Alan Evans is an Aston Villa legend but he admits he wasn’t too sold on the idea of moving to the Midlands at first.
The Scotland World Cup 82 star had his eye on elsewhere when English clubs came calling but as soon as he set foot in Villa Park he knew he’d feel right at home.
And he is convinced Steven Gerrard will feel the same.
Evans is not surprised to see the Rangers boss high up on the wish list of his former club following the shock sacking of Dean Smith.
He’s also convinced it’s the right move for Villa – and for Gerrard.
Ex-Dunfermline stalwart Evans arrived in 1977 spent more than a decade in the claret and blue, securing his place in the Hall of Fame after winning the league, European Cup and Super Cup, as well as captaining the side during the glory days of the 80s.
He was taken aback by the size of the club and he believes Gerrard would be the perfect man to turn Villa in a force at the top of the table again.
The Liverpool legend just might need some convincing first.
Evans said: “As a Villa fan I’d love to see it. But I actually didn’t want to go to initially. The week after my trial at Villa I was due to go to Leeds United. They were my boyhood team as I grew up watching the great Don Revie side that was packed full of Scots.
“Guys like Johnny Giles were my heroes and that’s where I wanted to go.
“But when I got to Villa I was just blown away by the set up and the scale of the club. It was outstanding.
“It’s a proper old fashioned ground, but there is a bit of class about the place. It’s a massive club.”
Evans is convinced this is the next logical move for Gerrard after his restoration job at Rangers.
He said: “The next step is going to be important for him. Is Aston Villa the right step? I would say so.
“It’s a club with huge potential.
“They have a big, passionate support and they demand a brand of football. But Steven is someone who could embrace and harness it.
“It’s a great job is you do it right. I felt sympathy for Dean Smith.
“But the board clearly have made a decision over Dean as they have someone in mind. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Steven.
“I can see him taking Villa to the next level. That means stabilising this season and then pushing for Europe.
“The Premier League has a lot of sides competing to get to the top. It’s no longer just the top four as we’ve seen the likes of Leicester City and West Ham this year forcing their way in.
“There’s no reason Gerrard couldn’t do the same with Villa.”
Evans still keeps tabs on Scottish football and he's been impressed with Gerrard’s evolution.
He said: “Steven’s has done a tremendous job in Scotland, but there was always the opportunity to do well.
“I know Rangers had their problems but when he went there he would have known he could have made an impact because realistically it was just them and Celtic going to be fighting for the title.
“When that happens it only takes one of them to have a poor season and the other will pounce.
“That’s what happened but you also look at the success he has had in Europe. He’s gained a great reputation as a manager and I’m not surprised Villa have been keeping a close eye on him.
“Steven has enormous experience in the English Premier League and he’s worked under some great managers, which he has taken in to his coaching career.”
Evans knows Gerrard looks destined to return to Liverpool one day but doesn’t think he can hang around too long.
And at some point there’s greater risk staying in Glasgow than twisting on a gig back down south.
He said: “There’s an assumption Steven will be waiting for the Liverpool job, but how long can he wait? Jurgen Klopp is probably there as long as still has the appetite and you can’t base your career on what someone else does.
“It could be 10 years down the track. Is it a risk going to Villa? Of course it is, there is an element of risk any any job.
“But I’d say there is less risk than going to a Newcastle, even with their money now, as there is a bigger rebuilding job there and the owners might not have much patience.
“Villa have the foundations in place. They are a good side, they just need to tighten up defensively.
“I would suggest it might be a bigger risk for him staying at Rangers as it can go either way in Scotland and your reputation can go down as well as up. Of course Rangers are a huge club and there’s opportunities to win trophies.
“But his stock is high right now and there will be a time when he has to make a big decision.”
Evans has no doubt Gerrard would be a smash hit with the supporters and it wouldn’t take much to turn things around in the short term.
The former defender – who was teammates with Gers No.2 Gary McAllister at Leicester City – said: “The Villa fans would welcome him with open arms. He’s a huge name with big pedigree, but he’s also a serious manager, with good ideas on the game.
“He’s also straight talking, with a no nonsense approach. I was up at the West Ham game last week when they got trounced.
“The first thing Steven will need to do is sort out the defence and tighten up. That was my job when I was there as a player and a coach, maybe he could give me a call!”
