Di Matteo clearout begins as senior man told he is set for Aston Villa exit - report

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Published on:

04 Jun 2016, 8:37 am

By Harry Sykes

Aston Villa goalkeeping coach Tony Parks has been released as Robert Di Matteo begins his summer clearout, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claim the 53-year-old former Tottenham and Brentford keeper was informed he was to leave on Thursday ahead of Di Matteo's official unveiling as manager.

The former Chelsea and West Brom boss is keen to reshape the club's backroom staff as he begins the process of preparing for life in the Championship next season.

He was appointed at Villa Park on Friday and has been tasked with hauling the Midlands club back into the Premier League following their relegation at the end of a wretched season.

Parks joined Villa last year alongside former manager Tim Sherwood worked with the club's stoppers Brad Guzan, Shay Given and Jed Steer.

He was previously goalkeeping coach at Norwich and Tottenham where he assisted Hugo Lloris, Brad Friedel and Heurelho Gomes.

Parks' pedigree is reflected in the fact that he was named goalkeeper coach of the year in 2013.

In other Aston Villa news, the club have launched a bid to sign an 11-goal Holland attacking midfielder even though Premier League giants Liverpool are also interested.

Aston Villa

Roberto Di Matteo