Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been confirmed as the new manager of Aston Villa.
Villa had been looking for a new boss after dismissing Dean Smith at the weekend, following a run of five consecutive defeats in the Premier League.
Gerrard’s appointment comes after spending more than three years with Glasgow Rangers, during which time he helped them win their first Scottish premiership title in a decade.
The former Liverpool captain has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Villa Park, in what will be his second major job in senior football management.
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Liverpool are due to take on Villa in the Premier League on December 11 at Anfield, in what will be Gerrard’s first return in a professional capacity since leaving the club as a player in 2015.
Gerrard already has managerial experience at Liverpool on his CV, having spent the 2017/18 season managing the club’s Under-18 side, where he took players like Curtis Jones under his wing.
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.”
