Remi Garde leaves Aston Villa by mutual consent

Following a run of horrific results in the Premier League, the failure to 'win over the dressing room' and the clear need for change at all levels, Aston Villa have today announcedthat Remi Garde will no longer be the manager of the first team at Villa Park. The agreement was made mutually, with Garde unwilling to continue as Villa manager and Villa's new board, quite clearly wanting to take a different direction.

"The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Rémi for all his efforts during a difficult period and wish him well in the future.Eric Black will take over as acting manager until the Club appoints a new manager."

This decision follows the sackings of Tom Fox and Hendrik Almstadt as CEO and Sporting Director respectively following an internal investigation by Steve Hollis and Mervyn King. It's unclear if Remi's departure is linked to Villa's recent results or the same internal investigation that led to Fox and Almstadt leaving, but the timing is indeed pointing towards this being part of Hollis' overhaul of Aston Villa FC.

Remi's short reign at Aston Villa won't be remembered at all. Three talented managers have met the same fate after the exact same situation. It's groundhog day and because that metaphor can even be used, it's clear that problems at Villa are deep - like cholesterol clogging arteries.

Garde was nothing but a bystander at Villa Park and that's mainly because the board never seemed convinced in backing him. The Frenchman cut an increasingly frustrated figure at Bodymoor Heath and could even be seen visibly holding his tongue in press conferences towards the end of his reign. His team selection did him no favours. but at the end, Remi Garde was asked to build Rome, in a day, with a two-pronged wooden chippy fork. The impossible task escaped him, but success still lies in Remi's future.

What's important to remember is that Remi Garde had no more options following January and fairly enough, looked barely interested in saving a team which failed to back him.

Aston Villa look set to replace Remi with the no-nonsense Nigel Pearson, in a move that would certainly split the Aston Villa fanbase. In the meantime, Garde's right-hand man, Eric Black will manage the team until a new manager is appointed.

Thank you for even bothering to try Remi.

Good move or the only move? Let us know in the comments section below!