Wednesday 19 September 2018 22:07, UK
Aston Villa have sacked seven members of the club's recruitment and technical staff, including Ian Atkins, their head of European scouting.
Sky Sports News understands the departures are part of a club-wide review of backroom and administrative personnel, as Villa look to make their operation more efficient and progressive.
It is understood manager Steve Bruce took full control of this summer's transfer activity, rather than Villa's recruitment department.
Bruce is thought to have sourced most of the recent signings, including the permanent arrival of John McGinn and the loan deals for Tammy Abraham and Yannick Bolasie.
Villa now want to appoint a new technical director to oversee recruitment and ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play, as the club's new owners continue to restructure.
Atkins previously spent four years as head of recruitment at Everton, before moving to Villa Park in 2016.
