Monchi quits!

As the fallout from a difficult PSR / SCR-influenced summer and a poor start to the season continues, the club have announced that the President of Football Operations and one of the key planks of the triumvirate of Unai Emery, Damian Vidagany and Monchi himself has quit. The reverberations will take a long time to settle, and for the reasoning to become clear, but there seems little doubt that Monchi's frustration at the external constraints Villa have been placed under by both the Premier League and UEFA have taken their toll.

As Monchi leaves, however, another huge character arrives in Roberto Olabe.

Villa have been quick, and highly effective, in lining up the best replacement imaginable.

If nothing else, and there is a lot, NSWE don't half manage adveristy well.

Club Statement:

Aston Villa today announces changes to its Sporting Organisational structure.

The club would like to confirm that Monchi is stepping down as President of Football Operations and will continue in an advisory role at V Sports.

Roberto Olabe will take over as the club’s new President of Football Operations with immediate effect.

A former professional goalkeeper, Olabe has managerial experience having taken charge of Real Sociedad, Almeria and Real Union before moving into a Director of Football role. He joins after leaving his position as Director of Football at Real Sociedad having had Sporting Director roles at Real Valladolid, Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, Aspire and the Qatar Football Association in Qatar, in addition to serving as the technical director of La Liga.

Roberto and Unai are linking up for the second time having previously worked together at Almeria with Damian Vidagany continuing in the role of Director of Football Operations.

Nassef Sawiris, Chairman of AVFC, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Monchi for his hard work and invaluable contribution as President of Football Operations during an exciting period at Aston Villa. His commitment and vision has directly contributed to the club's recent successes, reaching the quarter-final of the Champions League as well as qualifying for Europe for three consecutive seasons.

“We are delighted that Roberto is joining Aston Villa. He has built a reputation as someone who can spot talent that can be developed and we look forward to supporting him to achieve the ambitions we have for V Sports and Aston Villa.”

Monchi said: “I would like to thank everyone connected with Aston Villa for the support and warmth they have shown me since I joined the club, especially Unai and Damian who I have worked especially closely with over these last two years. I must also thank our owners, Nassef Sawiris, Wes Edens and Michael Angelakis for their confidence and their support. I would also like to say a special thank you to all the staff at Aston Villa as well as the players. Lastly, a big thank you to the supporters. We have enjoyed so many special moments together and I look forward to continuing to support V Sports in an advisory role.”