Aston Villa: Gerrard has 'strong relationship' with key chief at Villa Park

Aston Villa chief executive officer Christian Purslow is continuing to back Steven Gerrard as the club’s manager, a stance that may ‘frustrate’ supporters, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

Gerrard has endured a tough start to the season at Villa Park but has shown signs of recovery in recent weeks prior to the international break.

Villa are now unbeaten in two games in the Premier League, following up their 1-1 draw with Manchester City with a 1-0 triumph over Southampton.

Jacob Ramsey scored the only goal of the game just before half time, lifting the West Midlands giants above local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and into 13th.

After full time, Gerrard praised the ‘pragmatic’ way his side went about securing the victory, but conceded that it was not ‘pretty or stylish’.

The former Rangers boss had previously admitted that he feared the sack. After losing 2-1 to Arsenal at the end of August, he said he would have to be from ‘a different planet’ to not be concerned.

Preece believes that Gerrard is under little pressure at Villa Park, despite a slow start to the season.

The Birmingham Live reporter claims that his relationship with CEO Purslow means he has an added layer of security.

Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “I think he’s got a strong relationship with the man that brought him to Villa Park, Christian Purslow. I think he’s backing him. He’s a rookie Premier League manager. He hasn’t been in the job a year yet, so he’s learning on the job. I know that’d be frustrating to hear for Villa fans. But that’s the realisation. He’s learning on the job. He’s admitted to making mistakes, this season and last season.”

The Villans face two huge fixtures after the international break that will really show if they