Villa coach Lambert leaves club

Aston Villa have announced the departure of manager Paul Lambert.

The 45-year-old replaced Alex McLeish in June 2012 but following a poor run of results, which have left Villa in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League, the club announced they have parted company with the Scot.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert.

“First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall will continue to prepare the squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Leicester City at Villa Park.

“The club would also like to place on record its thanks to Paul and take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future.

“The club will announce a new manager in due course. There will be no further comment from the club at this stage.”