Relegation-threatened Aston Villa have sacked manager Paul Lambert.

The club slipped into the bottom three in the Premier League following a 2-0 defeat to struggling Hull yesterday.

Villa confirmed the decision in a statement, adding that coaches Scott Marshall and Andy Marshall would take charge of the first team.

"Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert.

"First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall will continue to prepare the squad for Sunday's FA Cup tie with Leicester City at Villa Park.

"The club would also like to place on record its thanks to Paul and take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future.

"The club will announce a new manager in due course."

Lambert has been in charge at Villa Park since 2012, having made the move from Norwich City.