Fox quits as Aston Villa chief executive

THE chief executive of crisis club Aston Villa, Tom Fox has resigned from his post with immediate effect, the football club has announced.

In a statement on the club’s website, the board said it would be looking for a permanent replacement.

Mr Fox, who arrived at Villa Park just 18 months ago from Arsenal, has arguably presided over the most turbulent period in the club’s recent history.

A series of poor signings and results, the loss of striker Christian Benteke to Liverpool and club captain Fabian Delph to Manchester City, and managerial problems have characterised the Fox era and his legacy will be one the club’s supporters will be keen to forget.

His resignation statement (see below) suggests that he has not seen eye to eye with the newly-constituted board.

Following his departure, chairman Steve Hollis has stepped up to become Executive Chairman.

Former KPMG Midlands chairman, Mr Hollis was only appointed chairman in January and his first two months in post have been a real baptism of fire as the board has borne the brunt of the fans’ anger at the club’s dire season, which has left them rock bottom of the Premier League and facing almost certain relegation.

Mr Hollis was in diplomatic mood, with his statement saying: “The board would like to place on record its appreciation to Tom for his many contributions and commitment over the last 18 months. While the results this season have been disappointing he and his team have worked hard to put in place many changes necessary to put the club on a more sustainable path for the future. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.”

Mr Fox said in the statement: “Joining Aston Villa was a huge privilege for me and while I’m bitterly disappointed by results this season, watching the club compete at Wembley in the FA Cup Final last year is a memory I’ll cherish.

“I’m appreciative to the Board and the owner for the opportunity to help put Villa back on a solid footing and able to compete in the most competitive sports league in the world. Aston Villa is a proud and storied club which deserves to be among the elite in Europe and I have every confidence that it will once again find its way back.”

He gave little away the position of owner Randy Lerner, who is keen to sell the club.

However, he did say: “Regarding my resignation, the owner made it very clear last summer that he and I would seek to recruit a board that would put the club in a stronger position in the event that a sale didn’t happen.

“As the board has taken shape, however, it has become clear that my role also has changed. While I am supportive of where the board is trying to take the club, it is my feeling that given the changes they are making, it makes sense for me to seek another challenge. I have accepted the board’s invitation to remain available during a period of transition to ensure a smooth handover.

“I would like to thank the many among the Villa family that have been very kind with their time and support and generous to me on a personal level during my time with the club. You know who you are and you know how I feel.”

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