THERE’s been a lot of talk over Steven Gerrard reportedly being interested in signing Ibrox duo James Tavernier and Connor Goldson this summer.
The veteran Rangers stars have been heavily linked with a shock move to Saudi Arabia to reunite with their former manager at Al-Ettifaq.
But for now, there’s been little update and the pair remain in Govan for the time being.
And instead, Gerrard has made a move for another one of his players from his spell in Glasgow, with the player joining his former coach’s backroom team in the Middle East.
Gerrard already has Tom Culshaw and Jordan Milsom in his coaching team at Al Ettifaq, while Jim McAlister spent last season there as his kitman.
Behind the scenes, former Rangers director of football Mark Allen is currently the Saudi side’s sporting director as well.
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And now Gerrard has sealed the deal for another familiar face to add further Ibrox connections to the club.
Former Light Blues stopper Andy Firth is the latest man to make the move to Saudi Arabia as he has agreed to serve as the assistant goalkeeping coach at Al-Ettifaq.
The goalie, now 29, was signed by Gerrard in 2018 but only made one appearances during a four-year spell in Govan.
He might now have made the impact he hoped in Glasgow, but he has always been well-respected by fans for the love he had for their club.
Firth quickly became a cult hero despite only getting one outing in front of the support – and even took the Union Bears fan group flag onto the pitch at the end of the epic Europa League win over RB Leipzig.
And now he is back working with the man who made his dream come true and will start his new role ahead of next season.
He will work alongside ex-Tranmere Rovers keeper John Achterberg, who has been confirmed as Gerrard’s primary goalie coach.
After leaving the Gers in 2022, Firth signed for Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads and played 32 times last season.
He combined his duties on the pitch with a coaching role at Liverpool, adding valuable experience ahead of him making the switch into full-time coaching.
Now he will officially transition into that role with Al-Ettifaq confirming the appointment on social media.
A post on social media read: “Andy Firth, assistant goalkeeping coach.
“Welcome to the Nawakhatha Brigade.”
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