Former Celtic striker John Hartson says Steven Gerrard has done a “good job” and not a “great job” at Ibrox after leaving Rangers to join Aston Villa. The Liverpool icon has now walked away from his position in Glasgow to embark on a new challenge in the Premier League, succeeding Dean Smith on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Gerrard spent just over three seasons with Rangers, guiding them to their first SPFL title in a decade last season, finishing the season on 102 points and unbeaten.
The 41-year-old has now etched his name into Ibrox folklore but his legacy at the club is now facing scrutiny given the nature of his abrupt departure.
Ex-Celtic frontman Hartson has now questioned why Gerrard did not show more loyalty to Rangers before sticking the knife in, pinpointing that Gerrard won just one of nine possible trophies during his time at the club.
“When people say he [Gerrard] has done a great job… I think he’s done a good job… one trophy out of nine possible,” Hartson said.
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He has since transformed the ‘Gers into the powerhouse of Scottish football once again, although Celtic will now smell blood following his departure.
But Hartson cannot help but feel his old rivals should have had more to show for their performances last term, criticising their failure to win the lot.
“Steven has done a good job, he built and built and won the league. They conceded 13 goals and that’s great defensive play,” he added.
“But last season, Rangers should have won the treble. The way they lost to St Johnstone at home not handling the goalkeeper coming up for a corner at a set piece and the same at St Mirren when they went out of two cups very tamely. And, remember, Celtic were already out of those cups when both those games took place.
“A great job is winning a treble. He did a good job winning the title, uniting the Rangers fans again the same as Ange Postecoglou is doing at Celtic this season. I genuinely felt he would have stayed at Rangers.”
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Gerrard has now detailed the reasons why he decided to join Villa after he arrived in London for talks with CEO Christian Purslow yesterday.
“Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new Head Coach,” he told Villa’s website.
“In my conversations with Nassef, Wes and the rest of the Board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club. Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”