Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard leaves Rangers for Aston Villa head coaching job

Aston Villa have appointed Steven Gerrard as their new Head Coach just days after parting company with Dean Smith after a run of five consecutive Premier League defeats.

The 41-year-old former England international who played for Liverpool and LA Galaxy led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title last season as part of an invincible campaign and leaves Ibrox after almost four years in charge.

"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," said Gerrard in an official statement. "In my conversations with 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."

Gerrard has earned rave reviews for his achievements in Scotland with denying bitter rivals Celtic an historic 10th consecutive title and reaching the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League more than once of considerable significance.

"The Board of Aston Villa are delighted to appoint Steven as our new Head Coach," said Villa CEO Christian Purslow. "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 and Wes took over the club in 2018."

Rangers also moved to thank Gerrard for his achievements in Glasgow with Chairman Douglas Park particularly grateful for the restoration job completed: "I would firstly like to put on record my thanks to Steven for his outstanding efforts over the last three-and-a-half years at Rangers," read a statement.

"He has provided us all with some unforgettable moments, not least his delivery of the Scottish Premiership title back to Ibrox last season having not lost a match in the entire league campaign. In European competition, he has restored the good name and credibility of our club on the continent and leaves us in a very healthy position on the pitch."

Meanwhile, Sporting Director Ross Wilson confirmed that Gerrard will be moving to Birmingham with his coaching staff: "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. Personally, I am proud of the work that we have done together along with all the players and staff, and I know Steven shares that pride. We wish Steven nothing but success for his next chapter."

Gerrard takes over a Villa side 16th in the Premier League table after five consecutive defeats but with a talented squad which has yet to benefit from a fully fit roster this season. His first match in charge will be against Brighton and Hove Albion at Villa Park and the Villans travel to Anfield next month to take on Liverpool.