ALLY MCCOIST reckons the loss of Michael Beale to his coaching team is playing a part in Steven Gerrard's current form at Aston Villa.

Villa’s 1-0 home defeat to West Ham on Sunday was their third in four Premier League games this season, and the former England captain appeared to be booed by some fans as he walked towards the tunnel at the final whistle.

McCoist has backed Gerrard to turn things around, but he does believe the loss of Beale has played a major part in Villa's downturn.

The former Rangers assistant moved to QPR as he took on his first position as a manager in his own right.

McCoist told on talkSPORT: "It's got to have some effect, there's no doubt about it.

"He was part of his team - Michael, Steven and Gary McAllister. They were very successful (at Rangers).

"They had their own wee unit within the team to manage and coach at the club.

"When you lose somebody who is an important part of your setup, it's clearly going to have an effect on you.

"But i'm not sure it's JUST that. I don't think it's just that at all.

"He will be missing Beale, of course he will, but I wouldn't be putting that just down to the results."