Aston Villa boss Gerrard introducing 'unit coaches' to squad training

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Aston Villa boss Gerrard introducing 'unit coaches' to squad training

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has plans to introduce a new coaching approach.

Ahead of his first match as Villa boss, against Brighton at Villa Park on Saturday, Gerrard has promised to implement new training methods and style of play as he tries to build on the work done by Dean Smith.

One of his first moves will be to assign individual coaches to different roles. At Rangers, Tom Culshaw took charge of the defenders, Gary McAllister the midfielders and Michael Beale the forwards, with Gerrard overseeing everything.

The 'unit coaches' are responsible not only for guiding their groups of players in training, but also their preparation for sessions and matches, and ensuring they understand what is required to improve.

Beale explained earlier this year: "It's about having each coach looking at five or six different players.

"They can have individual conversations with them before and after sessions, and during sessions. If you can manage the person, you can develop the player and that improves the team."