Steven Gerrard
Aston Villa have appointed Steven Gerrard as the club’s new manager, the Premier League side announced yesterday.
The former Liverpool and England midfielder takes over from Dean Smith, who was sacked on November 7 following a run of five consecutive defeats in the league.
“Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new head coach,” Gerrard said of his appointment. “In my conversations with Nassef, Wes and the rest of the board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club. Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”
Villa CEO Christian Purslow added: “The board of Aston Villa are delighted to appoint Steven as our new head coach. Since moving into coaching after his illustrious playing career, Steven began by managing and developing top young players in the Liverpool FC Academy which is experience we value highly at Aston Villa.
“It has been very clear in our discussions with him that Steven’s coaching ambitions, philosophy and values entirely match those of Aston Villa. We are excited he has agreed to lead us in the next phase of our ambitious plans as we look to build on the progress made since Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens took over the club in 2018.”
Gerrard departs Scottish champions after guiding the club to their first league title in 10 years last season, as well as the club’s first ever unbeaten league campaign.
He leaves Ibrox after a three-and-a-half year spell in charge, in what was his first senior managerial position since he retired from playing in 2016.
Gerrard, 41, who made over 500 Premier League appearances across 17 seasons for Liverpool, will take charge of his first Villa match at home to Brighton on November 20.