Gerrard's reputation takes a hit after Aston Villa sacking

Steven Gerrard vowed he would "never quit" after his Aston Villa side slumped to another damaging defeat. Minutes later he was sacked in a severe blow to his managerial reputation.

The former Rangers boss paid the price for just two wins in the first 11 Premier League matches of the season, with only goal difference keeping Villa out of the relegation zone after the 3-0 loss to Fulham on Thursday.

The former Liverpool and England midfield great, who replaced Dean Smith at Villa last November, was tipped as a potential long-term successor to current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp following his successful spell in Scotland.

Now Gerrard must bide his time as he waits for an opportunity to rehabilitate a reputation tarnished by his 11-month spell at Villa Park.

The 42-year-old struck a defiant tone after his team slumped again, saying he would "never, ever quit anything whether it's football or in life" but the guillotine fell moments later, signalling a rare failure in a stellar career in football.

Considered one of the greatest players in Premier League history, Gerrard made a promising start to life as a manager, guiding Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title for a decade in 2021.

The achievement won him hero status among the Rangers fans as it denied bitter rivals Celtic a record 10th straight league title.

But Gerrard has been unable to build on that impressive work since moving to Villa Park, as a series of lacklustre performances have prevented him from winning over the club's supporters.

He won just 13 of his 40 games in charge of the former European champions, losing 19 of those.

When he joined the club they were 16th in the Premier League table. He led them to a 14th-place finish last season but leaves with Villa 17th in