The anticipated sacking of Steven Gerrard has happened, following Aston Villa’s disastrous 3-0 defeat at Fulham last night.
That loss means the Birmingham club sits in 17th place in the Premiership table, with just nine points on the board after 11 games so far this term. It is understood that the decision was taken during the ill-fated game by Nassef Sawiris and Christian Purslow with the now-departed manager informed shortly after its conclusion.
A very brief 19 word quote was all the public comment that Villa made on the decision:
“We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future.”
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Meanwhile, there has been plenty of comments from Rangers fans online regarding their former boss, who left Ibrox last November in somewhat controversial circumstances to take the reigns at Villa Park.
Despite what happened and how it unfolded, it is really not a good look for some fans to gloat and be spiteful toward Gerrard, there is just no need for it.
Yes, everyone will have an opinion and they are free to voice it, but stop for a moment and consider the Rangers that Gerrard and co. inherited compared to the one that he left. His time in Glasgow was far from perfect with a few disappointments on the pitch including post-New Year slumps and domestic cup failures, that is clear.
What is also obvious is that he was the driving force behind 55, a highly anticipated historical title for the club as well as a period of European solidity and consistency arguably never seen before. As well as the league triumph in 2021, the Gerrard era at Ibrox will by synonymous with the return of the glory nights under the lights in the Europa League as well as memorable games abroad – think Rapid Vienna, Legia Warsaw, Feyenoord, Porto, Braga and more.
History will look back kindly on his Rangers tenure. It is fine to be disappointed and even still a bit angry at how things ended with Gerrard at Ibrox yet still be very grateful for what he achieved.
He and the club moved on in their own separate way last year, it should be left at that with a respect for what was delivered during the mutual relationship.
Wasn`t happy the way he left but I would take him back right now if it was possible. He stopped 10 in a row and without him it would now be at 11 and counting .GVB doesn`t have a clue how to win in Scottish football and we won`t win the league playing his passionless slow brand of football. Gerrard and a couple of guys like Thomson and McCann as his assistants would do me , no McAllister this time though .