Steven Gerrard has no regrets over leaving Rangers for Aston Villa Former Rangers assistant Gary McAllister has revealed that Steven Gerrard has no regrets about leaving Ibrox for Aston Villa in 2021, despite the Light Blues' struggles to reclaim the Premiership title since. Celtic have dominated Scottish football in recent years, finishing third in the final 2025 table with 67 points, 21 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses from 33 games, trailing leaders Heart of Midlothian by just 3 points. ## What happened during Gerrard's time at Rangers? Gerrard led Rangers to their first Premiership title in a decade in 2021, ending Celtic's dominance. However, he left for Aston Villa later that year, seeking a challenge in the Premier League. His time at Villa Park was short-lived, as he was sacked after less than a year. He then moved to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq but has been out of work since January 2025. ## Why did Gerrard leave Rangers? According to McAllister, Gerrard saw the move to Aston Villa as an opportunity to progress his coaching career. "Steven felt he could go to Villa and progress his coaching career, and I don’t think he has any regrets," McAllister told the Daily Express. Gerrard was also in talks with Rangers last year but walked away from a potential return. ## What about the 'Covid season' title debate? McAllister dismissed suggestions that Rangers' title win during the Covid-19 pandemic, when fans were locked out of stadiums, was any less valid. "Nothing can take away from the fact that we won the title. Celtic had such a stronghold on it, and we broke their run," he said. ## What's next for Rangers? McAllister backed current Rangers manager Derek McInnes, who took over last year. "I’ve always felt that he was going to be Rangers manager at some point. It’s come, and I think it’s come at the right time as well," he said. Rangers are set to face Dundee United away on December 30, 2026, with Benjamin Nygren currently sidelined.