IN WHAT WILL be seen as a major shock, Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has quit the club with immediate effect.

The departure of the Derry native, who took charge of the club four years ago, was confirmed by the club this afternoon in an official statement.

O’Neill said:

I have enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely. It’s obviously a wrench to be leaving such a magnificent club.

I would like to pay tribute to the Villa players, my coaching staff and the Villa supporters for all the support and encouragement they have given both the club and me personally during my time as manager. I wish them all the best for the future.

I will obviously be assisting the club in the immediate short-term with regard to the handover of my duties.

The club’s chief executive, Paul Faulkner, thanked O’Neill for the “great work he has done” at the club and wished him the best for the future.

Kevin MacDonald has been named as caretaker manager ahead of the Villans’ season opener against West Ham this weekend.

O’Neill’s previous appointment before his reign at Villa Park was as manager of Celtic, where he won three SPL titles, three Scottish Cups and one League Cup in his five-year reign. He also brought the club to the final of the 2003 UEFA Cup.