Aston Villa are ready to axe chief executive Tom Fox and two key members of senior staff in a ruthless cull at the end of the season.

Fox, sporting director Hendrik Almstadt and head of recruitment & scouting Paddy Riley are fighting to save their jobs after an extensive inquest by Steve Hollis, the new chairman.

Hollis has conducted a full-scale investigation into Villa’s nightmare campaign and believes major changes are required at boardroom level, with the club on course to start next season in the Championship.

Fox could even leave before the season ends with sources claiming his position has now become “untenable”, while his two big appointments Almstadt and Riley are also expected to go.