Steven Gerrard was sacked as Aston Villa boss on Thursday night after a 3-0 defeat at Fulham, but where could the England legend go to next?
It's been a sorry season so far at Villa Park with plenty of money spent during the summer, leaving the club near the relegation zone after 11 games played, 16 goals conceded and just seven scored - the second-lowest in the Premier League.
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Gerrard's managerial qualities shone in Scotland with Rangers, but it hasn't worked out in England early on in his dugout career.
Seen as the long-term replacement to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, fans will now be questioning just how far off that really is.
It's still very much early days in Gerrard's management steps - so where could he go next? We take a look at some options below.
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OK, so it hasn't worked out at Villa, but it could elsewhere. But that place is perhaps crucial in terms of reputation early on.
Right now, you just can't see it being for one of top six clubs - but perhaps an established one that falls around the middle to top ten range that has potential to kick on further.
We're talking the likes of West Ham, Leicester City, Southampton. But who's to rule out a club like Crystal Palace, Brighton, Brentford or maybe even Leeds. Everton, however, is a no-go for obvious reasons.
Gerrard was also linked heavily with Newcastle United previously, but right now it is highly unlikely on the back of Eddie Howe's excellent work.
The only risk here is as mentioned above, if it weren't to go well then people will question his managerial ability more than ever. It would take away claims for that much desired Liverpool job down the line.
As much as there are some big clubs in the league, the risk is far greater for his future ambitions and plans. Get it right, however, and his reputation grows once again.
His drive, ambition, discipline and demanding respect could be well suited to Serie A in Italy, for example.
Jose Mourinho was a massive fan of Gerrard as a player and could offer some excellent advice from his current role at Roma but also his time at Inter Milan.
La Liga is another option with many top players. We're not talking Real Madrid and Barcelona here, but perhaps a team that has big potential to kick on towards the top four. Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal and Valencia are good examples.
To learn a new culture, language and way of life can be hugely beneficial. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing now to try something away from the United Kingdom as well - before coming back refreshed and hopefully successful.
But as mentioned above, perhaps now is a good time to just step away, reflect and recharge. Enjoy and study the World Cup next month. Maybe do some punditry again, he was excellent offering his insight previously, and we've seen many people go back into management after.
Gerrard will have offers but his next managerial move is crucial, it's about the right offer and could be defining over the next 2-3 years.
The end goal for one of the best players the Premier League and international football has ever seen, is Anfield - and England.
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It's been a sorry season so far at Villa Park with plenty of money spent during the summer, leaving the club near the relegation zone after 11 games played, 16 goals conceded and just seven scored - the second-lowest in the Premier League.
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Gerrard's managerial qualities shone in Scotland with Rangers, but it hasn't worked out in England early on in his dugout career.
Seen as the long-term replacement to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, fans will now be questioning just how far off that really is.
It's still very much early days in Gerrard's management steps - so where could he go next? We take a look at some options below.
THE LATEST CANDIDATES FOR ASTON VILLA JOB
READ MORE:
THE LATEST ON CRISTIANO RONALDO - DISRESPECTED?
LATEST FA CUP DRAW REVEALED FOR NOVEMBER
TOP GOALSCORER ODDS FOR 2022 WORLD CUP - KANE VS MBAPPE
THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Ultimately, with Gerrard's playing experience in England's top tier and his ambitions to be a successful manager, you'd say the Premier League is where he should be cutting his teeth over a long period of time.OK, so it hasn't worked out at Villa, but it could elsewhere. But that place is perhaps crucial in terms of reputation early on.
Right now, you just can't see it being for one of top six clubs - but perhaps an established one that falls around the middle to top ten range that has potential to kick on further.
We're talking the likes of West Ham, Leicester City, Southampton. But who's to rule out a club like Crystal Palace, Brighton, Brentford or maybe even Leeds. Everton, however, is a no-go for obvious reasons.
Gerrard was also linked heavily with Newcastle United previously, but right now it is highly unlikely on the back of Eddie Howe's excellent work.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. Yes, it would be going down a level but at the same time a big opportunity to lead a club to promotion.The only risk here is as mentioned above, if it weren't to go well then people will question his managerial ability more than ever. It would take away claims for that much desired Liverpool job down the line.
As much as there are some big clubs in the league, the risk is far greater for his future ambitions and plans. Get it right, however, and his reputation grows once again.
GO ABROAD
Why not? Gerrard is a legend of the game and a global icon to many fans for the last 20+ years.His drive, ambition, discipline and demanding respect could be well suited to Serie A in Italy, for example.
Jose Mourinho was a massive fan of Gerrard as a player and could offer some excellent advice from his current role at Roma but also his time at Inter Milan.
La Liga is another option with many top players. We're not talking Real Madrid and Barcelona here, but perhaps a team that has big potential to kick on towards the top four. Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal and Valencia are good examples.
To learn a new culture, language and way of life can be hugely beneficial. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing now to try something away from the United Kingdom as well - before coming back refreshed and hopefully successful.
TAKE A BREAK
Well, of course that's what he's likely to do for now. But nothing surprises anyone in football - he could be in a job again next week!But as mentioned above, perhaps now is a good time to just step away, reflect and recharge. Enjoy and study the World Cup next month. Maybe do some punditry again, he was excellent offering his insight previously, and we've seen many people go back into management after.
Gerrard will have offers but his next managerial move is crucial, it's about the right offer and could be defining over the next 2-3 years.
The end goal for one of the best players the Premier League and international football has ever seen, is Anfield - and England.
NEXT ASTON VILLA BOSS MARKET BELOW
*Prices subject to fluctuation
Remember, always gamble responsibly. Here's our Safer Gambling Guide.