By Safiu Kehinde
Steven Gerrard’s return to the Premier League has been confirmed after he reached a 3-year agreement with Aston Villa who announced him as their new head coach on Thursday.
Following an impressive first managerial experience at Ibrox, the 41-year-old was Aston Villa’s main target after the sack of Dean Smith. He led Rangers to their first League Trophy since 10 years.
Recall Blackbox Nigeria earlier reported the closeness of the deal which, eventually, materialized as Gerrard put pen to paper with the West Midland Club.
In a statement released by Aston Villa’s CEO, Christian Purslow, the club expressed their delight in the arrival of the former Liverpool captain.
“The board of Aston Villa are delighted to appoint Steven as our new head coach,” Purslow said.
The CEO further lauded the achievement of Steven Gerrard at his former club, Glasgow Rangers, describing his achievements as what caught to attention of Villa’s management.
“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,” the statement read further.
In a month’s time, Gerrard will be faced with the task of leading his Villa team against his former club, Liverpool. The ex-midfielder has a potential of coaching Liverpool someday. But his new job will see him plot the defeat of his old team from Anfield’s visitor dugout.
Meanwhile, the Englishman has made his first statement as Aston Villa coach. He commended the club’s long history and their achievements so far.
“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,” he said.
“It was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.”
