Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is reportedly on the shortlist to become the next Newcastle manager.
According to the Telegraph, Gerrard is being considered alongside the likes of Patrick Vieira, Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe. Sean Dyche and Steve Bruce are also listed as potential options.
And the Northern Echo claim that the Magpies are ‘confident’ they could persuade the Liverpool legend to swap Ibrox for St James’ Park. However, this is a view that Rangers fans don’t share.
There are various reasons why the Gers faithful think their manager will be staying put, but the consistent theme throughout is Mike Ashley.
The Sports Direct owner has had his issues with Rangers in the past, buying shares in the company that own them in 2015. His attempts to increase his stake from 8.92% to 29.9% were rejected due to his ownership of Newcastle, and in 2017 he sold his entire stake Club 1872 and Julian Wolhardt.
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The Scottish club are also involved in a legal dispute with Ashley over a merchandise agreement.
On top of that, there’s the fact that Gerrard worked under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. After the way Rafa was treated by the club, it would be no surprise if the former England captain turned a blind eye to Newcastle’s reported interest.
While the lure of the Premier League could sway Gerrard, Rangers fans are confident that Newcastle aren’t the team that will take their beloved manager away. And that’s because of Mike Ashley.
