Scottish icon likely driving force behind Gerrard quitting Rangers for Villa – McLeish
Alex McLeish has claimed Gary McAllister played a major role in Steven Gerrard choosing to quit Rangers for Aston Villa this month.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers and Scotland boss suggested McAllister’s experience of being at Villa already may have been a driving force behind the decision.
Speaking to Villa TV (15th November), Gerrard revealed McAllister raved over the “size, history, tradition” and the “people” of Aston Villa in conversations about moving clubs.
The ex-Scotland star was assistant to Gerard Houllier at Villa Park between 2010 and 2011.
He had a stint as caretaker manager after the Frenchman suffered health issues at the end of the 2010/11 season.
McLeish suggested McAllister’s experience and testimony may have helped convince Gerrard to leave Rangers for Villa.
Asked if McAllister would have had an influence on Gerrard’s decision making, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah, that’s a factor.
“You have to factor that in. Gary, I’m sure, would have told Steven about the infrastructure at Aston Villa, the training ground etcetera.
“There’s been improvements, massive improvements there over the years with the academy and the stadium itself.
“By having been there with Gerard, McAllister knows exactly the way the club runs.
“Also the potential now they are back in the Premier League and spending money again.
“Nowadays they’re really going for it and that’s the challenge for Steve and his coaches. The build-up of Rangers was over a three year period. He’s now got to go in and find results almost immediately.”
McAllister arrived at Rangers with Gerrard back in 2018.
The Scottish hall of famer has also had coaching stints at Middlesbrough and Liverpool.
In other news, Rangers told to appoint “left-field” Gerrard replacement after update via Sky.