More than a year has passed since former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard left Saudi club Al Ettifaq, but the 45-year-old is now being tipped for a managerial comeback. It would be his first taste of English football management since his Villa stint ended in 2022, months after an eye-catching fines regime hit the headlines.
Burnley Emerges as Potential Destination
Burnley are the latest side to have emerged as potential suitors for Gerrard. While Scott Parker remains in charge at Turf Moor, the Clarets' drop back down to the Championship was sealed earlier this month, and questions have been asked regarding whether Parker will still be in charge for an attempt to bounce back next term.
Gerrard's Strict Fines System
Gerrard's strict fines system became a major talking point during his eleven-month Villa tenure. The disciplinary measures, which emerged publicly in summer 2022 and rapidly gained attention, were wide-ranging but saw punishment for lateness emerge as a recurring element.
Any player arriving late to training faced a £500 penalty, while being late to the training pitch, team coach or meetings incurred a £200-per-minute charge. Match days arguably carried even harsher consequences - any lateness on the day of a game resulted in an automatic £1,000 fine.
Additional Sanctions
Players were warned over additional sanctions every time they were cautioned for dissent during a match or shown a red card for any offence. There were separate hefty penalties for those neglecting to clear their plates following meals or leaving snus - the nicotine pouch that has raised eyebrows due to its prevalence amongst footballers - in plain view.
Reactions from Former Teammates
Gerrard's uncompromising approach made quite an impact across the footballing sphere. Former Villa striker Peter Crouch, who played with Gerrard at Liverpool, was among those to react. Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Crouch broached the topic of a professional foul, which helps prevent a defeat. "It might save you a point and you still have to take [the team] for dinner?" he asked. "Maybe someone could chip in like, 'you helped us out there, let me put some money into this'."
Both Crouch and his podcast guest, ex-Villa and Stoke midfielder Steve Sidwell, were especially intrigued by the per-minute penalties for tardiness at meetings. "£200 a minute? What if you forget and don't turn up for two hours?" Crouch asked.
"I think I've seen this before and, I don't know whether it was true or not, purely because of the amounts. Because that is extortionate," Sidwell remarked.
Gerrard's Readiness for Return
Gerrard explored a return to the dugout with Rangers earlier this campaign, having taken a break since leaving Al Ettifaq in January 2025. He has recently been working in punditry, but recent speculation indicated he would 'jump at' the opportunity to take charge of Burnley should the position become available.
"Listen, I'm more ready than I have been," the former England international told talkSPORT in early April. "My family are back home at Liverpool, kids are all settled at school. I'm more ready than I have been; I'm all ears. But at the same time, I'm not chasing, I'm not searching, I'm not desperate. I'm in a good place, work-life balance is fantastic at the moment, but if the right opportunity comes, I'm all ears to listen to that."
"I'm having a fantastic time at TNT with Ally [McCoist] and the boys, and the girls, really enjoying it. I'm covering some good games, big games, I'm excited to take my little lad to watch the next Champions League games. I'm in a really good place, and I'm ready for opportunities. If not, I'm happy with my work-life balance, life's good, no complaints at all."
