O’Leary and Villa part company

Board say boss played no part in alleged player revolt

Gaydamak takes control at Pompey

—– Manager David O’Leary leaves Aston Villa after three years in charge at Villa Park.
The 48 year-old’s departure came at the end of a six-hour meeting that followed the inquiry by the board into a statement criticising chairman Doug Ellis last week, that was allegedly issued by the first-team squad.
A club statement read: “On 17 July 2006, Aston Villa announced that the board of Aston Villa had set up an internal enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the publication of a statement purportedly from the entire first team squad.
“That enquiry has completed its investigations. Although no misconduct by the manager, David O’Leary was uncovered, as a result of the investigation, it has been agreed that an amicable parting of the ways was in the best interests of all parties.
“Accordingly, a compensation package reflecting the situation has been established and it has been mutually agreed to terminate the contract of David O’Leary, with immediate effect.”
With ex-Villa midfielder Alan Curbishley immediately installed as favourite to replace the Irishman, they begin the search for the 13th manager of 82 year-old Doug Ellis’ chairmanship.
The Villa supremo has remained on holiday in the Mediterranean throughout the growing so-called ‘Villagate’ crisis.
O’Leary, who refuses to comment, is linked with the vacant post at Sunderland where his former Republic of Ireland team-mate Niall Quinn is set to takeover as chairman.

—– Joint-owner Alexandre Gaydamak buys chairman Milan Mandaric’s remaining stake in Portsmouth for around £32million.
The 30-year-old son of a Russian billionaire invested around £20million in Pompey in January. It allowed manager Harry Redknapp to make extensive signings and save the Premiership club from relegation.
Glen Johnson has arrived on loan from Chelsea in the close season, and further recruits are expected to follow.
Mandaric becomes non-executive chairman after denying rumours that he is planning a £15million buy-out of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Having transformed Pompey since taking over in 1998, he says: “I could not have asked for a better scenario than this one and I know that supporters are going to give Alexandre the same wonderful backing and encouragement they gave me,” Mandaric said.
“I can do this all safe in the knowledge that I will place Portsmouth Football Club in the control of a person that has massive ambitions, who has fallen in love with the supporters and is someone who will take this on to the next level.”