Aston Villa sack FIVE coaches in blunt statement after axing Steven Gerrard as they overhaul backroom team
ASTON VILLA have announced Steven Gerrard’s backroom team have joined him in being shown the door at Villa Park.
Gerrard was sacked yesterday immediately after the dismal 3-0 defeat to Fulham.
Initially there was no news on the future of his staff, but Villa have confirmed this morning that his assistants will also be leaving.
The club have axed five coaches in a blunt board statement after giving Gerrard, 42, the boot last night.
Assistant managers Garry McAllister and Neil Critchley are two of the five axed coaches.
They are joined by technical coach Tom Culshaw, head of fitness and conditioning Jordan Milson, plus first-team lead performance analyst Scott Mason.
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The statement said: “Aston Villa can confirm Gary McAllister, Neil Critchley, Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom and Scott Mason have all left the club following the departure of Head Coach Steven Gerrard.
“The Club would like to place on record its appreciation to them for their hard work and wish them well for the future.”
Villa will now need an overhaul of their backroom team, as well as a new head coach.
CEO Christian Purslow said: “The Board has come to this decision following a full evaluation of results and performances over the calendar year.
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“We were clear when we appointed Steven that we set an objective of continuous improvement but that has not been achieved despite everybody’s best efforts and we believe the time is right to make these changes now.
“The process of appointing a new Head Coach is underway and we will update supporters as soon as possible.”
First-team coach Aaron Danks will be in charge for Sunday’s home clash against Brentford.
The travelling Villa fans were heard calling for Gerrard’s exit during the loss to Fulham after a run of six losses in 11 games.
He leaves Villa Park with the club 17th in the Premier League, having won just two games this season.
Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Brentford boss Thomas Frank are among those linked with the role.
In his post-match press conference at Craven Cottage, Gerrard said: “It’s tough but I’m a man, I accept it, I understand it. It was a tough night for me personally.
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“We’ll see what happens, I understand the situation we’re in, I’m a fighter, I will never ever quit anything.”
He was sacked just minutes later, and forced to make the awkward journey back to Birmingham on the team bus.