Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pulled out of the running to manage Aston Villa.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pulled out of the running to become the new Aston Villa manager.

Aston Villa’s season verged on the disastrous, according to chief executive Paul Faulkner.

Alex McLeish has been sacked by Aston Villa, less than 24 hours after the end of his first season in charge, the club have announced on their website.

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish will hold talks with club owner Randy Lerner in the next 24 hours which will decide whether he will pay the price for a season of underachievement, Press Association Sport understands.

Alex McLeish maintains he is the right man to turn things around at Aston Villa - despite the club’s own fans chanting for him to be sacked and replaced by rival boss Paul Lambert in the season-ending 2-0 defeat at Norwich.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish last night revealed skipper Stiliyan Petrov was in “amazing spirits” on his first day of treatment after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish last night revealed skipper Stiliyan Petrov was in "amazing spirits" on his first day of treatment after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is to spend the next couple of days under the wing of Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur.

Aston Villa midfielder Chris Herd is facing another month out of action with an ankle ligament problem, manager Alex McLeish has confirmed.

Alex McLeish is hoping the signing of Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane can act as an inspiration to the other Aston Villa players ahead of tomorrow’s home Barclays Premier League clash with Everton.

Alex McLeish admits Aston Villa and the majority of the Barclays Premier League cannot compete with the growing new breed of “super clubs.”

Liverpool are set to open talks with England winger Stewart Downing after settling on a fee with Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have confirmed the controversial appointment of former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish as their new manager.

Aston Villa have today confirmed the controversial appointment of former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish as their new manager.

Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be high on Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner’s list of preferred options to replace Gerard Houllier as manager, Press Association Sport understands.

ASTON VILLA last night confirmed the departure of Gerard Houllier as manager after nine months in charge of the midlands club.

Stewart Downing insists his decision whether to remain at Aston Villa this summer will not be influenced by manager Gerard Houllier’s future.

STEWART DOWNING has praised the contribution of Gerard Houllier but insists Aston Villa will not influence decisions regarding his own future.

Aston Villa winger and player of the year Stewart Downing is refusing to commit to a new contract with the midlands club.

Martin O’Neill wants to return to management after settling his dispute with Aston Villa following his abrupt departure from the midlands club last August.

Gary McAllister insists Aston Villa already have contingency plans in place to cope with manager Gerard Houllier’s absence from the club while he recovers from a heart problem.

ASTON VILLA manager Gerard Houllier was yesterday being treated in hospital after he fell ill on Wednesday evening.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is today being treated in hospital after he fell ill on yesterday evening.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has allayed fears about his health after being admitted to hospital last night, Press Association Sport understands.

Gerard Houllier was recovering in hospital today after being taken ill last night.

Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has backed manager Gerard Houllier to keep the club in the Premier League.

Aston Villa have opened talks with veteran keeper Brad Friedel over a new contract, according to his agent.

Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has publicly re-iterated his support for under-pressure manager Gerard Houllier.

Gerard Houllier’s green light to smash Aston Villa’s transfer record is a ringing endorsement of the faith club owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner have in him.

Aston Villa are close to sealing a £6.5m deal to sign Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier’s job remains safe despite his side slipping into the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has re-affirmed the faith the club have in manager Gerard Houllier to revive their fortunes.

Gerard Houllier retains the support of Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner despite the club’s slide towards the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, it has been revealed today.

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is as “dedicated as ever” to bringing success to the club despite a lack of investment in new players over the past year.

GERARD HOULLIER has set his sights on bringing Champions League football to Aston Villa within three years after being confirmed as Martin O’Neill’s successor as manager.

Gerard Houllier was today unveiled as Aston Villa’s new manager – but does not expect to formally take charge for nearly another fortnight.

Gerard Houllier is relishing the "tremendous challenge" ahead of him after being confirmed as Aston Villa's new manager.

GERARD HOULLIER admits he found it impossible to turn down the chance to return to the Barclays Premier League as Aston Villa’s new manager.

Aston Villa have confirmed the appointment of Gerard Houllier as their new manager.

Gerrard Houllier is due to meet French Football Federation president Fernando Duchaussoy tomorrow amid reports that he is set to become Aston Villa’s new manager.

Gerard Houllier could work alongside current Aston Villa caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald in a director-of-football-type role if he links up with the midlands club.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Martin O’Neill as Aston Villa manager.