Steven Gerrard handed Aston Villa warning by former team-mate as Rangers boss given pause by 'diabolical' Dean Smith treatment

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Steven Gerrard has been told to avoid the Aston Villa job or risk the same "diabolical" treatment Dean Smith faced. The Rangers boss is widely reported to be one of Villa's top targets after they disposed of Smith last week.

The Englishman got Villa promoted from the Championship and led them to a strong 11th-placed finish last season.But he was given his marching orders after a defeat to Southampton left them facing a relegation battle just 11 games into the season.Gerrard has been tipped to move and reunite with Villa CEO Christian Purslow, who he knows from Liverpool.

But McManaman fears he'd be making a grave mistake, as Villa would show him little patience - just like they did with Smith.