Steven Gerrard appointed Aston Villa manager on a three-and-a-half year deal after ending three-year spell at Rangers

Steven Gerrard has been appointed as Aston Villa’s new manager signing a three-and-a-half-year deal after leaving Rangers.

Gerrard’s hiring was announced on Thursday morning with the 41-year-old ending his three-year reign at Rangers as a result – having led them to their first Scottish title in a decade last year.

The Liverpool legend replaces Dean Smith who was sacked as Villa boss on Sunday after suffering five-straight defeats. His first game in charge will be at home to Brighton in the Premier League on November 20.

Aston Villa job makes Steven Gerrard ‘proud’

Speaking about his new job, Gerrard spoke of his pride at taking over the Midlands outfit before expressing his gratitude to his former employers.

‘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,’ he said.

‘In my conversations with [co-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.’

Rangers moved ‘forward’ under Gerrard

In his three years at Ibrox, Gerrard won 125 of his 193 games in charge as they ended Celtic’s monopoly on the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers are due compensation from Villa for Gerrard’s departure but they were appreciative of Gerrard for restoring them back to the top of Scottish football.

‘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,’ said Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

‘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.’