Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill announced his shock resignation on Monday, standing down with immediate effect.
In a statement on the Aston Villa website, O’Neill said described leaving the club as a “wrench”.
Kevin MacDonald, the reserve team manager, becomes caretaker manager and will be in charge for Villa’s first Premier League match of the season, at home to West Ham United.
“I have enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely,” O’Neill said.
“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.” Villa have finished sixth in each of the past three seasons, all under O’Neill, but the Northern Irishman has previously expressed his reservations about how far he could take the club.
