Aston Villa have appointed Steven Gerrard as manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal, ending his three-year reign at Rangers. Gerrard replaces Dean Smith, who was sacked on Sunday after a run of five successive defeats.
The former Liverpool captain leaves the Scottish champions having guided them to a first league title in 10 years last season.
Stevie G takes over a Villa side that are 16th in the Premier League, only two points above the relegation zone.
“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 my conversations with [co-owners] 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.”
Gerrard took his first steps in senior management with Scottish Premiership side Rangers in 2018, and leaves with them four points clear of rivals Celtic at the top of the table.
BBC Sport Scotland understands Villa have paid Rangers £4.5m in compensation.
Speaking after his departure, Gerrard said:
“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.”
Rangers 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.”
Gary McAllister has returned to Aston Villa as new boss Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager. McAllister, who is one of a number of staff to follow new boss Gerrard from Rangers, was assistant to Gerard Houllier at Villa in 2010-11.
Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom, Michael Beale and Scott Mason also join Villa after departing Ibrox.
Austin MacPhee, Aaron Danks and Neil Cutler remain on the coaching team, having worked under Dean Smith.
Beale will share assisting duties alongside McAllister, Culshaw takes up a technical coaching role, Mason will lead the analysis department and Milsom will become head of fitness and conditioning.
