November 11, (THEWILL) – Steven Gerrard has been named the new head coach of Aston Villa, capping off a highly successful three years at Rangers.
The former Liverpool and England captain replaces Dean Smith, who was fired over the weekend following the club’s fifth consecutive defeat at Southampton.
The contract’s duration has not been disclosed, but it is expected to run for two and a half years. It is Gerrard’s first managerial job in the Premier League, a league so closely associated with the ex-midfielder that he was one of the inaugural eight inductees into the Hall of Fame.
After a decade of domination by Old Firm rivals Celtic, the 41-year-old has proven to be a smart manager at Rangers, leading them to their first Scottish Premiership victory in ten years.
Last season, he swept Scotland’s manager of the year honours, and the club is on track to duplicate that feat this season, sitting four points ahead at the top of the table.
About his new employers, the ex-Liverpool captain 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 (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.”
Gerrard arrives at Villa to take charge of a side in dire need of a lift. The club is only two points above the relegation zone, and his first game in charge will be on November 20 at home against Brighton & Hove Albion.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
