Steven Gerrard Aston Villa sack manager after heavy defeat at Fulham BBC Sport
Steven Gerrard Aston Villa sack manager after heavy defeat at Fulham - BBC Sport Homepage
Villa fans, go on and kiss Stevie goodbye3272More replies (13)downF
It’s not as if Villa are planning to bring in the next Pep or Klopp. Will just be another below average manager who will most likely sacked by this time next year.16756More replies (14)downD
Didn't somebody say that yesterday?22450P
Doing panto in Brighton with Liz Truss from November12411K
WBA - looking for a new manager
Wolves - looking for a new manager
Birmingham City and Walsall don't you two want to join this party?296More replies (10)downE
His name helps draw players in to a club but pretty pointless if you don't know how to coach them.
Most players have regressed since he arrived.
Please employ an experienced manager who is also a draw for top players.
Spend big on a top manager. I'd rather spend tons on the likes of Poch at the expense of some squad filler.7424I
Quick, get Steve Bruce before its too late!
Hurry!463More replies (11)downM
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Last updated on 21 October 202221 October 2022.From the section Aston Villacomments1601This was Steven Gerrard's first managerial job in the Premier League Aston Villa have sacked manager Steven Gerrard following Thursday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at Fulham. Villa have won just twice in the league this season and only sit above the relegation zone on goals scored. First-team coach Aaron Danks will take charge of the team for Sunday's home game against Brentford. In a statement on Friday,external-link Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said objectives "had not been achieved" under Gerrard. "The board has come to this decision following a full evaluation of results and performances over the calendar year," he said. "We were clear when we appointed Steven that we set an objective of continuous improvement but that has not been achieved despite everybody's best efforts and we believe the time is right to make these changes now. "The process of appointing a new head coach is under way and we will update supporters as soon as possible." The statement also confirmed that Gary McAllister, Neil Critchley, Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom and Scott Mason have also left the club following Gerrard's departure. Gerrard succeeded Dean Smith as Villa manager in November 2021 after leaving his role at Rangers. But the former England and Liverpool midfielder, 42, led Villa to only 13 wins from 40 games during his 11 months in charge.'Gerrard undermined by results and performances'Who are the contenders to replace Gerrard?Fulham beat Villa in Gerrard's final gameFootball Daily podcast: Gerrard sacked by Aston Villa After the defeat by Fulham, he told BBC Match of the Day: "Inconsistency has cost us, that's the position we find ourselves in. I took over the team in a very similar situation. We've tried to recruit to get us out of that situation. "I'm a fighter - it's in my DNA. I'll continue to fight unless I'm told differently." About an hour later his time as Villa boss was over. In a statement on his Instagram account on Fridayexternal-link, Gerrard said: "I would like to thank everyone connected to Aston Villa Football Club, for the support shown to me during my time there. I would personally like to thank the board of directors, the players and all the staff for their hard work. "To the fans, it is regrettable that it didn't work out in the end, but I owe you a debt of gratitude for the way you welcomed me into your club, and continued to push the team on during difficult times. "Aston Villa is a club with a special history, I really wanted to bring back those memorable achievements, unfortunately it wasn't to be. I wish everyone at the club all the very best for the future." Before Gerrard's departure was revealed, captain John McGinn said: "It's embarrassing to be part of. We've let the travelling fans down, the manager down. It's a bad night for us. "It doesn't matter who's in charge of that team. It's nothing to do with the manager - the players have to look at themselves in the mirror. We've definitely not lost faith in [the manager] - it's us who are responsible. "He's a top manager, he's hurting just as the players are. We've let him down tonight. It's up to us now to put in a performance for him." Villa fans sang various anti-Gerrard chants during the game at Craven Cottage. McGinn added: "I understand the fans' frustration. There can be a nasty side to those shouts. The support are very demanding so I can understand the frustration. You're playing at a top level and if you're not performing, you get criticised." Gerrard is the fourth Premier League manager to be sacked this season after Bournemouth dismissed Scott Parker in August, Thomas Tuchel left Chelsea and was replaced by Brighton boss Graham Potter in September and Wolves parted company with Bruno Lage earlier this month. The average tenure for a Premier League manager currently stands at two years and four days - more than double the amount of time Gerrard lasted at Villa Park. In Gerrard's time at Villa he signed some high-profile players including Barcelona forward Phillipe Coutinho, Sevilla defender Diego Carlos and French midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who had been linked with some of Europe's top sides. However, Carlos suffered a serious ankle injury on his home debut and Kamara is expected to be out until the new year with a knee ligament injury sustained against Southampton last month. In the summer Gerrard removed England defender Tyrone Mings as captain and replaced him with Scotland's McGinn - who has made a poor start to the season. Gerrard's assistant Michael Beale, who had been with him since Rangers, left Villa in the summer to become QPR manager. Gerrard, who played 710 times for Liverpool, took his first steps in senior management with Rangers in 2018 and guided the club to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years. Prior to that, he coached within Liverpool's academy before managing the under-18 team during the 2017-18 season. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers knows Gerrard from their time together at Liverpool. Rodgers, alongside Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, has been under scrutiny this season, though this was somewhat relieved by victories this week. While there has also been pressure on Leeds manager Jesse Marsch whose side have picked up one point from their past five games. Rodgers said: "I'm bitterly disappointed for Steven, he did a fantastic job at Rangers and the ambitions at Villa, I assume, are to be challenging for Europe. "It seems every day a manager loses his job or their job is under threat. I think stability and patience seems to be running out. "I believe with time and patience he could have got to where that football club wants to go."Analysis
Phil McNulty, chief football writer Gerrard's position had been precarious for weeks, with poor results adding to the uneasy nature of his relationship with Villa's support, who surprisingly simply never warmed to a personality who had deservedly won a reputation as an inspirational leader during a stellar career as Liverpool captain and at Ibrox, where he achieved iconic status for stopping Celtic winning 10 titles in a row. Villa's supporters were not only unhappy with results but also what they saw as an unattractive style of play fostered by Gerrard and his backroom staff. There seemed to be no settled formation or identity, even the occasional good performance such as that against Chelsea at Villa Park on Sunday ending in defeat. Gerrard found himself in the unusual position of having to win over sceptical Villa fans having been idolised at Anfield and Ibrox. It was a battle he never won. For all his blockbusting playing style and natural leadership, Gerrard can be an introspective character who cares and thinks deeply and takes defeat personally. He will be badly hurt by this experience, alien territory for someone who has been synonymous with success throughout his career. Gerrard will no doubt be back at some point in the future with a determination to correct a rare failure on his CV, although where and when that will be remains to be seen. Villa, meanwhile, will set sights high as they try to find the manager who will match their owners' desire for success. Read more from Phil McNulty here.' Players getting away with not performing'
Former Brighton and Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray was watching the game for BBC Radio 5 Live. Before Gerrard's sacking was announced, he said: "The players that Gerrard has brought in are of a better quality than Dean Smith brought in but unfortunately for him, they are not hitting the heights that we know they are capable of. "No-one has scored more than one goal for them which, with the attacking prowess they've got, is a very disappointing return. "A lot of the players are getting away with not performing and everyone is looking at the manager." Ex-Villa striker Dion Dublin said on Amazon Prime: "I am finding it hard to find a positive. I feel for Stevie. "The Villa faithful will always back you but they will let you know. The fans are allowed to voice their opinion." Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand added: "He was captain marvel as a player; he was the one who lifted the team, who dragged them through tough times. He can't do that from the bench."Our coverage of Villa is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a momentEverything Villa - go straight to all the best contentcommentsView Comments1601Comments
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To use comments you will need to have JavaScript enabled. These comments are now closed.1601 commentsHComment posted by heathdawg BITW at 22 54 20 Octheathdawg BITW
22:54 20 OctThe sacked in the morning chants were optimistic weren’t they?!30111TReply posted by The Spin Doctor at 23 11 20 OctThe Spin Doctor
23:11 20 Octto heathdawg BITW"The sacked in the morning chants were optimistic weren’t they?!"The Spin Doctor replied: Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbyeVilla fans, go on and kiss Stevie goodbye3272More replies (13)downF
Comment posted by Flyinghurdler2 at 22 56 20 OctFlyinghurdler2
22:56 20 OctIt's time to let some qualified managers have a shot at the top. People who have been through the proper channels and have earned the spot... instead of handing Prem League Manager positions to ex-players on a plate based a couple years after they retire.30428SReply posted by Silky at 23 07 20 OctSilky
23:07 20 Octto Flyinghurdler2"It's time to let some qualified managers have a shot at the top. People who have been through the proper channels and have earned the spot... instead of handing Prem League Manager positions to ex-players on a plate based a couple years after they retire."Silky replied: Aye, football management a bit like politics at present - not enough qualified and suitability experienced candidates2293More replies (40)downEComment posted by eddiestan at 22 55 20 Octeddiestan
22:55 20 OctThe players are just as bad if not worse. Stealing a living.25417WReply posted by Winners And Sinners at 23 15 20 OctWinners And Sinners
23:15 20 Octto eddiestan"The players are just as bad if not worse. Stealing a living."Winners And Sinners replied: Don’t worry Steven, Villa did you a big favour. The Midlands never really loved you and now you will be able to be at a place where you are respected.It’s not as if Villa are planning to bring in the next Pep or Klopp. Will just be another below average manager who will most likely sacked by this time next year.16756More replies (14)downD
Comment posted by Doc Daneeka at 22 57 20 OctDoc Daneeka
22:57 20 Oct"I'm a fighter, I won't quit" - Villa boss GerrardDidn't somebody say that yesterday?22450P
Reply posted by Pandemania at 23 03 20 OctPandemania
23:03 20 Octto Doc Daneeka""I'm a fighter, I won't quit" - Villa boss GerrardDidn't somebody say that yesterday?"Pandemania replied: He didn't quit. He was sacked. I don't think that statements literal. It more out of respect.16419More replies (19)downCComment posted by chicagovillain at 23 01 20 Octchicagovillain
23:01 20 OctHe had to go but the players were absolutely awful again today. Complete dross. They should be ashamed of themselves regardless of who the manager was.1712PReply posted by Phillip at 23 21 20 OctPhillip
23:21 20 Octto chicagovillain"He had to go but the players were absolutely awful again today. Complete dross. They should be ashamed of themselves regardless of who the manager was."Phillip replied: Very true353More replies (5)downDComment posted by Dilbert Diggler at 22 53 20 OctDilbert Diggler
22:53 20 OctDean Smith sacked too early. Twonks.18622TReply posted by twinprime at 23 00 20 Octtwinprime
23:00 20 Octto Dilbert Diggler"Dean Smith sacked too early. Twonks."twinprime replied: No.1652More replies (6)downSComment posted by SkinbagAvFc at 22 55 20 OctSkinbagAvFc
22:55 20 OctWe all gave him time. Infact more than others. While you couldn't fault his passion and desire he did lack the tactical side. I wish him well but he just didn't have what it took currently, maybe in a few years.. The players still need to take a big blame for this also. Doesn't matter who we get now. We are in a relegation battle for the rest of the season.1436BReply posted by BBMac at 23 38 20 OctBBMac
23:38 20 Octto SkinbagAvFc"We all gave him time. Infact more than others. While you couldn't fault his passion and desire he did lack the tactical side. I wish him well but he just didn't have what it took currently, maybe in a few years.. The players still need to take a big blame for this also. Doesn't matter who we get now. We are in a relegation battle for the rest of the season."BBMac replied: Best comment here3512More replies (7)downCComment posted by CSM at 23 17 20 OctCSM
23:17 20 OctFootball is so mad. In what other industry do you get a job at the top with no experience. In the PL SG at AVFC, Lampard at CFC and EFC, Ole at United, Neville et al. These guys aren’t qualified or experienced enough….bad owners making poor decisions when there are more deserving managers in the championship12612PReply posted by Pancho at 23 52 20 OctPancho
23:52 20 Octto CSM"Football is so mad. In what other industry do you get a job at the top with no experience. In the PL SG at AVFC, Lampard at CFC and EFC, Ole at United, Neville et al. These guys aren’t qualified or experienced enough….bad owners making poor decisions when there are more deserving managers in the championship"Pancho replied: Most sensible post of all333More replies (13)downCComment posted by CurtisC at 22 56 20 OctCurtisC
22:56 20 OctYesterdays news….Doing panto in Brighton with Liz Truss from November12411K
Reply posted by Kaybee18 at 23 13 20 OctKaybee18
23:13 20 Octto CurtisC"Yesterdays news….Doing panto in Brighton with Liz Truss from November"Kaybee18 replied: Oh no he isn't :-)2884More replies (9)downMComment posted by moodymagpie at 22 56 20 Octmoodymagpie
22:56 20 OctPaging Steve Bruce!9811PReply posted by Pandemania at 23 05 20 OctPandemania
23:05 20 Octto moodymagpie"Paging Steve Bruce!"Pandemania replied: To think that Lampard outlasted Gerrard is a travesty11047More replies (16)downAComment posted by ab at 22 53 20 Octab
22:53 20 OctNot surprised. The premier league is tough and cut throat. A job to soon for him.9210AReply posted by Arch Stanton at 23 00 20 OctArch Stanton
23:00 20 Octto ab"Not surprised. The premier league is tough and cut throat. A job to soon for him."Arch Stanton replied: Yeah, he should cut his teeth as PM first.10911More replies (6)downHComment posted by Hugh RU Kiddin at 23 10 20 OctHugh RU Kiddin
23:10 20 OctAs a Scottish non Rangers supporter this was always a stupid move for him. Didn’t serve an apprenticeship in management and was lucky with his timing up here. Found out completely and I have zero sympathy for someone who will never worry about his next gas bill9014FReply posted by Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd at 01 01 21 OctFan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd
01:01 21 Octto Hugh RU Kiddin"As a Scottish non Rangers supporter this was always a stupid move for him. Didn’t serve an apprenticeship in management and was lucky with his timing up here. Found out completely and I have zero sympathy for someone who will never worry about his next gas bill"Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd replied: Villa - looking for a new managerWBA - looking for a new manager
Wolves - looking for a new manager
Birmingham City and Walsall don't you two want to join this party?296More replies (10)downE
Comment posted by Eric Disley at 22 55 20 OctEric Disley
22:55 20 OctWhen he said "I'm a fighter not a quitter" the writing was on the wall.614Removed commentMore replies (5)downWComment posted by Woodzy knows his stuff at 22 59 20 OctWoodzy knows his stuff
22:59 20 OctBig pressure in the premier League. So much money media coverage day in day out. The managers always have to be on their toes. Everyone wants wants wants wants. There is no patience or logic thinking any more. Everything nowadays is done emotionally. It has destroyed the beauty of the game. Not many hardcore loyal supporters followed it as keenly as 10 years back. It is destroyed by too much money521JReply posted by john robertson at 23 39 20 Octjohn robertson
23:39 20 Octto Woodzy knows his stuff"Big pressure in the premier League. So much money media coverage day in day out. The managers always have to be on their toes. Everyone wants wants wants wants. There is no patience or logic thinking any more. Everything nowadays is done emotionally. It has destroyed the beauty of the game. Not many hardcore loyal supporters followed it as keenly as 10 years back. It is destroyed by too much money"john robertson replied: superb comment141More replies (3)downCComment posted by Cenotaff at 22 55 20 OctCenotaff
22:55 20 OctMicheal Beale was clearly the brains behind most of his good times.His name helps draw players in to a club but pretty pointless if you don't know how to coach them.
Most players have regressed since he arrived.
Please employ an experienced manager who is also a draw for top players.
Spend big on a top manager. I'd rather spend tons on the likes of Poch at the expense of some squad filler.7424I
Reply posted by I am a Russian Bot at 23 18 20 OctI am a Russian Bot
23:18 20 Octto Cenotaff"Micheal Beale was clearly the brains behind most of his good times.His name helps draw players in to a club but pretty pointless if you don't know how to coach them.Most players have regressed since he arrived.Please employ an experienced manager who is also a draw for top players.Spend big on a top manager. I'd rather spend tons on the likes of Poch at the expense of some squad filler."I am a Russian Bot replied: Villa need a quality manager with tactical nous, sharp mind and the charisma to get the best out of the players.Quick, get Steve Bruce before its too late!
Hurry!463More replies (11)downM