Taylor leaves Villa

Graham Taylor has resigned as manager of Aston Villa FC, bringing an end to his second spell in charge of the Birmingham club.

Struggled this season
Taylor, a former England manager, took over at Villa Park for a second time in February last year following John Gregory's departure but the club struggled in the Premiership this season and finished 16th.

Reason for resignation
Taylor denied that on-field performances had prompted his decision. "Contrary to what may be perceived, playing results are not the reason for my resignation and I had always believed that last season was going to be one of transition, particularly in respect of emerging young players," he said.

'Wider issues'
"I would however point out that modern football, with its well publicised financial pressures, involves much wider issues than mere playing matters and those are a major factor in my decision." Villa said they would hold interviews for a replacement in June.

Successful first spell
Taylor, who is 58, enjoyed a successful first spell at Villa between 1987 and 1990, in the course of which he won them promotion to the top flight before securing a second-placed finish in 1990. He subsequently left the Birmingham club to begin a three-year tenure as England manager.

Watford era
Forced to stop playing at 28 because of injury, Taylor gained a reputation as one of English football's bright young managers when he led Watford FC up from the old fourth division and into the top flight in the early 1980s. He returned to Watford in 1996 and took them into the Premiership for a season in 1999.