It's all his fault apparently....

The latest, albeit incredibly tenuous, argument in favour of keeping Gerrard is that Dean Smith was fortunate enough to have a player in his squad that Gerrard does not. And as a result Gerrard couldn’t be expected to be as good as Smith.

That’s not exactly a particularly relevant or convincing argument with its tortured logic but when that player is Jack Grealish people, as ever, get excited.

So let’s take a look:

Without Grealish, Dean Smith’s record from Villa’s return to the top flight in 2019-20, including the first season with a series of Premier League novices, to his sacking in November 2021 was:

* Loss Rate 39%

* Points Per Game 1.30

Gerrard’s record - without Grealish but with a matured Premier League squad is - you guessed it - significantly worse.

* Loss Rate 48%

* Points Per Game 1.23

There really is no argument. Grealish or no Grealish, Smith or no Smith, Gerrard isn’t cutting it.

Fans with short memories can choose to knock Dean Smith if they wish but there is no getting away from the reality of the situation Purslow and Gerrard have placed the club in.