Football News : Steven Gerrard sacked by Aston Villa

After losing to Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage this evening, Aston Villa fired manager Steven Gerrard.
In recent days, rumours about the 42-year-status old's have been more intense. Some sources claim that the club's owners decided to fire him prior to their travel to West London this evening.

Although Villa first denied those rumours, they have now made it official that Gerrard is leaving the team with immediate effect. Less than an hour and a half after their 3-0 loss to Fulham, which left them only outside the relegation zone on goals scored, the club announced the news in a brief 39-word statement on their official website.

"Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that head coach Steven Gerrard has left the club with immediate effect,"

read the statement.

"We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future."

Only five goals were scored in Villa's past nine Premier League games, and as a result, they are currently 17th in the standings.

After taking over as Villa manager in November of last year,

Gerrard exits with a win percentage of just 32.5%, having won 13, drawn eight, and lost 19 of his 40 games in charge.

His team lost against Fulham 3-0 on Thursday as a result of a deflected goal, a penalty, and an own goal. Douglas Luiz was also dismissed for headbutting Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Just over an hour before his departure was officially announced by the team, Gerrard promised that he would not step down in his post-game interview despite a number of away supporters urging him to do so.

The favourite to follow Gerrard at Villa Park is reportedly former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, however Unai Emery is also rumoured to be on the club's shortlist.

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