Dean Smith, Eddie Howe and Steven Gerrard

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Dean Smith, Eddie Howe and Steven Gerrard

Dean Smith, Eddie Howe and Steven Gerrard take charge of their new teams in the Premier League for the first time on Saturday

The Premier League is back this weekend - and for three clubs, it is also the start of a new era after changing managers during the international break.

After three games in interim charge of Newcastle, Graeme Jones has made way for Eddie Howe, who becomes Steve Bruce's permanent successor. Aston Villa lured Steven Gerrard from Rangers after sacking Dean Smith, who then made an instant return to management with Norwich after the Canaries dismissed Daniel Farke.

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All three managers start their new tenures with a home game and not only that, they all kick-off at 15:00 GMT on a Saturday. How novel.

Steven Gerrard - 'A natural step'

First game - Villa v Brighton

What happened?

Aston Villa sacked Dean Smith on 7 November, two days after a fifth successive Premier League defeat at Southampton left the club in 16th, two points above the drop zone.

They moved quickly to find his replacement, with Gerrard moving from Rangers on a three-and-a-half year deal just four days later.

What has he achieved?

Gerrard has a burgeoning reputation as a manager thanks to the impressive work he has done at Ibrox since his appointment in 2018.

After finishing runners-up in his first two seasons in charge, Gerrard led Rangers to their first Scottish title for a decade in 2020-21, ending Celtic's hopes of securing a 10th in a row.

Key signings?

Gerrard proved he had an eye for a bargain, with Joe Aribo, Steven Davis and Allan McGregor arriving on free transfers, while just £50,000 was required to land Glen Kamara from Dundee. Gerrard also raided his former club Liverpool for winger Ryan Kent, while Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic have justified their transfer