Aston Villa appoint Steven Gerrard as their new manager

He won Scottish Premiership with Rangers in 2021 without suffering defeat

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Steven Gerrard was named the new Aston Villa head coach on Thursday to replace former manager Dean Smith.

Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow said the board members of the club are delighted with the appointment of Gerrard.

"It has been very clear in our discussions with him that Steven’s coaching ambitions, philosophy and values entirely match those of Aston Villa," Purslow added.

Gerrard said he is proud to be the new head coach of Aston Villa which has a rich history and tradition in the English football.

The 41-year-old ended his three-year managerial career in Scotland where he won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers in 2021 without suffering defeat.

Liverpool legend Gerrard bagged 504 English Premier League appearances to score 120 goals for the Reds between 1998 and 2015.

Gerrard helped Liverpool win the 2001 UEFA Cup and the 2005 UEFA Champions League.

He was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in May.

The appointment of Gerrard came shortly after Dean Smith was sacked due to the club's poor performance with a run of five straight losses in the league.

Aston Villa have 10 points in 11 league matches.

Gerrard's first match as Aston Villa manager will be against Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on Nov. 20.

He will take Aston Villa to visit Liverpool at Anfield in a Premier League match on Dec. 11.

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