Not Shaw sack was right move

EXCLUSIVE

NEIL MOXLEY

TWO of Aston Villa’s former greats believe Steve Gerrard was given the boot too soon – but backed the fans’ decision to deliver the final verdict.

European Cup winners Gary Shaw and Tony Morley spoke out in defence of the sacked boss after he was given his marching orders, following a dismal outing at Fulham in midweek.

The duo, who lifted both the league title and the European top prize, said the trigger was pulled prematurely, but accepted Villa fans’ dissatisfaction could not be ignored.

Shaw said: “I’m disappointed Gerrard’s gone. I don’t think we would have been relegated under him – the table’s tight – two wins and you’re halfway up the Premier League again.

“But it’s the day and age that we live in.

Everyone demands instant success. You lose a few games and people want action.

“It doesn’t work like that and takes a while.

“We were promoted back into the Premier League a couple of years ago and it takes time to establish yourselves.

“They’ve sacked him too early. But the fans have their opinions and they’re entitled to them.”

Morley, who supplied the cross for Peter Withe’s winner against Bayern Munich in the final 40 years ago, agreed and said: “I think Steven would have pulled it around.

“But it’s been like this for the last 15 years. Villa need stability. You’re not going to be successful if you are changing people all of the time.

“At the same time, Villa’s owners have put in the money and there are people at the club paid big money to make these decisions.

“Last week, they did well for an hour against Chelsea – it should have been 1-1 at half-time and then everything is up for grabs.

“But the fans were toxic at Fulham, they were very upset.

“The club has listened to the supporters and you cannot ignore what they are saying.”