Stephen Warnock: Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has big decisions to make amid Villa links
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been linked with the vacant managerial post at Aston Villa following the sacking of Dean Smith on Sunday.
The Ibrox hero is always in the discussion whenever a job is available down south, and his former Liverpool teammate Stephen Warnock believes he could soon have a big decision to make.
Villa will most likely be looking to make an appointment before the end of the international break, and while the former defender reckons Gerrard could be open to remaining at Ibrox, he insists such a big job does not come around every time.
Warnock said on Sky Sports (as shared on their Twitter account): “You look at who is out there, Steven Gerrard being linked. Can I see him going there? I think he wants to go back-to-back, I might be wrong in saying this, but I think he wants back-to-back titles in Scotland.
“He’s been given a huge opportunity by Rangers and he’ll almost want to build something at Rangers.”
“But then on the flip-side of things, does he get this opportunity down the line? Someone takes this job, well that job falls away.
“How often does an Aston Villa come up? It’s a big, big club to go and manage.
“I’m very fortunate, I’ve played for the club, I know how big it is. It’s a huge pull to go to Aston Villa so he’s got a big decision to make if he is offered the opportunity.”
Dilemma?
Villa are one of the traditional bigwigs in England despite recent struggles, and working for the one-time European Cup winners is definitely tempting.
They have wealthy and supportive owners in Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, and any manager coming in will be backed in the transfer market as the Midlands outfit continue their quest to break into the Premier League’s top-six.
Gerrard is not likely to be looking to walk away from Ibrox midway through the season, but Villa will not hesitate to pay Rangers full compensation should he become available.
No one knows exactly how the 41-year-old would react if they come knocking, and while becoming Liverpool boss is his ultimate dream, the chance to further enhance his reputation and boost his CV by proving himself at another Premier League club could be very tempting.
The Bears will most likely hold on to Gerrard for now, but things could be different in the summer if there are a couple of opportunities in the English top-flight by then.
In other Rangers news, the Bears are plotting January swoop for teenage striking sensation, five PL clubs in pursuit too.