more chance of landing Gerrard. In the end, Gerrard spent a couple of seasons with Al-Ettifaq Club in the Saudi Pro League.
Gerrard only went to Saudi because he missed out with Leeds. That job came after his sacking at Aston Villa. Now, he could return to senior management with Rangers again.
Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph reports the 49ers are set to hold talks with Gerrard this week about a potential return to Ibrox. The American owners are believed to be “leading the search” and Gerrard is one they are particularly keen on.
The reports surrounding Gerrard and Leeds were conflicting but the talks between the Scottish giants and the Liverpool legend are concrete. It would mean Gerrard coaches Joe Rothwell after joining Rangers since his expired Leeds loan.
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Joe Rothwell’s start to life at Rangers after Leeds
Rothwell has struggled with Rangers since leaving Leeds. It’s a problem for Rothwell so far under Martin, and Gerrard will want to turn things around for him.
Chris Sutton has described the Rangers environment as toxic for Rothwell. He said: “The recruitment is a massive issue. I feel sorry for some of the players he’s brought in from down south.
“Max Aarons, I thought on the face of it, that’s a good signing but Russell is playing him as a left-back. The crowd are on his back.
“Joe Rothwell, a really decent playing career at Leeds, Blackburn. He’s really been affected by expectation, moans and groans. It’s a difficult place to play; the environment is toxic.”
The 30-year-old has played in 16 games, starting 10 of them, with two assists to his name so far.
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