Villa should be delighted with Gerrard development

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills sees the appointment as a gamble and suggested his success with Rangers has been overstated.

Steven Gerrard’s appointment of Aston Villa head coach is ‘not a big upgrade’ on Dean Smith, according to Danny Mills.

But the former Leeds United defender says Villa fans should be encouraged by the fact Gerrard is being followed to Villa Park by his impressive coaching team from Rangers, which includes Gary McAllister and Michael Beale.

Gerrard has been appointed on a three-and-a-half-year deal, having led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title last season.

Mills sees the appointment as a gamble and suggested his success with Rangers has been overstated.

“I’m not sure Gerrard is a big upgrade on Dean Smith,” he told Football Insider.

“You’ve got a young manager who was a sensational player. It doesn’t always translate into management.

“I think it’s vitally important, and Villa fans should be delighted, his whole backroom team is coming.

“Michael Beale is a fantastic coach with a great reputation. Gary McAllister, part of that as well, he’s been there, seen it and done it at big clubs in the Premier League. There’s great experience coming with Steven Gerrard.

“He’s a stellar name, he’s ambitious with huge drive. But it’s still a bit of a gamble.”

This article first appeared in Birmingham Live.