Martin O'Neill: Former Celtic boss joined Villa in
2006
Martin O'Neill has resigned as manager of Aston Villa
just five days before the start of the Premier League
season.
O'Neill was close to leaving Villa at the end of last season but
opted to stay after talks with owner Randy Lerner.
"Aston Villa can confirm that Martin O'Neill has resigned as
manager of the football club with immediate effect,'' the club said
in a statement. "Kevin MacDonald, reserve team manager, has assumed
the role of caretaker manager and will prepare the team for the
opening Premier League game of the season against West Ham on
Saturday at Villa Park.''
Martin O'Neill added: "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."
O'Neill took charge of Villa almost four years to the day,
replacing fellow Irishman David O'Leary at the helm. After
finishing 11th in his first season in charge, Villa then sixth in
each of the following three seasons.
But O'Neil's tenure at Villa Park was tainted by poor
performances in the second half of the season, which cost them the
chance of Champions League football.
O'Neill, who enjoyed successful spells in charge of Leicester
City and Celtic before moving to the Midlands, is thought to have
grown frustrated with a lack of funds to push the club on to the
next level. That was not helped by the sale of Gareth Barry to
Manchester City last summer, and James Milner is almost certain to
walk the same path.
