Steven Gerrard 'blown away' by NSWE conversations as Aston Villa boss speaks out on exciting plans

It took just 30 words for Steven Gerrard to reference the grand ambitions of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens in his first statement as the Aston Villa head coach.

Nearly four months have passed since he was announced as Dean Smith's successor, yet there's still a twinkle in Gerrard's eye when the conversation diverts to the exciting plans in place at Villa.

Just in the past week has the club announced intentions to increase Villa Park's capacity above 50,000, as well as releasing their accounts for the last financial year, while co-owner Edens inches closer to securing an MLS franchise across the pond.

Gerrard describes his part in the process as a 'privilege' and acknowledges that he plays a very significant role in the club's pursuit of success.

On the pitch, his team got back to winning ways last weekend with a much-needed 2-0 win over Brighton at the Amex having only claimed one victory in the last seven Premier League games leading up to the clash on the south coast.

Villa's short-term progress under Gerrard has been hampered with defeats to relegation-threatened sides Brentford, Newcastle United and Watford since the turn of the New Year, but ahead of Southampton's visit to the Midlands on Saturday, his team have an opportunity to end a poor run of form in front of home support.

When Villa kick-off against Saints this afternoon, it will be three months to the day since Gerrard's men last won at Villa Park, thanks to a 2-1 victory over Leicester City back in December. The place was rocking under the lights and fans can expect more nights like those in the coming years after plans to build a new North Stand were shared in a statement earlier this week.

And Gerrard is excited to lead the club into what feels like