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Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

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‘Face-to-face’: Steven Gerrard is really happy with 29-year-old Aston Villa man after recent conversation with him

Milo Clay
Milo Clay

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard recently made the big call to strip Tyrone Mings of the captaincy, but .

Gerrard recently took the captain’s armband from Mings and handed it to midfielder John McGinn.

The 29-year-old was originally made captain by former manager Dean Smith last summer after Jack Grealish joined Manchester City.

Just a year later, Mings has now lost the armband but Gerrard is delighted with the player’s response.

FBL-ENG-PR-BURNLEY-ASTON VILLA
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Gerrard is happy with Mings

: “I think it’s been really smooth and I think that’s credit to Tyrone’s reaction.

“I spoke to Tyrone first before I spoke to anyone else, face-to-face. I gave him my reasons as to why, some of them will remain private, I think that’s fair.”

The England international has clearly reacted positively to his boss’ decision and even congratulated McGinn on social media after the announcement.

Gerrard also explained his reasoning behind the change as he faced the media before Villa’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth tomorrow.

“I inherited Tyrone as the captain when I took this job in November and I always wanted to name a full time captain,” he added. “I wanted that to be my captain and my decision. 

“I analysed the group and really closely on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy and content with my decision that I’ve gone with John McGinn.”

Stade Rennais v Aston Villa - Friendly Match
Photo by Aurelien Meunier – AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

The former Liverpool man seems happy with his decision to hand the Scottish midfielder the armband ahead of the new season and will hope it pays off.

Mings’ form has dipped slightly over the past season and the defender may benefit from less responsibility in the team.

McGinn is also no stranger to the role as he has previously pulled on the armband while representing Scotland and seems like a great fit for the role at Villa.