"?Aston Villa have officially 'parted company' with manager Roberto Di Matteo just four months after the former Champions League winning coach was appointed to lead the club's charge back to the Premier League.
Villa have struggled to adapt to life in the Championship and Saturday's poor 2-0 loss against Preston North End means the club have won just one of their opening 11 league games of the season. That result left Villa hovering precariously above the relegation zone.
"Aston Villa Football Club has today parted company with manager Roberto Di Matteo," a club statement confirmed on Monday morning.
"The club decided to act following a run of disappointing results which has the left the team occupying 19th position in the Championship.
"The club would like to place on record its appreciation to Roberto for all his efforts in helping rebuild the squad and wish him well for the future.
"Steve Clarke will take over as caretaker manager during the search for a new manager.
"There will be no further comment from the club."
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Aside from his Champions League winner's medal from his time in charge of Chelsea, Di Matteo had arrived at Villa Park with expectations as a result of his previous achievements at a lower level.
He took MK Dons to the League One playoffs in his first ever season of management in 2008/09 and followed that up with guiding West Brom to second place in the Championship and automatic promotion to the Premier League in the 2009/10 campaign.
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