Gerrard appointed Aston Villa boss

Steven Gerrard has been appointed as the new Aston Villa head coach on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The former Liverpool midfielder left his role as Rangers manager to replace Dean Smith, who was sacked last weekend after a run of five successive defeats.

Compensation of between GBP3.25-4m agreed with the Scottish champions for Gerrard and his assistant Gary McAllister.

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.”

Gerrard, 41, had been in charge of Rangers since June 2018 and led the club to the Scottish Premiership title last season, ending Celtic’s nine-year reign as champions.

Villa sit 16th in the Premier League table, two points above the relegation zone after 11 games of their campaign.

Gerrard’s first match in charge is set to be the Premier League match against Brighton on November 20.

The former Liverpool captain had dinner with Villa chief executive Christian Purslow in London on Wednesday night.

Purslow said: “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.

“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.”

Rangers express gratitude to Gerrard

Rangers said they “flourished” under Gerrard’s management and helped build “outstanding, highly competitive playing squad which is capable of both winning and entertaining on all fronts”.

Chairman Douglas Park said: “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.

“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.”

Gerrard’s in-tray: The issues for him to sort at Villa

Villa have appointed Gerrard but what is top of the agenda for the new man at Villa Park?

From gelling new signings, sorting out the defence, promoting youth and connecting with the fans, we leaf through Gerrard’s in-tray…

Aston Villa fixtures: Liverpool reunion looms

November 20: Aston Villa vs Brighton – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

November 27: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

December 1: Aston Villa vs Man City – Premier League, 8.15pm

December 5: Aston Villa vs Leicester – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

December 11: Liverpool vs Aston Villa – Premier League, kick-off 3pm

December 14: Norwich vs Aston Villa – Premier League, 7.45pm