Villa chief executive resigns

Aston Villa chief executive Richard Fitzgerald has resigned after only 13 months with the midlands club.

Fitzgerald was appointed at the end of 2006 – five months into the Randy Lerner era – but he has decided to end his association with Villa just two days before the closure of the January transfer window.

Fitzgerald has been loath to make any public comment or give interviews since coming into the role, preferring to work away from the spotlight.

Villa announced his departure in a media statement this afternoon.

It read: “The club are announcing the resignation of chief executive Richard Fitzgerald.

“The club has made great progress off the field during the last 13 months and would like to thank Richard Fitzgerald for his contribution.”

Bruce Langham had also departed from the role in abrupt circumstances two years ago after the then chairman Doug Ellis had relinquished full responsibility at Villa.