Rams owner Mel Morris wants a big-name replacement as Frank Lampard prepares to leave for Chelsea this week. It’s understood Gerrard tops his hit-list, with the carrot of a £ 2.5 m-a-year salary and £8 m bonus for promotion to the Premier League.
But the Gers gaffer is adamant he is going nowhere.
Asked about the Derby link at the club’s training camp, Gerrard said: “I’m aware of it, but there is nothing to say on it. I’m very happy. It’s a privilege to be Rangers manager and my focus is on the coming season.
“It’s very similar to when there’s noise around any of the players. I ask them to stay focused on the job and that’s what I’ll continue to do.
“There is nothing really to add to it.
“I’m delighted to be the Rangers manager. I’m not money-motivated, so that wouldn’t come into it when I make my decisions.
“I made my decision to come here to manage this club and this team. I’m really happy here.
“I really enjoyed my first year. Now my focus is on trying to take this team to the next level this season. That’s what I’m focused on.
“Nothing has changed in my mind. I came in here very ambitious and very hungry. Alongside my staff, we have done the best we could in the first 12 months.
“We are very proud and pleased with the progress so far, but we all realize that to finish off a job like this you have to bring success.
“Our ambitions and our focus has not changed. When I stopped playing and came out of an institution like Liverpool, there was a massive void in my life.
“I’m not going to lie, I missed playing. I missed being around that club.
“I had been around the club since the day I left school to play on a full-time basis.
“There was something missing in my life and Rangers brought the right fit and the right feel.
“I never took the decision lightly. It’s a privilege to be the manager here. That hasn’t changed and I’m really looking forward to season two.
“I don’t think it looks right if you go through lots of clubs. That wasn’t my way as a player and it’s not going to change my view as a manager.
“As a manager, how long do you stay around for if it’s not in your hands? Sometimes it is taken out of your hands.
“It’s very difficult to predict how many clubs I’m going to manage or coach in the future.
“All I can say is I am very happy and settled where I am.
“It will be even better to make this a success. The only way I can do that is on the pitch.”
Source: the sun