STEVIE WONDERS

Gerrard doubts over strength of squad could dash Ibrox return hopes | Emergency meeting called as club step up push to replace Russ.

- SCOTT BURNS AND KEITH JACKSON

STEVEN GERRARD has serious reservations about the state of the Rangers squad and Ibrox chiefs would need to pull out all the stops to convince him to return as boss.

The last man to guide the Light Blues to the title is the firm favourite within the club's support to replace Russell Martin, who was sacked on Sunday as fan fury over the manager and his underperforming side reached boiling point.

Rattled Rangers top brass called an emergency board meeting yesterday afternoon as they kick off the hunt for Martin's successor. They also published an open letter to their reeling fanbase, insisting they hear their "frustrations" loud and clear understands beleaguered sporting director Kevin Thelwell and under-fire chief executive Patrick Stewart were involved in the crisis talks with American owner Andrew Cavenagh and right-hand man Paraag Marathe.

Gerrard was approached by Cavenagh and his board during the last process, which ended with Martin's short-lived appointment.