Alan Hutton: Stan Collymore wrong to hit out at Aston Villa chief Christian Purslow
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton has hit back at Stan Collymore after his comments suggesting Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa appointment was a “vanity pick” by Christian Purslow.
Villa have endured a tough start to their Premier League campaign and currently sit one place outside the relegation zone on four points.
Collymore took to Twitter (28 August) after West Ham’s win at Villa Park and suggested that Purslow “ignored a plethora of quality coaches” before appointing Gerrard.
However, Hutton doesn’t agree with the sometimes outspoken pundit.
“No I don’t [agree] and I know that Collymore comes out with the odd controversial opinion now and then but I don’t agree with it,” Hutton said exclusively to Villa News.
“Christian Purslow is his own man and I’ve known him for a long time and he only wants the club to do well.
“For me when you look at Steven Gerrard after what he did at Rangers I think he was the right guy and right fit for the job.
“I think Michael Beale leaving and going to QPR was a massive loss for him and he’s still coming to terms with that as well.
“So there’s been issues along with but if he gets given the time I am sure he can turn it around.”
The pressure was somewhat eased on Gerrard after Villa picked up a needed point against champions Manchester City in their last Premier League outing on Saturday evening (3 September).
Villa will be looking to kickstart their season when they face a trip to bottom place Leicester City in their next fixture.
In other Aston Villa news, £30million worth of shares have been pumped into the club to ensure any debts can be cleared heading into the meat of the season.