Giovanni Van Bronckhorst ready for managerial return as he tops Rangers next manager betting...

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST admits he's ready for a managerial return - as he was installed as bookies' favourite for the Rangers job.

The former Ibrox midfielder is out of work after leaving Chinese side Guangzhou R&F last year.

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Dutchman Van Bronckhorst, 46, guided Feyenoord to three major honours as boss and could be open to replacing Steven Gerrard.

He said: "I've had a lot of time lately to be at home and spend a lot of time in my foundation.

"That was a bit more difficult in recent years. Now I have the sense and energy to take on a great challenge.

"It is important in that regard - which club is it, and does it suit me?

"It was great fun in Asia, but after a month I noticed that it was becoming very difficult because of corona.

"It was therefore important to return to the Netherlands as soon as possible.

"But I have always been interested in new cultures. It was great to work in China, but it was impossible with corona."

Former Gers star Bob Malcolm fears his old club will be plunged into turmoil if Gerrard does go.

Malcolm said: “Steven Gerrard took almost three seasons to build a team capable of winning the title and toppling Celtic. It did not just happen overnight.

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“Long-term any possible replacement might turn out to be a great appointment.

“But if Rangers have to get a new manager then he would need to hit the ground running.

“If he is appointed straight away he would have a week to get his ideas across before the semi-final.

“Gerrard leaving midway through the season would plunge Rangers into turmoil and give the new man just a week to get ready for a huge game against Hibs.

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“It’s not just the fact of a manager leaving, it is the knock-on effect that has throughout the club.

"I’m pretty certain Gerrard would want to take his full backroom staff with him if he does take the Villa job."

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