Sporting director Hendrik Almstadt leaves role at Aston Villa

Aston Villa have confirmed that sporting director Hendrik Almstadt has departed the club with immediate effect.

The 40-year-old has left his position at the Premier League's bottom side less than a year after joining.

Villa supporters have made their thoughts clear about the running of the club in recent times, with Almstadt among those to come under fire.

A short statement on the Villans' official website read: "Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that Sporting Director, Hendrik Almstadt, has left the club by mutual consent with immediate effect.

"As part of the board's continuing assessment of Bodymoor Heath it intends to conduct a thorough recruitment process to find a replacement."

Villa have won just three league games all season to find themselves nine points from safety at the foot of the table.