Tony Xia's Aston Villa sack manager Di Matteo after 124 days in charge

English soccer club Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness (R) and new manager Roberto Di Matteo attend a news conference for Recon Group’s acquisition of soccer club Aston Villa in Beijing, China, July 18, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Aston Villa, the English Championship League soccer club acquired in June by Chinese entrepreneur Tony Xia, today sacked manager Roberto di Matteo after only 124 days in charge.

The Italian di Matteo was appointed by Xia after he acquired the club in June this year, but the side, which was relegated from the elite Premier League last season, hasn't won a game since August 13.

Xia tweeted shortly after the announcement that it had been a "difficult decision for the board, but rather sooner than later we'd made the decision (sic). All need to learn and not repeat mistakes again and again."

Di Matteo once managed Chelsea and guided them to the European Champions League four years ago.

Bookmakers say Steve Bruce, the former Manchester United player whose last job as manager was at Hull City, is being tipped as favourite to succeed di Matteo.