(AP Photo/Tom Hevezi, File )

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) Martin O'Neill surprisingly quit as manager of Aston Villa on Monday, just five days before the start of the Premier League season.

Although Villa gave no reason for the sudden departure, O'Neill has been frustrated in recent weeks by the potential sale of key players James Milner and Ashley Young - having lost midfielder Gareth Barry the previous year without being able to secure a high-profile replacement.

"It definitely was a bit of a surprise," said Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who is in the United States ahead of a friendly with Brazil. "I spoke to some of the guys on the team, and from what they said, he left training this morning and obviously made an announcement this afternoon.

Read More...