The decision comes after Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Preston at the weekend.
Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo
Aston Villa have confirmed on their official website that they have parted company with their manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Di Matteo only took charge in the summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League and a poor start to the season which has seen them win just the one of their opening 11 league games this season. Villa are currently 19th in the Championship – two points above the relegation zone. Assistant manager Steve Clarke will be taking charge of first team duties until a successor is found.
Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo and assistant manager Steve Clarke before the match
Di Matteo’s last game in charge was a 2-0 defeat to Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon, with speculation surrounding his future gathering pace prior to the game.
A statement on the club’s website 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.
Aston Villa Manager Roberto Di Matteo applauds their fans
“Steve Clarke will take over as caretaker manager during the search for a new manager.”
Villa will be looking for a man who can arrest what has been an alarming decline, and to ease nerves over a possible back-to-back relegation for the club.
The period following the international break could be crucial for both the club and whoever takes charge of the team with Villa facing games against Wolves, Reading, Fulham and Birmingham City before the end of October.
Aston Villa players look dejected
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