Gers are big.. but Premier League is the BIGGEST
RICHARD DUNNE has shot down suggestions Steven Gerrard will be taking a step down swapping the quest for silverware at Rangers for a survival slugfest at Aston Villa.
The Ibrox boss is set for the exit after three-and-ahalf years in Glasgow in favour of a return to the Premier League.
Light Blues fans accept the lure of the English top flight but many can’t get their heads around ditching a title fight in Scotland for a relegation scrap down south.
Former Villa star Dunne doesn’t see it that way as his old club have the potential – and the cash – to eventually compete at the top end of the table despite the side sitting just two points above the relegation dropzone after 11 games.
The ex-Republic of Ireland defender said: “Aston Villa are a big Premier League club. If they continue the investment, he is someone who players will want to come and play for.
“Rangers are a big club but the Premier League is the biggest league in the world and is where managers want to be.”
Dunne is thrilled Gerrard is on the verge of accepting the challenge at Villa.
He told Sky Sports: “It’s very exciting. He’s a young manager and not been in the game very long but what he’s done at Rangers has been exceptional. The way he holds himself in terms of his professionalism has been brilliant and he’s led that club really well.
“He’s won the league and has that experience of European football, so for Villa fans it would be an exciting appointment.”
Villans legend Gabby Agbonlahor believes Gerrard and his old club are a match made in heaven.
Club owners Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Evans are worth a combined £10.3billion – double the wealth of the Glazers who own Manchester United.
Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT said: “For Gerrard, Villa are the perfect club. He gets into the Premier League, manages a top club in Aston Villa, the fifth richest club in the Premier League.
“They have money to spend, they will give him money in January if needed, and look at the squad.
“That’s a squad of players who should be fighting to get into the top six.
“They have got some really good players in there.”