Couple of things:
Brian Little had a horrible beginning to his management at Villa. We just managed to stay up. He then had the summer to properly implement his style of football and we took off. Feel it could be the same with Gerrard minus the relegation battle.
As for Gerrard. I didnt like him as a player at all. Felt he was too selfish despite all his skills. BUT I didnt like Terry before he arrived at Villa and he was great for us. Im not basing my views now on Gerrard as a player as he never played for us, I base my thoughts on Gerrard as a Manager.
But as a Manager that Selfish desire to win is exactly what we need. I really like Deano but he doesnt come across as driven and determined as Gerrard.
Gerrard in a way reminds me of Ron Saunders. Driven, single minded, my way or piss off and doesnt take any shit. People might forget but Ron had failed at Man City before he came in at Villa. Villa was his 3rd club in three Seasons, Norwich being the other.