Christian Purslow steps down as Aston Villa chief executive after five years

Aston Villa have announced Christian Purslow is stepping down from his as chief executive and director after five years at the club.

Purslow joined Villa in September 2018 shortly after the NSWE acquired a controlling interest in the club.

Aston Villa had been in the Championship on Purslow’s arrival but secured promotion back to the Premier League during his tenure.

Purslow’s departure comes weeks after the club qualified for next season’s Europa Conference League through their seventh placed finish in the Premier League. 

‘It has been a total privilege to lead Villa for the last five years,’ Purslow said.

Aston Villa have announced Christian Purslow is stepping down after five years in the role

Purslow’s departure comes weeks after Unai Emery guided Aston Villa back into Europe

‘I am proud that I leave the club in a much better position on and off the pitch than when I arrived. 

‘We are re-established in the Premier League; we now have a very competitive professional women’s team; we have outstanding academies for boys and girls; we have created a world class training ground and secured planning permission for an expansion and modernisation of our wonderful stadium.

‘Thank you to everyone at Villa and our supporters who have made my time here so enjoyable.’

Aston Villa owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris have hailed Purslow’s leadership, with the 59-year-old credited with overseen a ‘transformation’ of the club.

‘We would like to thank Christian for his outstanding leadership of the club over the last five seasons,’ they said.

‘He has overseen a transformation of the club both on and off the pitch and delivered the ambitious turnaround plan he presented to us when he arrived in 2018.

‘We are grateful for all he has done.’

Purslow had previously been the managing director of Liverpool and Chelsea.

Villa boss Unai Emery has targeted legendary Sevilla transfer chief Monchi for a senior role at the Midlands club.

Monchi is expected to be approached by the club, after they were turned down by Barcelona director Mateu Alemany last month.

Sporting director Johan Lange is expected to stay on Villa Park, despite the interest in Monchi.