Aston Villa’s sporting director Hendrik Almstadt returned from a holiday in Dubai to discover he had been sacked, the first departure as the club take action after a shameful season.
Almstadt’s exit after less than 12 months in the role was confirmed on Tuesday and further casualties are expected as the Premier League’s bottom club prepare for relegation to the Championship.
He was Villa’s first ever sporting director after arriving in July but his presence proved a contentious issue for managers Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde.
The 40-year-old was on holiday in Dubai last week, which is understood to have stunned club staff, and he returned to be told he would be leaving the club.
Villa announced he had left by mutual consent but it is understood he was dismissed after talks between chairman Steve Hollis and Garde.
Almstadt clashed with Garde over signings in January and the Villa manager made his reservations clear after being consulted by Hollis, who is leading an investigation into their nightmare campaign.
Almstadt could be followed by head of recruitment and scouting Paddy Riley, while chief executive Tom Fox is also in the firing line. It was Fox who raided Arsenal for Almstadt in the summer and he has frequently backed him this season, insisting his role was misunderstood.
The club’s statement 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.”
Brian Little, the former Villa player and manager, could fill the role after being handed an advisory role to the board. Little has already been scouting potential targets and has given his recommendations to the board over new recruits.
Villa's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was their 20th of the season and they are nine points adrift of safety.
(The Telegraph)
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