(Football news) Premier League club Aston Villa has confirmed the appointment of Steven Gerrard as their new manager on a three and a half year contract, with the former Liverpool captain leaving Scottish club Rangers after three and a half years in charge, winning the league last season and remaining undefeated. The appointment comes following the dismissal of Dean Smith last Sunday, who had been with the club since 2018 and brought them back to England’s top flight.
Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow said: “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 pressure 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.”
Steven Gerrard said: “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. 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.”
A compensation of around £3.25-4m has been agreed between the two clubs for Villa to avail the services of Steven Gerrard and his assistant Gary McAllister. The club are currently 16th in the Premier League table, having endured five successive defeats and are two points above the relegation zone. Gerrard’s first match in charge of the club will be against Brighton on November 20th.
