STEVEN GERRARD never doubted that Rangers' day would come. Whether it is tomorrow, next week or next month, it will arrive sooner rather than later.

It is six years since Dave King, Paul Murray and John Gilligan rescued Rangers and set about restoring the club. By the time Gerrard celebrates three seasons in charge in May, he will have more than held up his end of the bargain, too.

The Rangers that Gerrard inherited is very different from the one he presides over now. He was respectful of the history and understanding of the troubles but his focus has always been on looking forward rather than back.

Title number 55 only means so much to supporters because of the trials and tribulations which they have overcome and Gerrard is thankful he has been able to end their wait and ease their suffering during a historic campaign.

"I think walking in on the first day it was clear what needed to be done, what needed to be changed," Gerrard said. "We knew it was going to take time, it was going to be a process.

"It wasn’t important to look back, it was important to respect what had gone before and respect the history and tradition and the demand for success. It was important to respect what had gone before.

Glasgow Times: Steven Gerrard

"But what was important was what was going to happen moving forward. It was about taking each day as it came and doing everything we could as quickly as we could to try and improve things.

"The first thing was to get the supporters back to connect the club, connect all the different areas of the club and have everyone on the same page in terms of believing that things could improve and one day our day would come. We are hoping that is just round the corner."

The appointment of Gerrard has been transformative for Rangers and the team and the club would not be where they are today if it wasn't for the man who will now become a legend in Glasgow as well as Liverpool.

 

 

But the real turning point occurred three years before Gerrard was named as manager. If Gerrard has been evolution, then King was revolution.

In these moments of euphoria, it is only natural that supporters think back to where Rangers have been. Under Gerrard, they can now expect a brighter future rather than merely hope for better days.

"I think Dave did an incredible job over those six years and he is someone who I have got a close relationship with," Gerrard said. "I am sure he is a very happy man at the moment, even though he has stepped aside.

Glasgow Times: Dave King celebrates success at the EGM alongside John Gilligan (left) and Paul Murray (right).

"When we do get this over the line, he has played a major part and a major role in that, along with many other people.

"In terms of our progress, I think it is clear to see. It was out there at the time when we walked into the job how monumental a job this was. The gap that was there was clear, the disappointment in Europe.

"Having said that, a lot of people before me worked ever so hard and put some important pieces in place. Previous managers, previous players, people around the club who worked tirelessly to try and improve things and progress things from that period.

Glasgow Times: Steven Gerrard

"But it was clear as day that a lot needed to change on and off the pitch when we walked in. That is what we have done over the years and hopefully we are getting the results for the hard work that has been done, not just by myself but by an awful lot of people."

The squad that Gerrard will guide over the winning line in the coming days will go down in Ibrox folklore and the crowning moment - whether it be on Sunday or further into the fixture list - will be cherished by supporters.

When Alfredo Morelos netted the late winner against Livingston on Wednesday evening, it was clear to see what it meant to Gerrard, his staff and his players and the celebrations told their own story.

 

 

Gerrard has played the biggest part in the Rangers revival over the last three seasons but it is only right that he acknowledges those who have done their bit in the pursuit of a common goal.

“I think it’s a combination of things," Gerrard said when asked about the spirit within his side. "Recruitment is one side of it, knowing who you’re going to bring in, knowing what you’ve already got, trying to make sure there are good matches and good people in your dressing room.

"I think the leadership group within that have been outstanding in terms of really helping us get messages across and setting standards around the place at the training ground and at the stadium. It’s a combination of factors.

Glasgow Times: Steven Gerrard

“It’s quite easy to identify when you come into a place like this who’s going to help you, who’s going to be a good type around the place and who is going to help push in the right direction. The ones that aren’t, you have to get them out as quick as you can.

“And there have been many good people who have been part of this journey who are not here at the moment and who probably won’t be here when we actually get this over the line but that doesn’t mean they haven’t played a big role.

"The likes of Jon Flanagan, Andy Halliday, Daniel Candeias, who for different reasons the best thing for their careers at the time was to move on. But they have played a major role in this journey and in this process.

"Other staff members that have been here and left us too, physios, the medical department, Mark Allen for example played a major role in this journey and in this process.

"There are many, many things you have to do and change and tweak along the way but it’s all about people and recruiting good people from the football side and in the supporting roles as well.

"There are a lot of people who deserve to be in a good place at the moment and really dreaming of this success.”