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LIVERPOOL legend Steven Gerrard is Zimbabwe international Marvelous Nakamba’s new coach at English Premiership football club Aston Villa.

Gerrard replaces Dean Smith who was relieved of his duties at the weekend.

Smith, who was fired after three years at the helm, signed Nakamba from Belgian side, Club Brugge, in 2019.

But the Zimbabwean will start a new life under Gerrard, who is a cult hero among many Zimbabweans who are Liverpool fanatics.

The former England midfielder leaves Scottish champions Rangers to sign a deal at Villa Park.

The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Gerrard was on the verge of becoming Villa head coach.

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.

“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.”

Gerrard takes over a Villa side that sit 16th in the Premier League, having lost their last five matches since a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 25.

The 41-year-old’s first game in charge will be a home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on November 20.

Gerrard, a former Liverpool captain, and Champions League winner, took over at Rangers in June 2018 in what was his first managerial role. He guided the Glasgow side to two second-place finishes before delivering a first league title in 10 years in 2020-21. – Sports Reporter/The Athletic