'Watch every game' - Ex-Rangers striker opens door to Ibrox return as talks held with players

Jermain Defoe admits that returning to Rangers in some capacity would be an easy decision for him given his relationship with the fans.

The former Gers striker also revealed that he’s spoken to some of the current first-team players and he visits Glasgow often.

However, he is not pleased with how the team is faring and believes the club has gone backwards since he left in 2022.

He said, via Glasgow World (15 October): “We won the league when I had the player-coach role, and then after I left the boys came so close to winning the Europa League, and I looked at it and thought they would kick on the next season.

“But it’s actually gone the other way, and it has been tough to watch, because I try and watch every game, I go to Glasgow quite a bit and speak to some of the boys.

“I feel like it’s obvious that something needs to change, the players need to try and find their form. You look at the points that Rangers dropped last season, and they’re games that you would expect them to win convincingly to be honest.

“If I had the opportunity to come back to Rangers at some stage, it would be an easy decision because it is such an amazing club, and I do feel like I’ve got a special relationship with the fans.

“I spent a lot of time with Steven Gerrard and Michael Beale talking about coaching, especially in lockdown when we had that period without playing. I started my coaching badges with Rangers, and then completed my A-license while I was at Tottenham. I actually had a conversation with Rangers last year, and told them that I would love to come back in some sort of role at the football club.”

Rangers fans will welcome Jermain Defoe’s return with open arms

Defoe’s return to Ibrox in a non-playing capacity could still be highly beneficial for all parties involved.

For Rangers, his experience, insight into high-performance football and his connections within the game could prove invaluable.

As a coach or in a similar role, he could help bridge the gap between the current squad and the expectations, offering mentorship and tactical acumen that might lift the team’s performance.

His presence could also foster a culture of winning that has seemingly waned since his departure and that’s something the fans would love.

For the Englishman, this move represents a significant step in his coaching or back-office career, allowing him to implement his football philosophy in a familiar, supportive environment.

The fans, already enamoured with him, would welcome him back, potentially rekindling the club’s spirit and unity so it sounds like something that would benefit everyone.

In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has issued an important update on the long-term future of Dujon Sterling at Ibrox.

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