Rangers icon Arthur Numan makes his feelings very clear about Steven Gerrard

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Glasgow Rangers icon Arthur Numan has made his feelings clear about Steven Gerrard’s mid-season Ibrox departure.

The 41-year-old had been in charge of the Gers since June 2018 before leaving to take the Aston Villa reins.

Gerrard led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title last season, ending Celtic’s nine-year reign as champions.

However, the timing of his Ibrox exit has left many Bears bemused or even angry, and Numan understands the ill-feeling towards him.

“Steven’s decision to leave Rangers really took me by surprise,” the Dutchman told 5Stars, as transcribed by the Scottish Sun.

“I honestly thought he would have stayed at Ibrox for the rest of the season in a bid to retain the Premiership title – and also win a domestic cup.

“To me, he should have continued to try and add to his trophy haul.

“I totally understand why the fans are angry and disappointed with his decision.

“There is also the £35m Champions League prize to think about, and securing that in May for the club would have been the perfect way to bow out.

“That would have taken him to four years with us and I think that length of time is just about right.

“But this has all been brought forward by six months due to Gerrard joining Aston Villa.

“It’s far from ideal to be searching for a new manager midway through a campaign.”

Rangers are currently four points clear at the top of the table, in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals and with a shout of progressing to the Europa League knockouts.

Multiple reports have suggested that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is close to becoming Gerrard’s successor.