5 managers in the running to replace Dean Smith at Aston Villa including Gerrard

Aston Villa have sacked manager Dean Smith less than 24 hours after their 1-0 defeat by Southampton.

The former Brentford manager was relieved of his duties after three seasons, as Villa are currently sitting just two points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Big things were expected of Smith's side, after they invested the £100m gained from the sale of Jack Grealish on Leon Bailey, Danny Ings, and Emiliano Buendia.

Any momentum from their surprise 1-0 away victory against Manchester United in September has since dissipated, as they went on to lose their next five matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves, Arsenal, West Ham, and the Saints.

With Villa courting potential successors to Smith, Mirror Sports takes a look at five managers in the running to take over the reins at Villa Park...

Steven Gerrard

HAVE YOUR SAY! What does Arteta need to do with Arsenal's strikers? Have your say in the comments section

The former Liverpool captain is a Rangers icon, having brought the Scottish Championship back to Ibrox for the first time in 10 years.

Not only did he end Celtic's dominance over Scottish football, he also did so without losing a single league match; which is some achievement given this is Gerrard's first managerial job.

Rangers are currently on course to win the League for the second time, currently leading their fierce rivals by one point.

However, similarly to Lampard, he has been linked with numerous moves to the Premier League in recent seasons, including Newcastle, and Villa could be a tough job to turn down if he was approached.

John Terry

The former Chelsea and Aston Villa defender was Villa's assistant manager up until this summer.

Terry resigned from his position as Smith's right-hand man to focus on his own ambitions of becoming a manager.

He was a key part of Villa's recent success which saw them return to the Premier League in 2019 and successfully maintain their positions.

The five-time Premier League winner knows the Villa structure and squad inside and out, but would this be the right time for him to embark on his first managerial venture?

Frank Lampard

Terry's former team mate has been in the managerial wilderness since his ruthless sacking by Chelsea in January.

Despite Thomas Tuchel's exceptional achievements since taking over, the Blues' legend's sacking was considered harsh considering the fact he steered Chelsea into the top four and to the FA Cup Final while under a transfer ban.

Lampard has often been speculated with vacant managerial positions at clubs such as Crystal Palace and Newcastle.

However, with the current crop of talent at Villa Park as well as their illustrious history, Lampard may be enticed by the prospect of replacing Smith.

Nuno Espirito Santo

The Portuguese boss is likely still licking his wounds from a turbulent four months as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Santo was sacked by Spurs after a limp 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United in the previous game week.

However, his previous achievements as Wolves manager should not be forgotten, despite his disastrous spell in North London.

Similarly to Smith at Villa, Santo got Wolves promoted into the Premier League, solidified their top-flight status, and also led them to the quarter-finals of the 2020 Europa League.

He has a track record of keeping teams away from the relegation zone, as well as driving them up the table - he could be in a strong place to takeover the reins at Villa park, if he is ready for a swift return to the Premier League.

Lucien Favre

The former Borussia Dortmund manager has been out of work since departing the Signal Iduna Park in December 2020.

He boasts managerial experience in the Bundesliga with Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach, as well Ligue One side Nice.

The Switzerland-born coach reportedly turned down advances from Crystal Palace in June, and he was also linked with a move to Newcastle United at the end of October.

Favre is evidently waiting for the right opportunity at the right time - could Villa be that right club at the right time?