What they said ...

“Steven and his backroom staff have ensured that the club is undoubtedly in a better place today than it was three-and-ahalf years ago.

“I know how much it meant to Steven that our 55th league championship was achieved last season, and alongside an excellent European record across his tenure, we have had some truly memorable days and nights.

“Personally, I am proud of the work that we have done together along with all of the players and staff, and I know Steven shares that pride. We wish Steven nothing but success for his next chapter.” Ross Wilson, Rangers sporting director

“I’d like to thank the gaffer, Gary McAllister, Micheal Beale, Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom and Scott Mason for everything they have done for me personally, for my family, my team and our club.

“We’ve achieved so much together. We as a team have grown, we demanded more from one and another, but most importantly we’ve developed into better players and better people. The club is in a better place, of that I have no doubt.

“The cherished moments will be forever special… bringing home 55. Now we as a team will be fully focused on the next chapter that’s to come.” James Tavernier, Rangers captain

“I think it’s a good deal for both but maybe better for Gerrard in some ways.

“When you go to the Premier League for the first time as a manager to get a job as big as Villa is fantastic for Stevie, it really is.

“No manager is ever going to get one of the plum jobs on the back of what he has done at Rangers.

“I think he would have loved to have added another league title and they were in a great position to do that.

“I don’t think going from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is a decision, and that’s unfortunate for Rangers and Celtic who are two of the biggest clubs anywhere.”

Jamie Carragher, former team-mate at Liverpool

“I always thought Steven would only leave for Liverpool but unfortunately Villa came calling. It has happened quick and I think for both clubs it is good that it has happened quick.

“I know a lot of people who are disappointed like me, and unlike myself a lot of angry people because we know what we are losing really.

“In the fullness of time Steven’s tenure will be looked at as a major success. Bringing 55 titles to the club and stopping the nearest rivals doing what they wanted to do.

“I’m sure if Steven had his way he would have wanted to wait until the end of the season but unfortunately he couldn’t make that decision.”

Stuart McCall, former Rangers manager

“Steven has always had fantastic leadership qualities. I’d have been 30 when he first came into the England squad around Euro 2000; he was always a talent but he always had great drive.

“We know the number of games that he’s led for club and country where he made the difference in really important moments. He’s had a fabulous start to his managerial career. He leaves one massive football club to join another.

“I’m sure it’s a challenge that he is looking forward to, it’s a great opportunity for him and a chance to test himself in a league where every week there is a different sort of high-level challenge.”

Gareth Southgate, England manager

“There’s no doubt about it, Steven is not only moving to a better league but the best league in world football, so that I totally understand.

“I still think it is a gamble. It is a gamble for both parties. It is a gamble for Villa as he’s untried and tested in that particular league.

“It’s a gamble for Steven as we are all surmising that he wants the Liverpool job and if he does, and I genuinely hope he gets it if that’s his wish and dream, then he’s going to have to be a success at Aston Villa. Really interesting times ahead.” Ally McCoist, former Rangers manager

“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.”

Douglas Park, Rangers chairman