Martin O’Neill resigns as manager of Aston Villa

Martin O’Neill has resigned as Aston Villa manager with immediate effect.

Kevin MacDonald will take over as caretaker manager with the new Premier League season set to commence this weekend.

O’Neill joined Villa following the termination of David O’Leary’s contract in 2006. Since his arrival the club have achieved consecutive sixth place finishes in the Premier League.

The emergence of promising local talent coupled with a number of astute signings such as Ashley Young, James Milner and Richard Dunne have helped propel the club forward. Under O’Neill’s management Villa were considered perennial contenders for a fourth place finish.

O’Neill released a statement to the Aston Villa supporters via the club’s official website.

The 58-year-old said: “I have enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely. It’s obviously a wrench to be leaving such a magnificent club.

“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.”