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Phil McNulty in LONDON
ASTON Villa’s swift and slick appointment of Rangers manager Steven Gerrard as successor to the sacked Dean Smith suggests this was a move that did not require a great deal of persuasion on either side.
The Liverpool legend will now take over a team, packed with internationals from Argentina to Zimbabwe, but in desperate need of a lift.
Zimbabwe midfielder, Marvelous Nakamba, away on international duty, will return to Birmingham to find a new boss in charge at Villa.
Club chief executive, Christian Purslow, knows Gerrard well from his time as Liverpool managing director and the club immediately made him their number one target, having had their admiration reaffirmed by his work in Glasgow, winning Rangers’ first title in a decade.
Gerrard had no hesitation in returning to the Premier League with Villa, a club of stability and ambition where he will be guaranteed financial support from owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
He takes the next step in his managerial and coaching career at a club where his reputation and career wins him instant respect and adulation — but there is a lot riding on this for both parties.
Gerrard is far too smart to allow himself to be painted as someone using Villa as a stepping stone and anyone who doubts his total commitment for every second of any task does not know him — but everyone does know his ultimate goal is to manage Liverpool.
This, however, hardly spells bad news for Villa because this fiercely ambitious character will be focusing all his energies on his new job.
Do not believe for one minute he will be thinking about Liverpool at any point during his time at Villa, unless they are in opposition.
And, if he is to eventually end up back at Anfield, he will surely need to be a success at Villa Park to get there.
Gerrard could have stayed at Ibrox and been revered and successful but has accepted the tougher, more exacting examination of his credentials in the Premier League.
This will be the more accurate measure of his standing and it is a reflection of the 41-year-old’s drive and ambition that he has taken this option, with all the risks it entails.
His detractors have been quick to point out he won only one trophy in three-and-a-half years at Rangers, but this was the club’s first Scottish title in a decade, overturning an era of complete Celtic domination while having a 72% success rate in the domestic league.
They went through last season’s 38 games unbeaten, a remarkable feat by any standards.
It was also the title Celtic wanted more than any other in their attempt for 10 in a row.
The former Liverpool captain has proved a popular, loyal manager with his players although he has never been afraid to exert discipline or hide from poor performances.
This especially applied to his explosive striker Alfredo Morelos.
He has always been a straight dealer and honest in his dealings with the media, a far more introspective, thoughtful and reflective character than his barnstorming and inspirational style of play in an iconic career might initially suggest.
The hallmark of Gerrard’s Rangers teams was a solid defence, conceding just 13 goals last season to end with an outstanding goal difference of +79
He prefers a 4-3-3 system with adventurous use of full-backs.
Villa have appointed someone who remains Premier League box office from his time at Liverpool and who has taken impressive first steps in his managerial career.
There is an element of gamble in that they are appointing someone to his first Premier League.
He inherits a team 16th in the Premier League and only two places off the relegation zone but there is no doubt Villa Park will be at its bouncing best when he takes his place in the technical area for his first game against Brighton on 20 November. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter