Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said the club could discuss the vaccine status of signing targets when they look to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, as rising COVID-19 cases at clubs raised fears of a rash of postponed games. 
 
The Premier League said on Monday it found a record 42 cases of COVID-19 among players and staff at clubs over the past week, shortly before Manchester United`s game against Brentford was called off due an outbreak at the Old Trafford club. 
 
England`s top-flight is in the midst of its busiest time of the season, with teams involved in the League Cup playing at least twice a week until the first week of January, and further cancellations could leave it facing an unwelcome fixture pile-up. 
 
United`s game against Brentford was the second game to be postponed this season due to a COVID-19 outbreak after Tottenham Hotspur`s game at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion over the weekend was called off. 
 
From Wednesday, fans will also need to show proof of double vaccination under England's "plan B" of measures to slow the spread of the Omicron variant that are being voted on by legislators on Tuesday. 
 
Clubs have been enjoying full stadiums again this season after playing for months in front of empty or restricted capacity stands from the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

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VACCINE STATUS 
 
Gerrard, whose side also have had players and staff test positive this week, told British media on Monday their thorough recruitment process meant vaccine status could be considered when they speak to potential recruits. 
 
"We look at everything. So I`m sure it will come up," Gerrard said. 
 
"But we`ll obviously make decisions as and when we decide a certain person is the one who could come in and make us better," he said. "But I don`t think it`s right for me to comment on if I would or wouldn`t in that situation. But it would certainly come into conversations in the background." 
 
Villa, who are 13th, travel to bottom side Norwich City in the league later on Tuesday. 
 
BOOSTER SHOTS 
 
Watford manager Claudio Ranieri had urged players to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said booster shots were necessary with cases steadily on the rise again. 
 
People aged 30 and over residing in England are eligible for a booster shot three months after the second dose as concerns grow over the spread of the Omicron variant. 
 
England manager Gareth Southgate had said in October that some players were not vaccinated because their opinions may have been swayed by conspiracy theories on social media. 
 
Later that month, the league said 81% of its players have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose while 68% of them were fully vaccinated.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said the club could discuss the vaccine status of signing targets when they look to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, as rising COVID-19 cases at clubs raised fears of a rash of postponed games.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said the club could discuss the vaccine status of signing targets when they look to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, as rising COVID-19 cases at clubs raised fears of a rash of postponed games. The Premier League said on Monday it found a record 42 cases of COVID-19 among players and staff at clubs over the past week, shortly before Manchester United`s game against Brentford was called off due an outbreak at the Old Trafford club. England`s top-flight is in the midst of its busiest time of the season, with teams involved in the League Cup playing at least twice a week until the first week of January, and further cancellations could leave it facing an unwelcome fixture pile-up. United`s game against Brentford was the second game to be postponed this season due to a COVID-19 outbreak after Tottenham Hotspur`s game at Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend was called off. From Wednesday, fans will also need to show proof of double vaccination under England's "plan B" of measures to slow the spread of the Omicron variant that are being voted on by legislators on Tuesday. Clubs have been enjoying full stadiums again this season after playing for months in front of empty or restricted capacity stands from the start of the pandemic in March 2020. ALSO READ | Man United's league game at Brentford postponed due to COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS Gerrard, whose side also have had players and staff test positive this week, told British media on Monday their thorough recruitment process meant vaccine status could be considered when they speak to potential recruits. "We look at everything. So I`m sure it will come up," Gerrard said. "But we`ll obviously make decisions as and when we decide a certain person is the one who could come in and make us better," he said. "But I don`t think it`s right for me to comment on if I would or wouldn`t in that situation. But it would certainly come into conversations in the background." Villa, who are 13th, travel to bottom side Norwich City in the league later on Tuesday. BOOSTER SHOTS Watford manager Claudio Ranieri had urged players to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said booster shots were necessary with cases steadily on the rise again. People aged 30 and over residing in England are eligible for a booster shot three months after the second dose as concerns grow over the spread of the Omicron variant. England manager Gareth Southgate had said in October that some players were not vaccinated because their opinions may have been swayed by conspiracy theories on social media. Later that month, the league said 81% of its players have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose while 68% of them were fully vaccinated.

Aston Villa could consider vaccine status of transfer targets, says manager Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard promised Aston Villa supporters that the Premier League club has his full commitment despite his strong attachment to former side Liverpool, the new coach said in his first news conference on Thursday.

Gerrard, who led Rangers to the Scottish title last season, was appointed Villa manager last week, succeeding Dean Smith who was sacked with the club in 16th place in the league, two points above the relegation zone after 11 games.

The former midfielder spent the majority of his playing career, 17 years, at Liverpool and helped them win several trophies including the Champions League and then began his coaching career at the club`s youth academy.

However, Gerrard insisted his focus was on Villa and leading them up the league table with his first match coming on Saturday at home to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.

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"Everyone knows around the world what Liverpool means to me but the focus and my commitment is very much on Villa," the 41-year-old said.

"I said last week in a one-to-one (club interview) that I`m all in and I can promise the supporters that`s the case." 
Villa are one of the few English sides to have won the European Cup, in 1982.

Although supporters would dream of a return to continental competition, Gerrard insisted the immediate priority was winning games, especially with the club on a five-match losing streak in the league.

"Success is always about winning matches. In the long term the club would like to be back at the European level. I don`t think it`s the right time now to put any specific date on that," he said.

"But for me more importantly it`s about focusing on the short term, which is Brighton at the weekend, we need to start winning matches again and moving up the table, so that`s the short term goal."

As a player, Gerrard was not one Villa fans would have welcomed the sight of as he scored more goals against their team than any other - 13 in 27 games across all competitions.

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But he insisted he now wanted to bring cheers not jeers to Villa Park.

"I can`t change the past, the goals are there and a lot of wins. I apologise to Villa fans for that but now I`m on their side," Gerrard said.

"It`s different now. It`s my job to make them smile and be happy, it`s vital that there is unity." 
&nbsp;

Steven Gerrard promised Aston Villa supporters that the Premier League club has his full commitment despite his strong attachment to former side Liverpool, the new coach said in his first news conference on Thursday.

Steven Gerrard promised Aston Villa supporters that the Premier League club has his full commitment despite his strong attachment to former side Liverpool, the new coach said in his first news conference on Thursday. Gerrard, who led Rangers to the Scottish title last season, was appointed Villa manager last week, succeeding Dean Smith who was sacked with the club in 16th place in the league, two points above the relegation zone after 11 games. The former midfielder spent the majority of his playing career, 17 years, at Liverpool and helped them win several trophies including the Champions League and then began his coaching career at the club`s youth academy. However, Gerrard insisted his focus was on Villa and leading them up the league table with his first match coming on Saturday at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. ALSO READ: 'I am a WOMAN': Iranian goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei reacts to claims that she is a MAN, vows to sue Jordanian FA "Everyone knows around the world what Liverpool means to me but the focus and my commitment is very much on Villa," the 41-year-old said. "I said last week in a one-to-one (club interview) that I`m all in and I can promise the supporters that`s the case." Villa are one of the few English sides to have won the European Cup, in 1982. Although supporters would dream of a return to continental competition, Gerrard insisted the immediate priority was winning games, especially with the club on a five-match losing streak in the league. "Success is always about winning matches. In the long term the club would like to be back at the European level. I don`t think it`s the right time now to put any specific date on that," he said. "But for me more importantly it`s about focusing on the short term, which is Brighton at the weekend, we need to start winning matches again and moving up the table, so that`s the short term goal." As a player, Gerrard was not one Villa fans would have welcomed the sight of as he scored more goals against their team than any other - 13 in 27 games across all competitions. ALSO READ | Brazil vs Argentina match officials suspended for 'serious errors' But he insisted he now wanted to bring cheers not jeers to Villa Park. "I can`t change the past, the goals are there and a lot of wins. I apologise to Villa fans for that but now I`m on their side," Gerrard said. "It`s different now. It`s my job to make them smile and be happy, it`s vital that there is unity."

'I'm all in': New boss Steven Gerrard promises Aston Villa supporters

Rangers under coach Steven Gerrard have become the second team in the Scottish Premiership history to complete the season without losing a game. the champions achieved this feat after beating Aberdeen 4-0 at home on the final day on Saturday.

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Steven Gerrard's side has won all 19 of their home clashes and also equalled the league record of 26 clean sheets in the campaign. The Rangers had 32 wins and six draws. The team also set a new record by conceding only 13 goals in the whole season.&nbsp;

The first team to go unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership were the Celtics, they achieved the feat in the 2016-17 season. However, they did not win the league as they finished 25 points behind Rangers, who sealed the title in March to deny their arch-rivals a 10th straight title.

"It feels good, it's been a while since I've had the smell of champagne... I'm actually enjoying it," Gerrard told Sky Sports after he was soaked in champagne by Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

"I was asked to come here at a really difficult time... It was about having a vision, having the right people in the right places, the right support from the board. We fought every day for three years to get to this point."

Although fans are not allowed inside the stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions, many gathered outside with banners and blue flares to celebrate their 'Invincibles' campaign.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Rangers under coach Steven Gerrard have become the second team in the Scottish Premiership history to complete the season without losing a game. the champions achieved this feat after beating Aberdeen 4-0 at home on the final day on Saturday.

Rangers under coach Steven Gerrard have become the second team in the Scottish Premiership history to complete the season without losing a game. the champions achieved this feat after beating Aberdeen 4-0 at home on the final day on Saturday. ALSO READ: Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of Euro 2020 plans after sustaining injury: Andersson Steven Gerrard's side has won all 19 of their home clashes and also equalled the league record of 26 clean sheets in the campaign. The Rangers had 32 wins and six draws. The team also set a new record by conceding only 13 goals in the whole season. The first team to go unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership were the Celtics, they achieved the feat in the 2016-17 season. However, they did not win the league as they finished 25 points behind Rangers, who sealed the title in March to deny their arch-rivals a 10th straight title. "It feels good, it's been a while since I've had the smell of champagne... I'm actually enjoying it," Gerrard told Sky Sports after he was soaked in champagne by Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos. "I was asked to come here at a really difficult time... It was about having a vision, having the right people in the right places, the right support from the board. We fought every day for three years to get to this point." Although fans are not allowed inside the stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions, many gathered outside with banners and blue flares to celebrate their 'Invincibles' campaign. (Inputs from Reuters)

Steven Gerrard's Rangers become second team to end Scottish Premiership season unbeaten

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, who takes charge of the Scottish Premiership club for the 150th time on Saturday, said he remains as focussed as ever on rebuilding the team and pushing them towards success.

Rangers lead the 12-team league with 66 points from 24 games and hold a 20-point advantage over defending champions and "Old Firm" rivals Celtic, who have two games in hand.

"I'm really proud to have been manager for 149 games and proud of the effort the players and support staff have given me. I hope there are many more to come," Gerrard told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash with Ross County.

"I'm looking forward very much to the future and pushing towards us being a successful group. That's the challenge for me and everyone at the club," the 40-year-old said.

"It's a journey I've enjoyed immensely. I'm in a better place, from an individual point of view, from what I've learnt. I want to continue to push myself in all areas to become a better manager."

Rangers were second and 13 points behind Celtic with a game in hand when the 2019-20 season was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But former Liverpool skipper Gerrard, who took charge in 2018, is now in a position to deliver Rangers' first league title in a decade. He has also guided them into the Europa League last-32.

"I knew walking into this job, it wasn't going to be an overnight change, it was going to be a process," he added.

"I've been reluctant to mention targets but I was well aware of what was expected. Knowing it was going to take time and a certain amount of windows, that hasn't surprised me.

"It's played out exactly as I thought. We need to remain focused on what we're trying to achieve."

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, who takes charge of the Scottish Premiership club for the 150th time on Saturday, said he remains as focussed as ever on rebuilding the team and pushing them towards success.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, who takes charge of the Scottish Premiership club for the 150th time on Saturday, said he remains as focussed as ever on rebuilding the team and pushing them towards success. Rangers lead the 12-team league with 66 points from 24 games and hold a 20-point advantage over defending champions and "Old Firm" rivals Celtic, who have two games in hand. "I'm really proud to have been manager for 149 games and proud of the effort the players and support staff have given me. I hope there are many more to come," Gerrard told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash with Ross County. "I'm looking forward very much to the future and pushing towards us being a successful group. That's the challenge for me and everyone at the club," the 40-year-old said. "It's a journey I've enjoyed immensely. I'm in a better place, from an individual point of view, from what I've learnt. I want to continue to push myself in all areas to become a better manager." Rangers were second and 13 points behind Celtic with a game in hand when the 2019-20 season was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But former Liverpool skipper Gerrard, who took charge in 2018, is now in a position to deliver Rangers' first league title in a decade. He has also guided them into the Europa League last-32. "I knew walking into this job, it wasn't going to be an overnight change, it was going to be a process," he added. "I've been reluctant to mention targets but I was well aware of what was expected. Knowing it was going to take time and a certain amount of windows, that hasn't surprised me. "It's played out exactly as I thought. We need to remain focused on what we're trying to achieve."

Rangers boss Gerrard focused on targets ahead of landmark game

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday at the age of 36, calling time on an emblematic career.

Gerrard spent 17 years at his home-town club Liverpool, 12 as captain, and won nine honours including the 2005 Champions League before finishing his career with an 18-month stint at LA Galaxy.

&quot;Following recent media speculation surrounding my future, I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football,&quot; Gerrard said in a statement.

&quot;I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.&quot;

Although the Premier League title famously eluded him, Gerrard did win two FA Cups, three League Cups, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Community Shield.

His finest hour came in Istanbul in May 2005, when he inspired Liverpool to come from 3-0 down against AC Milan at half-time of the Champions League final to win the club&#39;s fifth European Cup in a penalty shootout.

In total he made 710 appearances for Liverpool, the third-highest total behind Ian Callaghan and former team-mate Jamie Carragher, scoring 186 goals.

Gerrard made 114 appearances for England, a tally bettered only by Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, and scored 21 international goals.

He appeared at six major tournaments, captaining England at the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. 
&quot;I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career,&quot; Gerrard said.

&quot;I am proud to have played over 700 games for Liverpool, many of which as captain, and to have played my part in helping the club to bring major honours back to Anfield, none more so than that famous night in Istanbul.

&quot;At an international level, I feel privileged to have won 114 England caps and to have had the honour of captaining my country.&quot;Gerrard has been linked with a coaching role at Liverpool and the club`s manager, Jurgen Klopp, said he would be welcomed back with open arms.

&quot;The door is always open for him,&quot; Klopp told a press conference.

&quot;If he wants to make a different career to his former career then we want to help him.&quot;

Gerrard, who has confirmed he turned down an approach from English third-tier side Milton Keynes Dons, said he would take his time before announcing his next move.

&quot;I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be,&quot; he said.

&quot;I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon.&quot;

Gerrard said he could no longer ignore the physical signs that his best days were behind him.

&quot;The body starts talking to you, the pains and the aches get more regular, the way you feel out there on the pitch changes,&quot; he told BT Sport.

&quot;Important people in the game who I trust and have a lot of respect for have said to me: &#39;Always go with a tiny bit left. Never overstay your welcome and play on too long where it becomes embarrassing.&#39;

&quot;I can feel that`s not too far away, so now`s the right time.&quot;

Asked if he would like to pursue a career in coaching or punditry, he said: &quot;I think I`d like to do a bit of both.&quot;Born in Whiston, Merseyside, Gerrard joined Liverpool&#39;s academy at the age of nine and made his first-team debut aged 18 as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998.

After quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in Liverpool`s midfield, he made his England debut against Ukraine in May 2000.

He got his first taste of silverware under Gerard Houllier in the 2000-01 season, when Liverpool won a treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup honours.

He launched Liverpool`s fightback against Istanbul with a glancing header and scored a 35-yard thunderbolt the following season to inspire his side to victory over West Ham United in the FA Cup final.

Twice strongly linked with moves to Chelsea, he elected to stay with Liverpool, but apart from a third League Cup crown in 2012, the rest of his career proved fallow in terms of silverware.

Liverpool looked to be on course for the Premier League title under Brendan Rodgers in 2014, only for a calamitous slip by Gerrard in a match against Chelsea to clear Manchester City&#39;s path to the title.

He followed in Beckham`s footsteps with a late-career stint in Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy.

&quot;Ability-wise, he was the best midfielder I`ve ever seen,&quot; said former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. 
Liverpool tweeted simply: &quot;Legend.&quot;

(AFP)

Gerrard spent 17 years at his home-town club Liverpool, 12 as captain, and won nine honours including the 2005 Champions League

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday at the age of 36, calling time on an emblematic career. Gerrard spent 17 years at his home-town club Liverpool, 12 as captain, and won nine honours including the 2005 Champions League before finishing his career with an 18-month stint at LA Galaxy. "Following recent media speculation surrounding my future, I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football," Gerrard said in a statement. "I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy." Although the Premier League title famously eluded him, Gerrard did win two FA Cups, three League Cups, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Community Shield. His finest hour came in Istanbul in May 2005, when he inspired Liverpool to come from 3-0 down against AC Milan at half-time of the Champions League final to win the club's fifth European Cup in a penalty shootout. In total he made 710 appearances for Liverpool, the third-highest total behind Ian Callaghan and former team-mate Jamie Carragher, scoring 186 goals. Gerrard made 114 appearances for England, a tally bettered only by Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, and scored 21 international goals. He appeared at six major tournaments, captaining England at the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. "I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career," Gerrard said. "I am proud to have played over 700 games for Liverpool, many of which as captain, and to have played my part in helping the club to bring major honours back to Anfield, none more so than that famous night in Istanbul. "At an international level, I feel privileged to have won 114 England caps and to have had the honour of captaining my country."Gerrard has been linked with a coaching role at Liverpool and the club`s manager, Jurgen Klopp, said he would be welcomed back with open arms. "The door is always open for him," Klopp told a press conference. "If he wants to make a different career to his former career then we want to help him." Gerrard, who has confirmed he turned down an approach from English third-tier side Milton Keynes Dons, said he would take his time before announcing his next move. "I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be," he said. "I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon." Gerrard said he could no longer ignore the physical signs that his best days were behind him. "The body starts talking to you, the pains and the aches get more regular, the way you feel out there on the pitch changes," he told BT Sport. "Important people in the game who I trust and have a lot of respect for have said to me: 'Always go with a tiny bit left. Never overstay your welcome and play on too long where it becomes embarrassing.' "I can feel that`s not too far away, so now`s the right time." Asked if he would like to pursue a career in coaching or punditry, he said: "I think I`d like to do a bit of both."Born in Whiston, Merseyside, Gerrard joined Liverpool's academy at the age of nine and made his first-team debut aged 18 as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998. After quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in Liverpool`s midfield, he made his England debut against Ukraine in May 2000. He got his first taste of silverware under Gerard Houllier in the 2000-01 season, when Liverpool won a treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup honours. He launched Liverpool`s fightback against Istanbul with a glancing header and scored a 35-yard thunderbolt the following season to inspire his side to victory over West Ham United in the FA Cup final. Twice strongly linked with moves to Chelsea, he elected to stay with Liverpool, but apart from a third League Cup crown in 2012, the rest of his career proved fallow in terms of silverware. Liverpool looked to be on course for the Premier League title under Brendan Rodgers in 2014, only for a calamitous slip by Gerrard in a match against Chelsea to clear Manchester City's path to the title. He followed in Beckham`s footsteps with a late-career stint in Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy. "Ability-wise, he was the best midfielder I`ve ever seen," said former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. Liverpool tweeted simply: "Legend." (AFP)

Football: Liverpool great Gerrard calls time on career

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