OPINION
When Steven Gerrard was announced as the new Rangers manager ahead of the 2018/19 season it was considered one of the biggest coups that Scottish football had ever pulled off.
The former Liverpool man, who was a youth coach before taking the reins at Ibrox, was and still is one of the biggest names in English football for his time at Anfield.
Scotland might have some of the most passionate fans in British football but even the supporters north of the border would have to admit that the quality of the football was lacking compared to their English counterparts, with the Premiership either a place for emerging stars to cut their teeth – such as Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama – or for older talents to continue to shine – see Steven Naismith for example.
It is why Gerrard’s arrival at Ibrox was such a shock to everyone not only in Scotland or England but across the globe, his move making headlines everywhere.
He has enjoyed a bright first season at the Gers and seems destined for a successful career in management – but how long can the Light Blues keep a hold of him before a big club come sniffing around?
He must already realise that there are some things in Scotland which set it apart from England for the worse – the officiating for one – and his rant on plastic pitches must have the fans quaking in their boots.
Launching an attack on artificial surfaces, he told the Scottish Sun: ”
These games are broadcast worldwide. Every other elite league plays on grass so why shouldn’t Scotland. I didn’t like playing on them, I think they are dangerous. I believe the game would be in a better place if there was no plastic pitches.”
“Whether it be TV, the PFA, the SFA or bigger clubs trying to support others I would be all for that as I think at the top-level we should be on grass. I respect the financial positions of clubs, but I believe that the people that run this league should do more to make sure the games are played on grass.”
It seems as though Gerrard has realised that while it might be a top division, the Premiership does not mean top quality and if the former Liverpool man wants to take his career to the next level, it does not appear to be possible at Ibrox.
Like those before him – albeit on the pitch – the Scottish top flight looks to be somewhere for Gerrard to prove himself before moving to England. This ongoing frustration over plastic pitches could push him out sooner rather than later.