John Hartson forced to backtrack on Steven Gerrard-Aston Villa claim
Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson has been forced to backtrack on his claim that Steven Gerrard won’t leave Rangers.
The Gers boss has been linked with a move to join Aston Villa following the sacking of Dean Smith.
Several media outlets have claimed that Villa are close to securing the signature of Gerrard, with his backroom staff are also expected to follow him [Telegraph].
Hartson previously claimed on Go Radio that Gerrard won’t leave Ibrox.
The former Celtic striker told: “I think he’s committed and has a bit of loyalty about him and is a man of integrity and morals and will stay at Rangers.”
However, he has now backtracked on his previous claim and admitted that he might have been wrong with his bold prediction.
Hartson told Sky Sports (h/t Evening Times): “I did a radio show in Glasgow last night and I said I didn’t think he would go.
“I thought he was in the middle of a job not finished at Rangers. They won the league at a canter last year and they started the season very well, they’re top of the league and in the semi-final of a cup.
“I felt he would see things through and would want to win a second title.
“But obviously it looks like Aston Villa will try and prise him away. It’s going to be a decision for Steven.”
Massive blow
Earlier today, Gerrard has been spotted arriving at a train station in London, where Villa chief executive Christian Purslow is based.
It looks like a matter of time before the official confirmation will be made. It seems a deal has been in place, and Villa are happy to pay the compensation fee to Rangers.
Gerrard will always be seen as a hero by the Rangers fans. He stopped Celtic from winning their 10th title in a row.
He took charge of a club that was going in an aimless direction and made them competitive not only in Scotland but in Europe as well.
Last season, they won the league title at a canter and that too by remaining unbeaten. They have made a good start to the 2021-22 season and are looking to win the SPFL win for the second season in a row.
However, it seems the offer from Aston Villa has been too good for Gerrard to turn down. Nothing has been confirmed as yet, but it looks certain that he would be leaving the club shortly.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has reacted to the talk of Gerrard quitting Ibrox to join Aston Villa.