Wednesday 5 October 2016 08:47, UK
Roberto Di Matteo has released a statement a day after being sacked as Aston Villa boss and says the club's future is bright.
The former Chelsea player and manager was dismissed after just 124 days in the job having been brought in by Chinese businessman Dr Tony Xia who took over the club in June.
Di Matteo was appointed the permanent successor to Remi Garde, but the Italian's reign came to a swift end after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Preston that left Villa 19th in the Championship despite a summer of spending.
In a statement from the League Managers Association, Di Matteo expressed regret that he wasn't able to build on his project.
He said: "My coaching staff and I have worked tirelessly to rebuild the squad and I fully expect the players we have brought in to start delivering results in the weeks and months to come.
"I have seen enough over the opening games of the season to suggest that the team we have built will start converting draws into wins and climb the table towards the play-off places.
"I would like to thank the players, coaches, medical team and support staff at Bodymoor Heath, who are some of the most committed and talented I have worked with. I would also like to thank the fans and I am really appreciative of the support they have shown the club so far this season.
"Finally, I wish everyone at the club, Dr Tony Xia and the board, well for the rest of the season. I am sure that the work we have done over the past four months will contribute to seeing Villa back in the Premier League in the near future."
Steve Clarke has taken charge until a new manager is appointed with Steve Bruce the current favourite for the role, according to Sky Bet.
After dismissing Di Matteo, Villa's Chinese owner Xia tweeted: "A difficult decision for the board. But rather sooner than later we'd make the decision. All need learn [sic] and not repeat mistakes again and again."
Di Matteo twice broke the Championship record for a transfer fee in the summer window, bringing in Ross McCormack for an initial £12m and then paying Bristol City £15m for Jonathan Kodjia.
