Aston Villa have announced that academy stalwart Kevin MacDonald has left the club with immediate effect.
MacDonald, who was Head of Football Development, was part of an independent investigation into ex-player allegations of bullying published in The Guardian newspaper in December 2018 about his past conduct.
The 58-year-old, who has been part of Aston Villa on and off for over two decades, was reallocated to non-player facing duties pending the completion of the investigation.
Led by barrister Jack Mitchell, the investigation has now concluded and the results delivered to the club's board.
An Aston Villa statement read: "As the report forms part of an employee disciplinary process, the Club is unable to provide details in public although copies of Mr Mitchell’s investigation have been provided to The FA, Premier League and statutory authorities.
"Mr Mitchell appealed for individuals to come forward to give evidence and we are especially grateful to those former players who assisted him in his investigation.
"Aston Villa wishes to apologise to all former players who were affected by behaviour which would not be tolerated by the Club today.
"Our approach to safeguarding is now unrecognisable from the past and has been described as excellent in recent EFL and Ofsted audits. The Club will now begin a search for his successor."
MacDonald has acted as caretaker manager on three occasions - the most recent following Steve Bruce's sacking in 2018.
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