Steven Gerrard said goodbye to his Aston Villa players in an early-hours meeting at the club’s training ground after travelling back to the Midlands knowing he had his lost his job.
The former Liverpool and England captain, who had just 11 months in the role, was dismissed less than two hours after the humiliating 3-0 defeat at Fulham on Thursday.
When the team coach arrived at the club’s Bodymoor Heath base, they gathered in a room at the training ground where Gerrard spoke briefly to his squad. Players and staff exchanged handshakes before going their separate ways.
Gerrard's backroom staff have now also left the club - with Gary McAllister, Neil Critchley, Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom and Scott Mason following him out the door.
It was always unlikely they would stay after they moved from Rangers with him, though Aaron Danks and Austin MacPhee have stayed after being part of the set up under Dean Smith.
Owner Nassef Sawiris was at Craven Cottage and was believed to be furious at what he saw, as were the travelling supporters who berated Gerrard throughout. Later in the evening, a 41-word statement on the club website sealed the 42-year-old’s fate.
Villa’s thoughts now turn to Gerrard’s replacement. They have targeted former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and Sportsmail understands there have been conversations between the parties, though it is unclear whether the Argentine, who was last in charge of Paris St Germain, would be prepared to take over a club 17th in the Premier League.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank is another possible option for Villa. The Dane is currently in contract talks with the Bees and will take his side to Villa Park on Sunday. Frank has also known Villa sporting director Johan Lange for most of his coaching career.
