Former Aston Villa manager now favourite for Nottingham Forest role as ‘shortlist’ claim made

Former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard could reportedly turn his back on a career as an Uber driver after he was installed as favourite to succeed Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest.

The Liverpool legend has been out of work since October when he left his position at Villa Park and has undertaken a role working as a pundit on Channel 4’s coverage of England internationals in recent months. Links with a return to the dugout led to speculation Gerrard was set to take over at Turkish club Trabzonspor and the Polish national team led to nothing and a shock link with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain met a similar outcome.

His absence from management led Gerrard to joke over a possible new career behind the wheel in a recent interview with ‘The Manager’, the official magazine of the League Manager’s Association. He said: “I’ve had time to analyse and reflect thoroughly on the challenges of our second season. In football, you have to learn from your mistakes and take strength from your successes. You have to reset, wait and be patient for the fire and fight to return.

“I’ve been offered opportunities to manage at club and international level since I left Villa, including an exciting opportunity in an overseas league, but none have been right for me at this time. In the meantime, I’m enjoying being an Uber driver for my girls and my little boy.”

A return to the dugout could have taken a step closer with Olympiakos said to be keen on a move for Gerrard as they consider the future of current manager Jose Anigo. Greek outlet Sport-FM have claimed the ex-England midfielder is on a shortlist alongside Gennaro Gattuso, Jesse Marsch, Sergiy Rebrov and Esteban Cambiasso to replace the former Marseille manager.

Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis is also owner of Nottingham Forest, which means the report in Greece could have played a part in Gerrard being made favourite to succeed Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest as speculation over his future at the City Ground ramped up as his side battle against relegation.