Aston Villa appoint Steven Gerrard as Head Coach

Steven Gerrard is now the Head Coach of Premier League team Aston Villa, he signed a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Last season, Gerrard led Glasgow Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title, with the team being undefeated in the league.

The 41-year-old has won many fans in the game for his efforts in reviving the Glasgow giants’ fortunes while also establishing an appealing, attacking style of play.

Gerrard, who had an illustrious playing career with Liverpool and England, joins Rangers in 2018 after working as an Academy Coach with the Reds.

Aston Villa appoint Steven Gerrard as Head Coach, this was confirmed by Villa on their official website.

READ ASTON VILLA STATEMENT ON GERRARD’S APPOINTMENT…

CEO Christian Purslow said: “The Board of Aston Villa is delighted to appoint Steven Gerrard 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.”

STEVEN GERRARD SPEAKS ON HIS NEW ROLE…

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.”

RANGERS SHOW APPRECIATION TO GERRARD…

Rangers said they “flourished” under Gerrard’s management and helped build “outstanding, highly competitive playing squad which is capable of both winning and entertaining on all fronts”.

Chairman Douglas Park said: “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.”

Gerrard took to Instagram shortly after confirmation of his move to Villa Park to address the Rangers fans and said he hopes supporters would understand his decision to leave Glasgow.

“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone associated with Glasgow Rangers, especially the fans, for the love and support you’ve all shown me during my time in Scotland,” his post said.

“Winning ’55’ will always hold a special place in my heart – each and every one of you played a part in that and, believe me, there will be many more to come.

“I hope in time you can understand and accept my decision to move on but I honestly fell in love with the club and will always follow the team.

“Once a Ranger, always a Ranger #55.”

A FORMER TEAMMATE IN LIVERPOOL CARRAGHER HAS THIS TO SAY…

“I think it’s a good deal for both parties, but maybe more for Steven Gerrard in some ways. It’s his first job in the Premier League, and to get a job as big as Aston Villa for your first job is fantastic. It gives him a real opportunity to push for European places.

“No manager is ever going to get one of the real plum jobs, so to get Aston Villa, one of the biggest clubs in the country who I class a top-10 club at least, I’d say it’s a good deal and a great job for Stevie.

“It would have been a difficult decision because of the timing, I think Stevie would have loved to have won another title and ended four years at Ibrox having won the league twice.

“The fact it’s halfway through a season and he’s straight into things at Villa may have torn him, but in terms of going from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League, I just don’t think there is a decision, and that is just unfortunate for Rangers and Celtic, two of the biggest clubs anywhere.

“This isn’t about how big Villa is compared to Rangers, it’s about how big the Premier League is compared to the Scottish Premiership. It’s night and day, and any player or manager who gets the opportunity to move to the Premier League would take it.

“When a Premier League club comes calling, certainly the one of the size of Aston Villa, it’s a no-brainer.”

NEXT UP FOR VILLA…

Aston Villa is at home against in-form Brighton on November 20th at 3 pm kick-off. This will be Steven Gerrard first game in charge of struggling Villa.