Steven Gerrard’s no.2 reveals the place Liverpool icon’s profession went mistaken as he luggage new job

Gary McAllister is sure Steven Gerrard will be back in the dugout soon – but only for the right project after the Liverpool legend bagged a big new job.

McAllister, who won a famous cup treble alongside Gerrard under Gerard Houllier in the 2000/2001 season, was then assistant to his pal at Rangers, where the two broke Celtic’s stranglehold on the SPFL title by winning the league in 2021. The Scot then headed south of the border with his fellow former midfielder when he landed his ill-fated role at Aston Villa.

Despite his success at Ibrox, Gerrard lasted less than a year at Villa Park, winning just 13 of his 40 matches in charge and killing the momentum of his management career. His failure was made even more damning by the immediate success of his replacement, Unai Emery, in contrast.

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Gerrard returned to management the following summer as he accepted a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, but again that ended in disaster as he left by mutual consent in January 2025, 18 months before his contract was due to finish.

The 46-year-old has been without a managerial job since, during which time he rejected a return to Rangers last year. But it was announced on Friday morning that he will lead TNT Sports’ coverage of the Premier League and Champions League this season in an increased role with the broadcaster.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, on behalf of Lottoland football betting, McAllister revealed Gerrard is in no rush to return to management without the right offer on the table. He said: “It’s hard to speak for Steven. We’re obviously still very close and still speak and stuff like that.”

Asked why things didn’t go to plan in the Midlands, he said: “The three or four signings they [Aston Villa] made all got injured within a month of arriving. But anything you put forward as a reason sounds like an excuse, so we’ve tended to steer clear of that.

“It just didn’t happen. The core of the players the new manager used were mostly Steven’s players, the players Steven worked with. So, there were definitely good players there.

“He [Emery] has come in and done a fantastic job, so there’s no ill feeling there. It just didn’t happen.”

Gerrard – who developed as a young player under the guidance of former Leeds United title winner Mac Allister at Anfield – was on commentary and punditry duty at the World Cup in North America this summer.

But McAllister insists the Scouser will return to the dugout when a project that suits him becomes available. He said: “Yeah, I’m sure if a project comes along and it’s the right type of job, he’ll be there.

“I’ve seen him quoted as saying he’s enjoying spending time with his family and his kids, something professional footballers don’t really get to witness or live through while they’re playing in major championships, European Championships and World Cups.

“So, I think he’s enjoying that, but I’m sure if something came along, he’d be interested.”