Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow insists no Rangers follower could have envisioned Steven Gerrard 's Ibrox success.
Gerrard brought the curtain down on his time in Scotland after three years following last season's Scottish Premiership title win.
He tipped the balance of power in the Glasgow towards Govan ending Celtic's dominant nine-title streak in his first managerial role.
Villa Park chief Purslow reckons the courage to take on the hot seat was a major factor in their bid to bring the Premier League icon south of the border.
Ahead of his first game as boss against Brighton, Purslow said: "I remember when he took the job at Rangers, nobody, not even the most optimistic Rangers fan, would have anticipated what they were able to achieve so quickly.
"I have a crystal clear memory of that time. Most people who knew him in the game thought it was a crazily risky, dangerous move for a player just getting into management.
"He had a great slot at Liverpool and to leave that was the single most attractive feature of his candidacy."
Purslow was Liverpool's managing director for just over a year until 2010 when Gerrard was club captain, but insisted their past working relationship had little bearing when Villa began their search for a new head coach.
"That was 10-12 years ago. The personal qualities I saw in him then, no doubt about it, even 12 years later those are central to the person he is.
"Drive, determination, hunger, ultra-professional.
"He just wants to be the best he can possibly be and he gives off that message to everyone around him, which raises standards.
"Yes, it's helpful to have seen the younger man, football captain version, but that doesn't get you a job as manager of Aston Villa.
"It's helpful at the margin, but it doesn't even get you an interview."
