Gregory resigns Villa post

John Gregory has resigned as manager of former European Champion Clubs' Cup winners Aston Villa FC "due to the pressures of the job".

'Amicable' parting
Gregory had been under pressure from supporters and chairman Doug Ellis after Villa, who led the FA Premiership in October, slipped out of the running for a UEFA Champions League place. Ellis, Villa chairman since 1982, said: "John's resignation is sad. It was most unexpected but has been amicable."

Break from football
Gregory, 47, wants to take a break from football before deciding what his future holds. Former Norwich City FC boss John Deehan and ex-Southampton FC manager Stuart Gray will take control over team affairs until the board has considered applications for a replacement.

Modern-day pressure
Ellis added: "I can understand how John feels regarding his need for break and this is a reflection of the pressures that managers endure in modern-day Premier League football." He insisted the parting was an amicable affair and said he would bide his time in appointing a successor.

No rushed appointment
"I personally wish John and his family well in all they do in the future and he will always be welcome at Villa Park," Ellis said. "We will not rush into a replacement appointment as John and Stuart both have previous management experience."

Cup final defeat
Gregory took over at Villa Park in February 1998 and led the club to the FA Cup final two years later, where they lost to Chelsea FC. Villa currently lie seventh in the Premiership.