Most likely Aston Villa next manager gallery after Steven Gerrard sacking

Aston Villa have started the process of looking for a new manager following the departure of Steven Gerrard. The Villans slumped to a 3-0 defeat the hands of Fulham on Thursday evening to leave them 17th in the table, clear of the relegation zone on their number of goals scored alone.

The result compounded a dreary run of form for Gerrard’s side, who have won just two of their opening 11 outings this term. Overall, the ex-Liverpool talisman leaves Villa Park with a record of 13 wins from his 40 matches in the dugout.

Next up for the Villans is a Premier League clash with Brentford on Sunday afternoon, and while it is unlikely that they will have appointed a new permanent manager ahead of that fixture, attention has already turned to the names who could replace Gerrard in the Midlands. As always, a number of high-profile figures who are currently out of work are being touted as possible options, as well as a smattering of well-regarded coaches who could be tempted by the prospect of a project with the obvious potential that Villa possess.

We’ve taken a look at the latest rumblings from the market to see who have emerged as the early frontrunners for the vacancy at Villa Park. Check out our photo gallery below...