TalkSPORT pundit Stuart Pearce believes that Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard still has ‘a lot of trust’ from club officials.

The Lowdown: Manager speculation

Villa have struggled so far this season, which has led to rumours over possible replacements for Gerrard in the Midlands. Reports towards the end of September claimed that Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino have been sounded out as potential successors.

There have reportedly been ongoing discussions when it comes to Gerrard’s future, with some Villa fans booing the side following Monday’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.

The Latest: Pearce’s comments

Pearce, talking to talkSPORT, relayed by Birmingham Live, said that he’s heard Gerrard ‘has a lot of trust from the Villa ownership’ and urged the club to give him more time to develop.

“He’s been in management for a couple of years and I think he served his purpose well by working with the academy at Liverpool first. It shows an element of humbleness from his point of view.

“I still feel as though he has a lot of trust from the (Villa) ownership, that’s what I hear.

“I think he needs time to develop as a manager, I really do. I certainly wouldn’t pull the rug from under him at this moment in time. I think there’s a long way to go.”

The Verdict: Pressure

Villa have struggled in the final third this season, scoring just seven goals in nine Premier League games.

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There have been improvements at the back in recent weeks, but Gerrard’s overall record at Villa Park doesn’t come in for good reading, with the 42-year-old winning just 13 of his 38 games in charge.

His one-year anniversary in the Midlands is fast approaching, but if things don’t improve before the break for the World Cup, NSWE may feel they have no choice but to make a change in the dugout.