Rangers name Jermain Defoe as part of four-man coaching team to replace Steven Gerrard after boss’ move to Aston Villa

JERMAINE DEFOE will take on a player-coach role as Rangers adjust to life after Steven Gerrard. The ex-England international is part of a temporary backroom set-up while the Scottish giants search for a new permanent manager. Former boss Gerrard left Ibrox to take over at Premier League strugglers Aston Villa. He led Rangers back to […]

JERMAINE DEFOE will take on a player-coach role as Rangers adjust to life after Steven Gerrard.

The ex-England international is part of a temporary backroom set-up while the Scottish giants search for a new permanent manager.

PA

Jermaine Defoe joined Rangers permanently last year[/caption]

Former boss Gerrard left Ibrox to take over at Premier League strugglers Aston Villa.

He led Rangers back to Scottish Premiership glory last season after taking the reins in 2018.

But the lure of managing in England proved enough of a draw as he replaced the sacked Dean Smith.

Now Defoe will join a four-man coaching team with David McCallum, Brian Gilmour and Colin Stewart at the Glasgow club.

Rangers confirmed the appointments in a statement on their official Twitter account.

It read: “David McCallum, Brian Gilmour, Jermain Defoe and Colin Stewart will lead our Men’s First Team whilst the recruitment process for a new Manager continues.”

The 39-year-old Defoe made a permanent move to Rangers in 2020 following a positive loan spell from Bournemouth.

Given his age he has naturally taken on more of a bit-part playing role and is already part of the coaching staff.

The Gers have held positive talks with former player Giovanni van Bronckhorst about their vacant managerial post.

Manchester United assistant Michael Carrick is another candidate, while ex-Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has an outside chance.

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