One in, one out as Aston Villa overhaul claims latest scalp
IN THE end, Aston Villa took just 68 words to announce the departure of manager Rémi Garde after 149 days and two wins.
In a statement that had been expected for the 10 days since the Premier League club suffered its sixth successive defeat, Aston Villa confirmed Mr Garde’s departure “by mutual consent”.
It added: “The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Rémi for all his efforts during a difficult period and wish him well in the future.
“Eric Black will take over as acting manager until the club appoints a new manager. There will be no further comment from the club at this stage.”
Aston Villa are almost certain to end a 28-year stay in the top flight, as relegation looms with the club 12 points from safety with just seven games remaining.
The response to this disastrous season is gathering pace off the field with the appointment of former FA Executive Adrian Bevington to assist with the ongoing review of the club “and to implement the changes that arise from it”.
Mr Bevington was managing director of Club England for five years, until last year, having previously worked in communications roles at the Football Association.
He will work with the newly-established football board at the club, which is being chaired by former Manchester City chief David Bernstein and former Bank of England governor Mervyn King. It also includes popular former player and manager Brian Little, together with a new Head of Football Operations (HFO) when recruited.
Mr Bernstein said: “I’m convinced his experience, contacts and understanding of football will be a tremendous asset to Aston Villa Football Club.”
The club has overhauled its management team, with chief executive Tom Fox departing earlier this month, following finance director Robin Russell who left in February.
Its non-executive team has been boosted by the appointment of former KPMG Midlands chairman Steve Hollis as the club’s chairman, as well as directors Mr Bernstein and Lord King.
