'This is NOT a stepping stone': Steven Gerrard slaps down talk of managing Liverpool at his first Aston Villa press conference, as he vows to 'stamp my style' on the team (starting with a ketchup ban!)

Gerrard's talked the talk and now all eyes will be on him as well as his Aston Villa when they face Brighton on Saturday. Thank you for following.

Aston Villa chief executive and ex-Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow was also present at the press conference.

'We’re thrilled to have Steven with us. The feeling is one of excitement.

'His drive, his determination, his constant pressing himself to be the best he can be. These are personal qualities that fit well with the club.

'We were lucky to have numerous candidates for this position, managing Aston Villa is a prestigious job.

'For Steven to come through that, and to be offered this position, and to take this position is a fantastic moment in our club's history.'

'It was a difficult decision and I certainly left with a heavy heart. I built up some fantastic relationships up at Rangers. It's a club that I've got immense respect for.

'I was given a remit three-and-a-half years ago up at Rangers and went on a journey and we completed that remit.'

'I used to love coming to Villa Park. Atmosphere was always fantastic, we [at Liverpool] were rivals in the table. I can't change the past [goals scored against Villa] I apologise to fans for that but now I'm on their side.

'I'm looking forward to building a relationship with supporters. They need me and I need them.'

'My wife says the same thing!

I love the buzz, the tactical side of the game. You don't lose that even in the back end of your career and I wanted to stay in the game.

'The club was the reason I wanted this job and I've known it for a long time.'

'Very unfair. You'll never hear me say it's a stepping stone. I'm honoured and proud to be in this position. I will be 100 per cent committed and more.

'There is nothing wrong with dreams and aspirations, but they [Liverpool] have a world class coach right now and if he signed a deal for life right now I'd be very happy.'

'We need to analyse the squad. We will build and get stronger and be a possession based team. When we transition into that - time will tell.'

'I've been in touch with Klopp, I bump into him when he walks his dogs?
He sent me a message saying he is "looking forward to a big hug on the side" when Villa play Liverpool next month.'

A little bit of a reference to Antonio Conte at Spurs there, but Gerrard's work is already done here:

'It was banned before I had seen it!

'The players have to have the right mentality. Go above and beyond. They need to strive to be elite.'

'I'm forever in debt what he done for me.

'Gerard Houllier helped me a out as a player - improving my overall game mentally and physical.

'He put his arm around me at the right times... and shouted a me at the right  times. When we lost him it was a sad day. I'm sure he will be looking down today very proud.'

'There is a fantastic academy and staff. I have looked into the Under 23 side and it's full of talent. If the players are good enough they will be given an opportunity.

'We should be higher than where we are in the table.'

'When the call came last Wednesday, I knew this was the role for me. I've missed the Premier League playing against the best and it's great to be back.'

No time for Liverpool from the club's former captain. He makes it clear that he is only focused on what he can offer Villa - and states he already only working on getting a result against Brighton this weekend.

Gerrard's ambitions are to get 'iconic' Villa back to 'European level' although he doesn't give a time frame on that.

I'm extremely proud to be head coach of Villa. Over the last 10 days it's gone extremely quick and I'm really happy time. Good opportunity to be back in the Premier League and near my family

He poses with a Villa shirt before taking his seat.

I say expected, Gerrard has a habit of leaving things late. Olympiacos, West Ham...

He was right down to business on Monday as he put the Villa players through training for the first time. 

Was he impressed, who knows? But if this press conference starts with him confirming he is coming out of retirement at the age of 41 then that might give us a bit of a clue.

We'd all love to see that wouldn't we?

Aston Villa might not have been among the first teams that came to mind when it came to welcoming Gerrard back to the English top flight, but here we are and it all starts now!

Good morning all, and welcome to our live coverage of Gerrard's unveiling and first press conference as Aston Villa manager.... *checks notes*... sorry, head coach.