‘Final’ - Aaron Danks makes Aston Villa future decision with striking message to supporters

Aaron Danks has announced he is leaving Aston Villa on a permanent basis, just over a month since it was revealed he would be taking a backward step upon the arrival of Unai Emery. It was thought he was going to continue his career at Villa Park in some capacity amongst the coaching staff, but the decision has now been made to properly part ways.

The 39-year-old, who arrived at Villa as Dean Smith’s assistant manager, had a short spell as the interim head coach after Steven Gerrard’s sacking earlier this year. His next step has already been chosen, as he joins Middlesbrough’s coaching team with immediate effect. He won one and lost one as the Villans’ caretaker, with both games ending 4-0.

Taking to social media to announce the news, Danks said: “My time at Aston Villa has come to an end. I have loved the experience that the club gave me and the many people I have had the privilege to work with and get to know personally.

“I’d like to thank Johan Lange for the vision he had for me and my coaching journey, the two fantastic head coaches Dean and Steven who trusted me to be myself, and to Cuts [Neil Cutler] who has been my brother through all the ups and downs.

“To the fans, it was an honour and privilege to represent you on the touchline. You can really make a difference when you get Villa Park rocking. My final message has to go to the players, from whom I learnt the most. Thank you for letting me coach you, there are some incredible people in that dressing room.

“It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you all. Stay together and chase your dreams. A new coaching opportunity awaits for me, and I can not wait to get back on the grass doing what I love.” That new opportunity, as Danks alludes to, will be working with a newly-formed coaching group at Boro.

Danks will be joining forces with former Manchester United and England footballer Michael Carrick, who recently took to the dugout at the Riverside Stadium. He has only managed one game so far - a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End on October 29, but there is hope for an exciting new era at the clu