Aston Villa fans react to appointment of ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard

The 41-year-old has left Rangers after three-and-a-half years in charge of the Ibrox side.

Reaction from fans at his new club have been mixed, with Gerrard facing an uphill struggle to win them over as he replaces club legend Dean Smith.

Many feel that retaining Smith would have been a better option than getting in the man who led Rangers to their 55th league title last season.

Welcome Steven Gerrard. Although I do believe Dean Smith should not of been sacked. Our players are ultimately responsible on the pitch, and they need to take a hard look at themselves and ask have they played to the best of their ability lately 🤔

— Sharon (@SharonFabo) November 11, 2021

Ollie Powell said: “Best option given the circumstances. Mind you, should never have been in the predicament of appointing a manager in the first place…”

Another fan said: “Smith shouldn't have been sacked. But now that he's gone, we've done well to appoint someone so quickly.

“Gerrard has a lot of good qualities and will bring an exciting brand of football. Not sure he's an upgrade on DS but we can certainly do a lot worse.”

Of the options linked with the job though, Villa fans appear to be pleased it was Gerrard who was selected.

Bad decision. Dean didn’t do anything wrong. Was always gonna struggle as jack left. Gerrard gonna use AV as a stepping stone waiting for Liverpool job. I will happily eat humble pie if I’m wrong but can’t see it 😕

— Lizz B (@MissLizzBatten) November 11, 2021

One fan said: “He might have to play himself centre mid! Interested to see how he gets on…happy it's him instead of a few of the other candidates being mentioned!”

While darts professional and Villa fan Matthew Edgar tweeted: “Never thought I’d see the day Gerrard in the Villa colours. Well other than Fifa of course.”

However, others are concerned the Liverpool legend will use the club as a steppingstone back to his boyhood club.

One tweeted: “Bad decision. Dean didn’t do anything wrong. Was always gonna struggle as Jack left. Gerrard gonna use Villa as a stepping stone waiting for Liverpool job.

Happy. It's been done quickly. I didn't mind really who got it but getting him in within 7 days was a good effort.

— EllVill1874 (@vill1874) November 11, 2021

“I will happily eat humble pie if I’m wrong but can’t see it.”

Steven Gerrard’s message to Rangers after Aston Villa appointment

Steven Gerrard said: “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.

“In my conversations with Nassef, Wes 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.

Credit: PA

“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 statement on Steven Gerrard

Rangers announced Gerrard’s departure just after 10am this morning.

A club statement reads: "Rangers can today announce the departure of manager Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa.

"Gerrard moves to the Midlands club having played a key role in the significant growth of the Light Blues in numerous areas during his three-and-a-half years at Ibrox.

"Rangers now has an outstanding, highly competitive playing squad which is capable of both winning and entertaining on all fronts, with the highest of standards now also prevalent throughout the football department.

"In European competition, Rangers have qualified for group stage football for four successive seasons, and knockout-stage football in the last two, improving not only the club’s standing on the continent, but also that of Scottish Football.

"Domestically, Rangers have flourished under Gerrard, with that work culminating in the club claiming their 55th title last season on the back of an unbeaten league campaign.

"He now leaves Rangers with the club top of the Scottish Premiership with a Premier Sports Cup semi-final to look forward to and the opportunity to qualify yet again for the knockout stages of the Europa League still in the team’s own hands.

"Rangers Football Club would like to put on record their thanks to Steven and his staff and wish them every success in the future. They will always be welcome at Ibrox."