Villa board impressed with feats at home and abroad

CHRISTIAN PURSLOW , inset, admits Steven Gerrard’s achievements at home and abroad with Rangers were the key factors behind his decision to bring him to Aston Villa.

Gerrard has returned to the Premier League three and a half years after leaving Liverpool to make the move to Ibrox and will take over from Dean Smith as Villa boss.

The 41-year-old guided Rangers to an unbeaten Premiership campaign last term as a historic 55th title was secured but has now made the decision to quit just months after clinching his first medal as a manager.

Gerrard leaves the champions on the brink of a place in the Europa League knockout rounds for a third successive season as they prepare for their showdown with Sparta Prague later this month.

He will now be tasked with moving Villa up the Premier League standings after a difficult start to the season and chief executive Purslow has no doubt Gerrard has all the necessary skills to grow his reputation south of the border.

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.”