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Gerrard: Mings lost Villa captaincy so he can 'focus more on his own game'

Matthew Ashton - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty

England regular Tyrone Mings is no longer Aston Villa captain after head coach Steven Gerrard decided relieving him of the duty would allow him "to focus more on his own game."

Midfielder John McGinn officially took the captain's armband from Mings on Wednesday, while Emiliano Martinez was named vice-captain. Ashley Young, the veteran who returned to Villa last summer after spells with Manchester United and Inter Milan, will assume the role of club captain.

"Naturally, I have had to have a discussion with Tyrone Mings and have explained my reasons for making this decision," Gerrard said. "More importantly, I believe that not having the responsibility of the captaincy will allow Tyrone to focus more on his own game, which can only benefit him and the team."

Mings responded to the news on Twitter:

Mings initially joined Villa on loan in January 2019 before joining on a permanent basis the following summer. He inherited the captaincy from Jack Grealish last summer and has 17 England caps.

Gerrard added on McGinn taking the captaincy: "John has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the captaincy through his performances on the pitch combined with his attitude and application in training. He is a popular member of the dressing room who sets high standards and expectations of himself."

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