Manager Remi Garde has left Aston Villa by mutual consent with the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Frenchman only took over at Villa Park in November following the sacking of Tim Sherwood, but he has been unable to improve the team’s fortunes, as they are currently 12 points adrift of safety with just seven league games left to play this season.

The 49-year-old only won three of his 23 matches in charge of the club in all competitions and his departure comes following a run of six straight defeats that leaves the team on the cusp of being relegated from the top flight for the first time since 1987.

A statement on the club’s official website confirmed the news of Garde’s departure, with first-team coach Eric Black taking over the reins until a successor is appointed.

The statement read: “Manager Remi Garde has today left Aston Villa Football Club by mutual consent. The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Remi for all his efforts during a difficult period and wish him well in the future.”

“Eric Black will take over as acting manager until the club appoints a new manager. There will be no further comment from the club at this stage.”

Black’s first match as temporary manager will be against Chelsea on home soil on Saturday, but the omens do not bode well for Villa, as they have lost seven out of their last eight encounters with the West London outfit.

Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson and ex-Everton manager David Moyes are among the early contenders to succeed Garde at the West Midlands club.

Villa are available at 6.50 to secure all three points on Saturday, while Chelsea are on offer at 1.57 and the draw is priced at 4.00.