Steven Gerrard eyed as potential new manager for struggling Carlisle United

Former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has emerged as a surprise candidate to take over as manager of Carlisle United, currently the lowest-ranked club in English professional football.

Carlisle’s American owners are reportedly considering approaching Gerrard, who recently left his position at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. The League Two side are in desperate need of a turnaround, sitting at the bottom of the table and five points from safety.

Gerrard has previous managerial experience with Rangers and Aston Villa. He led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021 before a brief spell at Villa Park. His time in Saudi Arabia lasted 18 months before departing by mutual consent last week.

The appointment would be a major coup for Carlisle, who sacked previous manager Mike Williamson on Monday after a poor run of results. Williamson won just 5 of his 25 games in charge.

While ex-Bolton boss Ian Evatt is the bookmakers’ favorite, sources indicate the club’s ownership are eyeing the high-profile capture of Gerrard. It would mark a dramatic change in fortunes for the Liverpool icon, moving from the lucrative Saudi league to England’s fourth tier.

Carlisle face a battle to avoid relegation from the Football League. The club has already signed 12 players in January in an attempt to bolster their survival chances. Gerrard’s appointment would be seen as a major statement of intent as they look to preserve their league status.