Steve Clarke will now take over first-team duties until Di Matteo’s successor is appointed. A club statement read: ''Aston Villa Football Club has today parted company with manager Roberto Di Matteo. The Club decided to act following a run of disappointing results which has the left the team occupying 19th position in the Championship. The Club would like to place on record its appreciation to Roberto for all his efforts in helping rebuild the squad and wish him well for the future. Steve Clarke will take over as caretaker manager during the search for a new manager.''
The Italian yesterday told close friends he was finished at Villa Park and the 46-year-old was formally sacked on Monday. The former Chelsea Champions’ League winner has flopped since arriving at Villa Park in June, despite spending £55.5million on nine new players in the summer.
Villa’s new Chinese owner Xia bankrolled the massive investment splashing out more than Real Madrid and half of the clubs in the premier League last summer.
However the dramatic overhaul did nothing to improve Villa’s fortunes as the Midlands giants failed to get to grips with life outside of the top flight. Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to lowly Preston, saw Villa finish the day 19th in the Championship, just two points clear of the relegation zone, and proved to be the final nail in Di Matteo’s coffin.
More than 5,000 Villa fans traveled to Deep-dale to witness their side’s defeat but ended the game calling for Di Matteo’s head and chanted that the players were not fit to wear the shirts.