On Thursday morning, Aston Villa officially revealed what was happening over the past few hours: Steven Gerrard has returned to the Premier League and is the new head coach of Table 16.

The 41-year-old Liverpool legend is taking a coaching job in the Premier League for the first time. Gerrard will replace Dean Smith, who was released after a recent 1-0 loss by Southampton.

From 2018 and until recently, the 41-year-old has been head coach of Glasgow Rangers, with whom he celebrated the Scottish Championships last season. His contract with Rangers was valid until 2024, but those responsible in Glasgow recently said they would not stand in the way of Gerrard’s return to England. Aston Villa initially did not provide any information about the duration of the contract.

“Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am very proud to be the new head coach. My conversations with Nassef, Wes and the rest of the Board of Directors have shown just how ambitious their plans are for the club. And I look forward to helping them achieve their goals,” Gerard said of his move. The Birmingham club is owned by billionaires Nassef Saviris and Wesley Edens.

Gerrard also thanked Rangers, with whom he made an unbeaten run to the championship: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved with Glasgow Rangers who gave me the opportunity to join such a great football club , which helped Rangers achieve a record – breaking the 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish the players, staff and fans a bright future ahead.