Roy Keane quits as Villa assistant boss
Roy Keane today quit as Aston Villa's assistant manager, leaving manager Paul Lambert without a No 2 again.
The club confirmed this morning the 43-year-old, who is also assistant of the Republic of Ireland national team, has left Villa Park after less than five months in the role.
In a statement, Keane told of how he had found committing to both club and national jobs simply too tough.
He said: "Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much. 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."
The Manchester United legend was appointed Paul Lambert's assistant at Villa Park in July.
Lambert added: "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.
"In the brief period we have worked together, he has been great in the role and I understand his reasons for leaving."
The club's chief executive officer Tom Fox said: "We thank Roy for his time at the club and we wish him the best with Ireland.
"Our focus now will be on working with Paul to identify the right person to work alongside him and to help us continue on our journey to return the club to its rightful place in the Premier League."
