Another big-name casualty at Villa as financial crisis deepens

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Aston Villa have dramatically sacked director of football Steve Round  – the latest high profile departure at the club.

The former Everton assistant manager joined in September 2016, a month before current boss Steve Bruce was appointed.

A Villa statement read: “We can confirm Director of Football Steve Round has left the club. The club would like to thank Steve for all his efforts and wish him well for the future.”

Round follows Keith Wyness, Villa’s former chief executive, who was sacked last month having been suspended by owner Tony Xia.

The chairman had been unhappy Wyness was seeking advice as he looked to safeguard Villa’s financial future should they fail to return to the Premier League.

Wyness is now suing Villa for constructive dismissal which could cost the club over £6million.

They lost the Sky Bet Championship play-off final 1-0 to Fulham in May and Xia’s financial problems have been laid bare.

He needs to raise £40million to comply with Financial Fair Play rules and has reportedly turned down offers for a stake in Villa.

 

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