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– Aston Villa have appointed Steven Gerrard as the club’s new manager, the Premier League side announced on Thursday.
– The former Liverpool and England midfielder takes over from Dean Smith, who was sacked on Nov. 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.
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– “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.”
– Gerrard has put pen to paper on a 3 and half year deal at Villa Park.
– 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.
– “He then took the brave decision to test himself in the intense and high pressured environment of the Scottish Old Firm. His subsequent achievement in winning the Premiership title with Glasgow Rangers really caught our eye as did his experience in Europe.
– “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 the 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.
– 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 Nov. 20. He will then make a return to Anfield to face Liverpool on Dec. 11 for the first time during his managerial career.
