Aston Villa model change explained after Christian Purslow and Monchi decision

Aston Villa have announced Christian Purslow has left his position as CEO after nearly five years, making for a change of model going forwards.

The 59-year-old was key to the Villans gaining promotion back to the Premier League, achieving security back in the top flight, and clinching a first European qualification in well over a decade.

Now, though, he has stepped aside with Villa showing rapid progression under new head coach Unai Emery. There will no longer be a CEO as the club look to reshape matters behind the scenes.

Owners, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris said: “We would like to thank Christian for his outstanding leadership of the Club over the last five seasons.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Purslow himself said: “It has been a total privilege to lead Villa for the last five years. 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.”

Purslow stepping down is the next step in a Villans evolution that is already well underway, as he had previously seen a cutback in his involvement with decision-making after Emery’s appointment.

Chris Heck, who is the new president of business operations, will make important calls for building Villa’s brand across the globe and increasing off-field revenue.

Then there’s Monchi, who is the new number one target to come in as a director of football. The Sevilla man is Emery’s next preference after missing out on Barcelona’s Mateu Alemany.

Already established as one of the world’s greatest sporting directors, Monchi would be a remarkable coup for Villa as they look to build a squad capable of being highly competitive in an array of tournaments.