Steven Gerrard opens up on Rangers exit as Aston Villa boss makes 'fantastic' admission

Steven Gerrard insists Aston Villa must remain "patient" if he is to replicate the success he managed to bring to Rangers.

The Liverpool legend has made an encouraging start to life in Premier League management having turned the ship around at Villa since he arrived at the club back in November.

Villa were sliding dangerously towards the relegation zone following a five-match losing streak earlier this season and Dean Smith lost his job as a result.

Under Gerrard, Villa have won eight and lost seven of his first 17 games in charge, as the club have made steady progress up the division, where they current occupy a position in the top half.

The former Rangers boss hopes he can replicate the success he had at Ibrox with Villa.

He told Mailsport: "To create a good, winning team you need time. Everyone has to be patient here.

"We took over the team in a difficult situation. We’re in a better one now but everyone needs to keep pushing the players in the right direction."

Speaking about his former club and the exciting Scottish Premiership title race north of the border, Gerrard said: I’m looking forward to watching it to see how it progresses.

“Obviously, I hope the trophy ends up back at Ibrox. It’s different watching it from afar. When you work for Rangers, you get that connection with the supporters.

“The club was good for me. I respect and appreciate that they gave me a big opportunity. The Aston Villa chance came off the back of Rangers so I have nothing but respect for the people there.”

Gerrard left Rangers for Villa back in November and claims the memories he made at Ibrox will stay with him for a "long time."

“In my final year there, to do that [go unbeaten], the players showed a high level of consistency under