Garde leaves Villa by mutual consent

Birmingham - French manager Remi Garde has left Aston Villa by mutual consent, the Premier League basement sitters said on Tuesday.

"The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Remi for all his efforts during a difficult period and wish him well in the future," said a club statement on the Villa website.

Eric Black has taken over as acting manager until a full-time appointment can be made.

Villa started the season with Tim Sherwood as manager but he was sacked in October after losing six consecutive matches.