Rangers manager Steven Gerrard ‘honoured’ to start new journey with club draped in ‘history and tradition’

The former Liverpool captain signed a four-year deal at Ibrox on Friday

Gerrard takes over on a four-year deal (Getty)

Steven Gerrard has spoken for the first time since becoming Rangers manager, saying he is “honoured” to be in charge of a club with such rich “history and tradition”.

The 40-year-old had been hotly tipped for the role having cut his managerial teeth with Liverpool’s under-18’s coach, which he has balanced with media commitments with BT Sport, before being confirmed on Friday afternoon.

Gerrard succeeds Graeme Murty, who was sacked by the club on Tuesday in the aftermath of the 5-0 humiliation to Celtic, who are managed by the Liverpudlian’s former boss Brendan Rodgers.

The first Old Firm meeting of next season will have that extra added spice as a result, with Gerrard given a four-year deal with the Glasgow giants.

“I am honoured to become the next manager of Rangers,” he said in a statement on the club’s website. “I have enormous respect for this football club, and its history and tradition.

“I can’t wait to start this new journey at Rangers as we look to build on the many successes that this club has achieved.”

No details of who will make up Gerrard’s backroom staff have been released yet, with that process likely to begin in the next week.

Chairman Dave King revealed why Gerrard was chosen to replace Murty, explaining how much he impressed the board during the negotiations.

Gerrard has been coaching Liverpool's under-18 side (Getty)

“We are delighted to confirm today that Steven Gerrard will become the next manager of Rangers,” he said. “From the very beginning, talks have been extremely positive and we believe that Steven is the right man to drive Rangers forward.

“He was extremely impressive throughout our negotiations and we are convinced that he has the necessary knowledge and temperament to lead the club to the success we all desire.

“This a special day for our club, our fans and for Steven.”