(CNN) -- English Premier League side Aston Villa have confirmed that Martin O'Neill has resigned as manager of the club.
The Northern Irishman led Villa to sixth place in the league for the past three seasons but has decided to walk out of the club just five days before the start of the new season.
O'Neill took over at Villa Park in August 2006 and was afforded millions to spend in the transfer market by the club's American owner Randy Lerner.
But a year ago midfielder Gareth Barry was sold to Manchester City, and England international James Milner is on the verge of following Barry to Eastlands.
There was speculation that O'Neill was only persuaded to stay at the end of last season after talks with Lerner but now his departure has been confirmed.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Aston Villa can confirm that Martin O'Neill has resigned as manager of the football club with immediate effect. CNN
