Welcome Roberto Di Matteo and Steve Clarke

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

I think our new manager deserves his own thread!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36435484

Former Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo has been appointed the new manager of Aston Villa.

The Italian succeeds Remi Garde, who was sacked in March before the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Di Matteo, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, will be assisted by former Blues team-mate Steve Clarke.

Villa were also linked with ex-Manchester United boss David Moyes and new Derby County manager Nigel Pearson, but Di Matteo was always first choice.

Dr Tony Xia, the Chinese businessman whose takeover of Villa is awaiting Football League and Premier League approval, is convinced Di Matteo will raise the West Midlands club's profile in the Championship.

The former West Brom and Schalke boss and Clarke, 52, have been out of management since last year.

The pair have never worked together in management but were Chelsea team-mates for two years.

Clarke will take hands-on responsibility for Villa's group of underachieving players.

The Scot has excellent contacts and recent experience in the Championship, having managed Reading until he was sacked last December.

Thanks to his time at Newcastle United and Liverpool, he also has an excellent reputation as a first-team coach and worked as an assistant to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea for three years.

As a head coach, Clarke, a former Scotland international, guided West Brom to their highest Premier League position of eighth in 2013.

Di Matteo has not managed at Championship level since 2009-10, when he guided West Brom to an immediate return to the top flight.

Since 2011, the former midfielder, who won 34 caps for Italy, has been sacked by the Baggies, Chelsea and Schalke, leaving the Bundesliga side in May 2015 after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

The first task for Di Matteo and Clarke will be to eliminate underperforming players on long contracts, while bringing in players suited to the physical challenges of the Championship.

New owner Xia has already promised extensive funds for player recruitment.

By the way, you owe us an FA Cup!

[Singapore Villa]

How can BBC get the scoop even before it's on the official Villa site?

Anyway, happy with that.  Big, big summer ahead.

[Comrade Blitz]

Benvenuto Roberto!

[Dave P]

The Steve Clarke appointment is interesting and very welcome.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

Also another Clarke with an "e"!

[villadelph]

I feel like the raggies are going to have a field day with this. I'm not disappointed, I welcome RDM but Clarke came out of no where.

Hopefully they find success, and fast.

[Jon Crofts]

How can BBC get the scoop even before it's on the official Villa site?

They're on a tea break.

[Chris Smith]

How can BBC get the scoop even before it's on the official Villa site?

Anyway, happy with that.  Big, big summer ahead.

The website bod is having his dinner.

A step in the right direction I think. They appear to have good reputation in the gams so I don't think we will see too many players taking the piss with them in charge.

[The Laughing Policeman]

How can BBC get the scoop even before it's on the official Villa site?

Anyway, happy with that.  Big, big summer ahead.

Maybe the pair set off to go to Bodymoor Heath for the official unveiling and forgot they are now Villa and they rocked up at the Tesco's training ground instead.

[Bottom Right 89]

The Steve Clarke appointment is interesting and very welcome.

Whilst I'm pleased we've got Di Matteo getting Steve Clarke in assistant is a real bonus. Onwards and upwards, we're on our way back!

[TopDeck113]

Welcome.  The last manager who look over a relegated Villa left three seasons later a legend.  That's the yardstick by which you'll be measured.  Good luck!

[not3bad]

Great news! Welcome Roberto and Steve! Up The Villa!

[Monty]

Steve Clarke eh? That doesn't seem like a bad move at all!

[Virgil Caine]

Be good to get Eddie Newton on board too as I understand he is a very good fitness coach

[edgysatsuma89]

Pretty impressed with getting Steve Clarke in as number 2.