Gerrard Returns To EPL With Aston Villa's Appointment

Liverpool legendary midfielder Steven Gerrard has returned to Premier League after appointment as Aston Villa manager on Thursday.

Gerrard has left his role as Rangers boss to take the reins at the Midlands club, who sacked Dean Smith on Sunday after five straight league defeats.

Considered one of the greatest players in Premier League history, Gerrard has made a promising start to his managerial career in reviving the fortunes of the Glasgow giants.

The 41-year-old guided Rangers to a first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years last season, finishing the campaign undefeated in the league for the first time in 122 years.

Gerrard also made progress in Europe, reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League for the past two seasons.

Villa finished 11th in the Premier League last season, but have ambitions of challenging for Europe after spending nearly £300 million ($402 million) on players over the past three seasons.

However, Smith paid the price for losing Jack Grealish to Manchester City in August for a British record £100 million, with new signings Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia struggling for form and fitness.

Villa are 16th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone, after 11 games.

"The board of Aston Villa are delighted to appoint Steven as our new head coach," said CEO Christian Purslow.

"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."