Steven Gerrard 'lined up' as next manager for worst professional team in England after Saudi sacking

Carlisle United are reportedly considering a bold approach for Steven Gerrard as their next manager following the dismissal of Mike Williamson.

While the prospect remains a long shot, reports indicate that the club's American owners have floated the idea of pursuing the former England captain.

Gerrard has never managed in the lower tiers of English football, having started his managerial career at Rangers, where he led the club to the Scottish Premiership title.

He later took charge of Aston Villa but struggled in the Premier League and was dismissed before moving to Saudi Arabia for a lucrative stint with Al-Ettifaq.

After spending 18 months in the Saudi Pro League, Gerrard confirmed his departure from the club on Thursday, a decision made by mutual consent.

Carlisle back manager in transfer window, then sack him on deadline day

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The Cumbrians have endured frequent managerial changes, with Williamson's sacking coming on transfer deadline day, despite the club signing 12 new players in January.

This mirrored events in the summer when Paul Simpson was dismissed a day after the transfer window closed, having also overseen the arrival of 12 players.

Carlisle's struggles have deepened, as they currently sit bottom of League Two, five points adrift of safety after playing 28 matches.

Their most recent league outing ended in a crushing 5-1 home defeat to Swindon Town on Saturday, a result that ultimately sealed Williamson's fate.

Could Steven Gerrard take over at Carlisle?

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Despite boasting a passionate and loyal fanbase, luring Gerrard to Brunton Park remains a highly ambitious prospect that many will likely view as impossible.

The Liverpool legend may be hesitant to step into a challenging situation where two managers have already been dismissed this season.

However, Carlisle will hope to capitalise on the connection between their sporting director, Robert Clarkson, and Gerrard, with both previously working together at Rangers before the latter departed Ibrox in 2021.

Clarkson was appointed to his current role at Carlisle three months ago by the club's ambitious American ownership group.