Roberto Di Matteo plans Aston Villa spending spree with £50 million war chest

Roberto Di Matteo today began planning a summer spending spree at Villa - with fans urging the new boss to swiftly axe those players responsible for relegation.

The Italian will be given up to £50 million by prospective new claret and blues owner Tony Xia to revamp a squad which finished rock bottom of the Premier League.

Villa won just three league games during a campaign in which several players made unwanted headlines off-the-field amid constant talk of a split in the camp.

Most notable among them was Gabriel Agbonlahor, who relinquished the club captaincy after being pictured partying just hours after the club's relegation was confirmed.

In a statement welcoming Di Matteo and Steve Clarke, who is expected to be appointed his assistant, the Villa Supporters Trust called on the pair to begin by removing any problem players from the club.

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It read: "You have a lot to do and can start with removing those that were so influential in the dressing room disharmony last season. It is the first of many jobs that needs doing this summer."

Di Matteo's appointment as Remi Garde's successor was finally confirmed via a brief statement on the club's official website yesterday morning.

The 46-year-old described being named manager as a "great honour", adding: "I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking Villa back to their rightful place."

A deal for Clarke to join him should be finalised in the coming days, while a further announcement on backroom staff is expected in due course.

With Di Matteo now in post, Xia's proposed £75million takeover is still waiting to be given the green light. The deal is being scrutinised by the Premier League and Football League.

Di Matteo's arrival meanwhile coincided with the departure of many long-serving members of staff following the club's relegation.

Player liaison officer Lorna McClelland and AVTV commentator Jack Woodward are among those who have left.