Premiership: Villa stunned by Gregory quit bombshell

Aston Villa manager John Gregory dropped a bombshell tonight by resigning after four years in charge of the Midlands club.

Villa chairman Doug Ellis said, in a club statement, that Gregory needed ‘‘to take a break’’ and that his departure was ‘‘a reflection of the pressures that managers face in modern day Premier League football’’.

But only two weeks ago, in the build-up to the FA Cup with Manchester United, Gregory said that he would ‘‘never walk away’’ from the club where he was previously a player and a coach under Brian Little.

There have been signs recently of growing discontent amongst a section of supporters at Villa’s recent poor run of form.

A ‘‘Gregory out’’ banner was displayed and he was involved in an angry verbal altercation with a supporter towards the end of the recent home game with Derby.

But the timing of his leaving seems surprising given that Villa have won their last two league matches after a spell of one victory in the previous 13 games.

Gregory had been due to attend a Football Association disciplinary hearing in Manchester today to answer a misconduct charge after he had been sent from the dug-out during the recent match with Liverpool.

But he requested an adjournment and now a few hours the reason why has been become clear.

Gregory has often enjoyed a stormy relationship with Ellis and has grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of funds made available to strengthen the current squad.

But Ellis insisted that Gregory’s departure was a result of the pressures that managers are under in the Premiership.

A club statement said: ‘‘Aston Villa FC announce that manager John Gregory has today tended his resignation which has reluctantly been accepted bythe board.

‘‘This arrangement has been dealt with on an amicable basis and the board wish to place on record their appreciation of John’s services during hisfour years as manager of the club.

‘‘John has stated that he needs to take a break during which time he will consider his future football career.

‘‘John Deehan and Stuart Gray will take over team management until the board has considered applicants for the appointment of manager.

Ellis said: ‘‘John’s resignation is sad, was most unexpected but has been amicable. I can understand how John feels regarding his need for a break.

‘‘This is a reflection of the pressures that managers face in modern day Premier League football.

‘‘I personally wish John and his family well in all they do in the future and he will always be welcome at Villa Park.

‘‘We will not rush into a replacement appointment as John Deehan and Stuart Gray both have previous management experience.’’

‘‘There will be no further statements from the club or John Gregory at this stage.’’