Villa confirm Steven Gerrard as Head Coach
The 41-year-old has been selected as Dean Smith's replacement
Last updated 11th Nov 2021
Aston Villa have confirmed Steven Gerrard as new Head Coach, after the club parted ways with Dean Smith at the weekend.
The 41-year-old Liverpool legend joins from Rangers, where he guided the club to the Scottish Premiership title last season.
Rangers was Gerrard's first job in senior management after finishing his playing career at Liverpool following the 2014-15 season.
Villa CEO, Christian Purslow 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.”
Steven Gerrard 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 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.”
Steven Gerrard's career timeline
1st Liverpool Debut
Steven Gerrard made his first-team appearance for his boyhood club Liverpool on 29 November 1998, as a last-minute sub against Blackburn Rovers.
Winning the Champions League
Scoring 120 goals in 504 appearances for Liverpool, as well as earning over 100 caps for England, Gerrard became one of English football's most influential players.
In 17 seasons at Anfield, Gerrard won numerous domestic and European trophies including, most famously, the Champions League in 2005.
Joining LA Galaxy
Gerrard's final appearance for Liverpool came on 16 May 2015. He joined MLS club LA Galaxy for 18 months, where he brought his illustrious playing career to an end.
Managing Rangers
After returning to Liverpool as under-18 coach for the 2017-18 season, Gerrard joined Scottish Premiership Club Rangers as manager.
Gerrard won a league title for the first time last season, guiding Rangers to top spot as undefeated champions.
Aston Villa Head Coach
Steven Gerrard officially joins Aston Villa as head coach on 11 November 2021. He replaces former manager Dean Smith, who led Villa back to the Premier League in 2018.
It's Gerrard's first senior management role in England.
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