O'Neill resigns as Villa manager

O'Neill resigns as Villa manager
(PA) Monday 9 August 2010
Print
Email my friend
Share

Aston Villa have announced the shock resignation of manager Martin O'Neill with immediate effect.

O'Neill was seemingly preparing for this weekend's Premier League opener at home to West Ham United, but a statement from Villa this afternoon announced his departure. No reason has been given.

"Aston Villa can confirm that Martin O'Neill has resigned as manager of the football club with immediate effect," said the statement.

"Kevin MacDonald, reserve team manager, has assumed the role of caretaker manager and will prepare the team for the opening Barclays Premier League game of the season against West Ham on Saturday at Villa Park."

O'Neill, who has transformed the fortunes of Villa since replacing David O'Leary during the summer of 2006 with three consecutive top-six placings in the league, said: "I have enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely. It's obviously a wrench to be leaving such a magnificent club.
I have enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely. It's obviously a wrench to be leaving such a magnificent club.
Martin O'Neill

"I would like to pay tribute to the Villa players, my coaching staff and the Villa supporters for all the support and encouragement they have given both the club and me personally during my time as manager.

"I wish them all the best for the future. I will obviously be assisting the club in the immediate short-term with regard to the handover of my duties."

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said: "The club would like to thank Martin for the great work he has done at Aston Villa over the past four years.

"He has helped to establish the club in the upper echelons of the Premier League, has taken us to Wembley and we have also qualified for European competition for the past three seasons under his management. We wish him the best in the future."