Aston Villa lose patience with McLeish

Aston Villa have sacked manager Alex McLeish after just one season in charge of the English Premier League club.

McLeish had guided Villa to 16th-placed finish in the Premier League, two points above the relegation places, and statement released by the club criticised the Scot for failing to ‘instil a sense of confidence’ into the team.

The 53-year-old held a meeting with Villa’s owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner on Monday before informing players and staff of the decision.

In a statement on Aston Villa’s website chairman Randy Lerner said: “We need to be clear and candid with ourselves and with supporters about what we have lacked in recent years.

“Compelling play and results that instil a sense of confidence that Villa is on the right track have been plainly absent.

“The most immediate action that we can take is to look carefully at our options in terms of bringing in a new manager who sees the club’s potential and embraces our collective expectations.”

McLeish was a controversial appointment when he took over from Gerard Houllier at the start of the 2011/12 campaign, having been relegated with Villa’s Midland’s rivals Birmingham the season before.

Villa Chief Executive Paul Faulkner said: “We’d like to thank Alex for his hard work and efforts throughout this tough season.

“We are mindful of the club’s need to prepare thoroughly for the new campaign and for the new manager to be able to begin working with the board so that he is quickly immersed in these preparations and also in the long-term objectives of the club.

“Our focus now will be driven by these imperatives and we will update when appropriate.”

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez and Norwich manager Paul Lambert are the early favourites to succeed McLeish at Villa Park.