LONDON: Former Liverpool captain and England Steven Gerrard was confirmed as the new manager of Aston Villa on Thursday because the 41-year-old player ended his three and a half years with Rangers.
Gerrard appeared as a favorite for Villa’s work after the Midlands club fired the manager Dean Smith after running five times the Premier League in a row.
In a statement, Club CEO Christian Purslow said “Ambition, Philosophy and Gerrard Value” fits the club.
Gerrard was responsible for the Rangers for three and a half years and last season solved the tiring nine-year domination of Celtic to lead the Ibrox club to the 55th Scottish title behind the unbeaten league campaign.
Villa will be the first senior training role of Gerrard South Border and the former midfielder, which plays more than 700 matches for Liverpool between 1998 and 2015 and won nine trophies at Anfield Club, said he was proud of being appointed.
“Aston Villa is a club with a history and rich tradition in English football and I am very proud to be his new head coach,” Gerrard said in a statement.
“In my conversation with (owner) Nassef (Sawiris), Wes (Edens) and the whole board, it was clear how ambitious their plans for the club and I hope to help them achieve their goals.” Losing the Villa form recently left them in 16th position at the table and only two points from the relegation zone.
While Gerrard was never trained in the Premier League, he was responsible for the Liverpool academy for a while and helped develop some young club talents.
Purlow said that Gerrard’s extraordinary work in Rangers made him a prominent candidate.
“He made a brave decision to test himself in an intense and depressed environment from the old Scottish company,” said Purslow.
“His next achievement in winning a Premiership title with Glasgow Rangers really attracted our attention as his experience in Europe.” It was very clear in our discussion with him that Steven’s ambitions, philosophy, and values were fully suitable for Aston Villa.
“Gerrard is the first major appointment because the club owner taken by the Club club in 2018,” Purslow added.
Gerrard’s departure from Rangers was a blow for Glasgow club even though it was hardly surprising because he always expressed his desire to test himself in the Premier League.
In a statement of Chairman of Rangers Douglas Park thanked Gerrard to recover the club to recover the club back on Scottish football after a chaotic decade where they were reduced to the lower level after financial destruction and bankruptcy.
“He has given us all some unforgettable moments, no exception to the title of the Scottish Premier League back to Ibrox last season after not losing a match in all league campaigns,” he said.
“In European competition, he has returned the good name and credibility of our club on the continent and left us in a very healthy position in the field.” Gerrard thanked Rangers for giving him the opportunity to start his managerial career.
“Helping them secure the 55th league title that breaks the record will always hold a special place in my heart.
I want to expect the best players, staff, and supporters for the future,” he said.
The first villa match under Gerrard will be at home for Brighton on November 20.
Gerrard appointed Aston Villa Manager after leaving Rangers
