Paul Lambert sacked as Aston Villa manager

Aston Villa have confirmed the sacking of Paul Lambert after the club slipped into the Premier League relegation zone.

Defeat to Hull City on Tuesday was the club's fifth league loss in a row during a campaign in which they have mustered just 13 goals and lie 18th with 13 matches remaining.

A club statement read: "Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert. First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall will continue to prepare the squad for Sunday's FA Cup tie with Leicester City at Villa Park.

"The club would also like to place on record its thanks to Paul and take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future.

"The club will announce a new manager in due course."

Lambert took charge of 115 matches as Villa boss, winning just 34, drawing 26 and losing 55 during a torrid two-and-a-half years in charge.

Villa finished 15th in both of Lambert's full seasons in charge and that lack of progression coupled with an increased threat of relegation has seen him become the fifth manager to leave a Premier league side this season.