Rangers confirmed that 37-year-old Steven Gerrard has been appointed as their new manager on Friday afternoon.The former Liverpool midfielder retired from professional football in 2016 - and has since been working as a pundit on BT Sport.Gerrard took his first step into management when he became the manager of the Liverpool U18 team for the 2017/18 season.“I am honoured to become the next manager of Rangers. I have enormous respect for this football club, and its history and tradition,” Gerrard told his new club’s official website.“I can’t wait to start this new journey at Rangers as we look to build on the many successes that this club has achieved.”The Gers haven't won a major trophy since 2011 and, on Sunday afternoon, Celtic were crowned league champions for the seventh consecutive season after thrashing Rangers 5-0.Taking on his maiden job in senior management, Gerrard has a big challenge ahead of him.

Gary Lineker tweets

Gerrard has been working alongside Gary Lineker on BT Sport since the 2015/16 season.

The 57-year-old former England striker took to social media to send a classy message to the new Rangers manager.

Lineker tweeted: "Wish Steven Gerrard all the very best with Rangers. If he’s even half as good a manager as he was a player, he’ll be triumphant.

"Been great working with him on the telly. Smart, knowledgeable and driven."

Gerrard is expected to work for BT Sport when Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League final later this month.

"I have a few commitments left with Liverpool. The same goes with BT," said the new Rangers boss in his Friday press conference.

"Then we’ll come back for pre-season and I’ll speak to the players then."

Former Liverpool teammate Gary McAllister will be Gerrard's assistant manager at Ibrox.

“He [McAllister] will be a big rock for me," added Gerrard. "He was very excited when I spoke to him. He has experience of managing.

"The way he carries himself. I couldn’t have asked anyone better to help me. He treats people well.”

Rangers chairman Dave King admitted that he was very impressed by the inexperienced Gerrard during negotiations.

“We are delighted to confirm today that Steven Gerrard will become the next manager of Rangers," King told Rangers official website.

“From the very beginning, talks have been extremely positive and we believe that Steven is the right man to drive Rangers forward.

“He was extremely impressive throughout our negotiations and we are convinced that he has the necessary knowledge and temperament to lead the club to the success we all desire.

“This a special day for our club, our fans and for Steven.”