Roy Keane leaves Aston Villa

Roy Keane has left his post as assistant manager of Aston Villa with immediate effect, according to an official announcement from the Premier League club.

“Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much,” said Keane. “It isn’t fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision... I’d like to thank Paul [Lambert] for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club, I’ve really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the club nothing but the best going forward.”

Keane, 43, had served as assistant to both Paul Lambert and Ireland manager Martin O'Neill until this morning. Villa intend to fill the vacant post "as soon as is practically possible".

“Roy came to me this morning and he informed me that, ultimately, the difficulty of combining both roles has prompted his decision, which I respect totally,” said Villa boss Paul Lambert.

“In the brief period we have worked together he has been great in the role and I understand his reasons for leaving.”