Steven Gerrard confirmed as new Aston Villa manager as Liverpool legend leaves Rangers
Posted Friday, November 12, 2021 by Express.co.uk
Steven Gerrard is to leave Rangers after three years in charge at Ibrox.
Steven Gerrard has been confirmed as the new Aston Villa manager after the Liverpool legend left his post at Rangers. The Scottish club released a statement on Thursday morning which read: "Rangers can today announce the departure of manager Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa. Rangers Football Club would like to put on record their thanks to Steven and his staff and wish them every success in the future. They will always be welcome at Ibrox."
Steven Gerrard has been confirmed as the new Aston Villa manager (Image: Getty)
And shortly afterwards Villa themselves confirmed the news, saying they were "delighted" with the appointment.
Villa CEO Christian Purlow said: “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.”
Gerrard himself added: “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 were clearly gutted to see Gerrard leave, with sporting director Ross Wilson saying: "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.
Steven Gerrard has been at Rangers since 2018 (Image: Getty)
"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.”
Gerrard's first game in charge of Villa will come after the international break when they take on Brighton.
And he will be tasked with turning around their fortunes quickly, with Villa having lost their last five Premier League games in a row.
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