Ashley Young has taken to Instagram to say “sorry” after Steven Gerrard was sacked by Aston Villa.
The £88,000-a-week man was actually brought back to Villa Park by Dean Smith in June 2021, although he made 26 appearances under Gerrard before Thursday’s 3-0 loss to Fulham ended their working relationship.
Now, Young has apologised.
What Ashley Young wrote to Steven Gerrard after Aston Villa sacking
Well, the 37-year-old took responsibility for losing the 42-year-old his job in the Midlands.
Young wrote on Instagram: “Thanks and sorry. Wishing you all the best and have no doubt you’ll be back in the dugout soon.”
Despite a number of underwhelming results, it seems the England international actually left a good impression on Gerrard during their time together at Villa Park.
The Athletic believe Gerrard was very impressed by the Aston Villa No.18’s performances in training at Bodymoor Heath, so it was fitting that Young actually scored the final goal of his reign with a thunderous strike in the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
While it was good of Young to apologise, he had no need to – despite being far from the player he once was, the commitment and effort levels are still there for all to see.
Aston Villa should consider Ashley Young input when replacing Steven Gerrard
In our view, the likes of Christian Purslow, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens should maybe consider asking Young for his input in who should replace Gerrard, seeing as he knows Aston Villa better than any other current player.
Gerrard had no connection whatsoever with the fanbase, and often came across as cold.
Young – who has made 223 appearances for Aston Villa so far – played for the Villans during the good times from 2007 to 2011, when the club regularly finished sixth in the Premier League.
Therefore, he knows what is required to be a success at Villa Park, and with plenty of experience in football, his input could have some value.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
