Twitter reacts as Steven Gerrard is named Aston Villa manager

Last Updated : 11-Nov-2021 by 90min

It's done, and in double-quick time too: Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is the new Aston Villa manager.

Dean Smith was only sacked on Sunday, but the Villa hierarchy have moved swiftly to name an exciting young coach as their new man in the dugout just four days later (take note, Tottenham Hotspur).

Gerrard leaves Rangers having claimed the Scottish Premiership title last season and denied Celtic a tenth in a row, while his return to English football is also exciting news for Liverpool supporters, meaning this is an appointment that affects three fanbases and has of course led to mixed emotions.

Once the excitement of the initial announcement had settled down somewhat, attentions turned to when Gerrard will face his former club and make an emotional return to Anfield.

Spoiler alert: It's 11 December - Liverpool vs Aston Villa at Anfield.

Others - especially the Liverpool faithful - were quick to point out the unusual length of the contract Gerrard had signed at Villa Park, and what the connotations of that might be.

The former England international has penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Villans, meaning his contract would run out in the summer of 2024 should he see it out - the same time as a certain Jürgen Klopp.

Gerrard has long been touted as a potential successor to the hugely successful Klopp, as long as he could prove he was a worthy replacement. He's not done a bad job so far.

On the other side of the border, there was inevitable sadness as the Gers' title-winning manager headed for pastures new, having routed Celtic's attempts to win ten in a row.

'Gutted' was even trending on Twitter, and many called for ' bag of cans and Gerrard back'.

For the neutral, though, there is excitement at having one of the biggest names in English football history back in the Premier League, along with that haircut you could set a watch to.

Welcome back, Stevie G.


Source : 90min