O'Leary Parts Company With Aston Villa

Aston Villa have announced that manager David O'Leary has left the club by mutual consent.

The 48-year-old's departure follows an inquiry by the Villa board into a statement criticising Ellis that was supposedly issued by the squad.

"Although no misconduct by O'Leary was uncovered it has been agreed that an amicable parting was in the best interests," said a Villa statement.

"A compensation package reflecting the situation has been established."

The statement concluded: "It has been mutually agreed to terminate the contract of David O'Leary, with immediate effect."

O'Leary took charge of Villa in June 2003 and took the Midlands side to sixth in the Premiership in his first season.

But fortunes on the pitch took a tumble for the Irishman, with the club finishing 10th in the 2004/2005 season and 16th in 2005/2006.

Fans cheered and clapped as the former Leeds boss left Villa Park at 2200 BST on Wednesday following a six-hour meeting.

Leaving the stadium, O'Leary said: "Look, we've just had a chat, that's it."