Following his departure from Rangers, Steven Gerrard has been named manager of Aston Villa. Dean Smith was fired following five straight defeats and was replaced by the former Liverpool and England midfielder.
Gerrard has been the manager of Rangers since June 2018 and led them to the Scottish Premiership title last season. As they prepare for the League Cup semi-final against Hibernian on Sunday week, he leaves with the club kit.
Gerrard has been identified as Villa’s primary target as they aim to rise out of 16th place, two points above the relegation zone, after finishing 11th last season. Gerrard’s first match will be against Brighton at home a week from Saturday.
On December 11, the former Liverpool captain will lead Villa to Anfield. Christian Purslow, the chief executive of Villa, served as Liverpool’s managing director for a period of years while Gerrard was there.
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 [the owners] Nassef [Sawiris], Wes [Edens], 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.”