Former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has emerged as a candidate for the vacant Scotland manager position, following Steve Clarke's departure after the World Cup. According to BetVictor, Gerrard is listed among potential contenders at odds of 16/1.
Contenders for the Role
More prominent names in the frame include Roberto Martinez, David Moyes, Brendan Rodgers, and Rafa Benitez. However, Gerrard's inclusion is noteworthy given his managerial career is at a crossroads. More than a year has passed since he left Saudi club Al Ettifaq, and the 45-year-old has recently been linked to Burnley.
Gerrard's Managerial Record
Gerrard won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers in 2021, finishing 25 points ahead of Celtic. He replaced Dean Smith as Aston Villa head coach in November 2021 but was dismissed less than a year later, in October 2022, after just two wins in 11 league matches. He was appointed by former Villa CEO Christian Purslow, with whom he had a prior relationship from Liverpool.
Reflections on Villa Stint
Speaking on The Overlap, Gerrard said: “I have had some difficult times. Obviously, when you get the sack it is not nice. I had a period after Villa when my head was done in for months. I understood it. If you have a run of form like we did, the responsibility was mine and I accepted it.”
He added: “I was sitting around gutted because I felt like there was a big opportunity going into the first full season to build on a half-decent start. That was a tough one for me. I had mixed emotions. I was feeling sorry for myself. Felt a bit bitter. Felt a bit useless. You go through these emotions, but come round to understanding that it’s part of it.”
Regret Over Rangers Departure
Reflecting on leaving Rangers for Villa, Gerrard said: “The level was a big jump. Probably didn't realise at the time when I made that decision. In hindsight again, we talk about hindsight, we'd all be great with hindsight, wouldn't we? Would have stayed at Rangers longer, more experience, stay up there for longer. So I regret doing it now, sitting here, I didn't at the time.”
He also noted that conversations with Rangers after winning the title indicated the club was not ready to invest further, making the Premier League offer hard to refuse. “I’ve got nothing bad to say about Villa. Villa are a really good club, good people, fantastic facilities. The opportunity was given to me, and it didn’t work out, so that’s on me,” he concluded.
