Steven Gerrard announced: Aston Villa confirm former Liverpool & England midfielder Gerrard as new Head Coach

Aston Villa have confirmed Steven Gerrard as their new Head Coach.

The former Liverpool and England midfielder leaves Rangers, who he guided to their first league title in a decade last season to make a return to the Premier League with Villa.

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At a glance: 5 key points

• Steven Gerrard is the new manager of Aston Villa, succeeding Dean Smith who was sacked last week.
• Gerrard was the manager of Rangers for just over three years - finishing with a 64.77% win percentage.
• He guided the Gers to a first league title in a decade and did so with an historic unbeaten campaign in 2020/21.
• The Aston Villa job is just Gerrard’s second in management.
• Gerrard’s backroom staff at Rangers — Gary McAllister, Michael Beale, Tommy Culshaw and Jordan Milsom — are expected to follow him to Villa Park.

What’s been said

Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow

“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.”

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard

“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.”

Rangers Chairman, Douglas Park

“I would firstly like to put on record my thanks to Steven for his outstanding efforts over the last three-and-a-half years at Rangers.

“He has provided us all with some unforgettable moments, not least his delivery of the Scottish Premiership title back to Ibrox last season having not lost a match in the entire league campaign.

“In European competition, he has restored the good name and credibility of our club on the continent and leaves us in a very healthy position on the pitch.”

Rangers Sporting Director, Ross Wilson

“Firstly I want to say thank you to Steven for the work, dedication and professionalism with which he has diligently carried out the role of Rangers Manager.

“Steven and his backroom staff have ensured that the club is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was three-and-a-half years ago. I joined Steven on that journey just over two years ago and from the first day we met, I have enjoyed all aspects of our partnership.

“We have shared a desire to move Rangers forward, to modernise our infrastructure and to make the club win again. There have been so many areas that we have moved forward, and there is still so much to be done, but I can’t stress enough how important it has been to have with us a first team manager who shared a drive and desire to set standards and move the whole football operation forward.

“I know how much it meant to Steven that our 55th league championship was achieved last season, and alongside an excellent European record across his tenure, we have had some truly memorable days and nights. Personally, I am proud of the work that we have done together along with all of the players and staff, and I know Steven shares that pride. We wish Steven nothing but success for his next chapter.”

Background

Aston Villa have moved quick to appoint a new manager following the sacking of former Head Coach Dean Smith on 7th November.

Steven Gerrard leaves Rangers with the club top of the SPL to join Villa who are currently struggling in the Premier League.

Gerrard’s first game in charge of the club will come at Villa Park on 20th November, when they take on Brighton after the international break.

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