Roberto Di Matteo has been sacked as Aston Villa manager after just 124 days in charge.
Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo dejected at full time
Nine games without a win has left Aston Villa languishing in 19th in the Championship, two points above the relegation zone and with the prospect of being left behind by their promotion rivals, owner Dr Tony Xia has made the decision to let Di Matteo go.
Seven draws and two defeats has been the record since they lost gained three points on the second weekend of the season against Rotherham United.
12 games and one win has given the former Chelsea manager a win rate of just 8.3% with Steve Clarke taking caretaker charge while they find a replacement.
But who will take the Villa bench in the longer term? Here are some candidates:
Sam Allardyce
Big Sam has only just been relieved of his duties as England manager but he has tons of experience which could help Aston Villa climb up the table.
Despite having vast experience managing in the Premier League, the challenge to manage Villa and get them back in and around the play-offs at least will surely be something that would interest the former Sunderland manager.
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce
Steve Bruce
The former Hull City manager is out of work after leaving The Tigers this summer and he has been seen as one of the favourites given his track record in gaining promotion.
He has a wealth of Championship experience, although it may anger some Villa supporters that he did manage their bitter rivals Birmingham City.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce
Steve McClaren
The former Newcastle United manager came close to joining the club under former owner Randy Learner but protests from supporters seemed to stop the move from happening.
Would be an unpopular choice although in his last job in the Championship he transformed Derby County from a mid-table club to fighting for promotion, could Tony Xia take a gamble?
Newcastle manager Steve McClaren
Ryan Giggs
No doubt an outsider but could Villa consider the former Manchester United legend?
Would no doubt be a risk with no managerial experience but has been considered as a potential Swansea City manager if the Welsh club do get rid of current manager Francesco Guidolin if their fortunes don’t change.
Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs celebrates after winning the FA Cup
Steve Clarke
Di Matteo’s assistant will be the caretaker manager until they find a replacement but could he be considered as a potential successor?
With the international break coming up it gives Villa time to find someone else and maybe not give Clarke opportunity to show he has the capabilities to take the first team job permanently.
He had a good spell in charge of West Bromwich Albion however his time at Reading was very inconsistent and with Villa wanting an instant return back to the Premier League, it could be a risk appointing the caretaker.
Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo and assistant manager Steve Clarke before the match
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