French manager Remi Garde has left Aston Villa by mutual consent, the Premier League basement sitters said on Tuesday.

"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," said a club statement on the Villa website.

Eric Black has taken over as acting manager until a full-time appointment can be made.

Villa started the season with Tim Sherwood as manager but he was sacked in October after losing six consecutive matches, with the team winning just one of their opening 10 league games of the season.

Garde was appointed in November on a three-and-a-half-year deal, but has been unable to prevent their slide towards relegation.

Villa sit bottom of the Premier League, 12 points from safety and nine behind their nearest rivals with just seven games remaining.

Villa won only two league games under Garde's stewardship.