Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard suffered a 'huge blow' when Michael Beale left Villa Park in favour of the Queens Park Rangers job in the summer, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

The Midlands giants have only registered two wins from their opening 10 Premier League matches of the campaign, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone.

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What's the latest news involving Beale?

Having followed Gerrard from Scottish giants Rangers after his appointment as head coach last November, Beale walked away from Villa during the close season.

The 42-year-old was unveiled as QPR's new head coach in June and has already enjoyed an eye-catching start to his Loftus Road reign.

Beale has led his side to within a point of Championship table-toppers Burnley and won seven of 15 matches in charge so far.

But it seems he could be in line for a quickfire return to the Midlands as, according to the Express & Star, Gerrard's former assistant is being considered for the head coach vacancy at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The report suggests Beale is on a shortlist of candidates put together by the Molineux hierarchy since Bruno Lage was sacked earlier this month, but an approach has not been made yet.

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What has Ashley Preece said about Beale?

Preece believes Beale's decision to leave Gerrard's side and take over at QPR has had an impact on Villa's early season form.

The journalist feels the players are still adapting to the ideas of former Blackpool chief Neil Critchley, who was appointed as the club's new assistant head coach hours after Beale's departure.

Preece told GIVEMESPORT: "I think it's been a really slow start to the season for Villa and Gerrard to say the least.

"Gerrard said after the Southampton win that maybe a more pragmatic approach is needed. He also alluded to the fact that losing Michael Beale in the summer, his right-hand man, was a huge blow.

"The players are trying to adapt to Neil Critchley's ideas now as well, which hasn't helped."

Is Gerrard at risk of the sack at Villa?

According to Birmingham Live, Gerrard is on thin ice and could have just two games to save his job after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend.

The report suggests the 42-year-old, who won the Scottish Premiership title while in charge of Rangers, may be sacked if positive results are not picked up against Fulham and Brentford.

Gerrard has led Villa to just 13 wins from 39 matches at the helm and suffered 18 defeats in the process.

The form has not improved despite being allowed to spend more than £60million on strengthening his squad during the summer transfer window, so the pressure is continuing to grow.

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