Sign up NOW for our daily Villa newsletter direct to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Tony Xia's right hand man Rongtian He has been removed from Aston Villa's board, according to an update on Companies House.

A notice was posted on the financial website today confirming the 'termination of appointment' of He, often know as Ho.

Ho started out as a work experience intern at Villa Park but was promoted to the role of Xia's executive assistant when the Chinese business bought Villa in 2016.

Companies House has also confirmed the termination of appointment of director Tracey Gu, another of Xia's allies.

The appointment as a director of Nassef Sawiris, who has taken over control of the club with business partner Wes Edens, is also included in the latest updates made public today.

Ho posted an emotional message on his Instagram page earlier this week:

"When Dr Tony decided to takeover Aston Villa at its lowest point of club in recent 20 years, he flew to the US to negotiate the takeover by himself, invest more than 150m in two years, fully respect the fans and its culture, never asked for any return, but only wish to help the team to get back to where it belongs.

"As a chairman, he helped the team to reach the playoff final, changed the relationship between fans and the club, where he worked tirelessly to solve any problems that the fans might have, make the club in no debt situation, despite the policy change in the country we still try our best to secured the best strategic partnership with Nassef and Wes to ensure the club is going forward.

"In the football world, "patience" is the key. Indeed, everyone is not perfect, but no matter how you evaluate last two years, he paid more effort to run this club than anybody else.

"He loves Villa. As my boss in last 2 years I really appreciate the opportunity he gave to me work for the club which I support since 12. Fans, coaches, players, chairman and staff everyone is part of the history we should proud of."

MEET THE OWNERS

Nassef Sawiris

An ambitious member of Egypt’s wealthiest family is behind the takeover of Aston Villa, writes Gregg Evans.

Nassef Sawiris has struck a deal with Tony Xia.

The Sawiris family are the most famous and richest family in Egypt - but what else do we know about them?

Well they have made an incredible fortune over the years.

Forbes estimated the family’s combined net worth at $36billion which highlights their financial muscle.

Wes Edens

American businessman Wes Edens is the other man involved in the takeover.

The 56-year-old has a sports background and is co-owner of NBA franchise Milwaukee Bucks in the United States.

Edens has also invested heavily in the increasingly popular eSports world and owns FlyQuest, a League of Legends team based in his homeland.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

What have they said?

In a joint statement, Villa's new owners said: “As lifelong football fans, we are excited and privileged to have become part of this great Club. We believe that together we bring business and sports experience that will help strengthen the Club to ensure Aston Villa can return to its rightful place in the upper echelons of English football.

“Our goal is to bring sustainable success to the Club, building on its rich history while respecting its loyal fan base and unique culture. We understand that we are stewards of Aston Villa on behalf of the fans and we take that responsibility seriously.

“We look forward to working with Dr Tony to undertake a thorough assessment and evaluation of the Club in the coming weeks and our priority is to strengthen the squads and structures ahead of the upcoming season and beyond.”

poll loading Who would you rather have as Aston Villa manager? 13000+ VOTES SO FAR Thierry Henry Steve Bruce

THEIR LETTER TO FANS

Aston Villa's new owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have introduced themselves to supporters by writing to fan groups.

The new money men, who have bought a controlling stake from Tony Xia, have written to members of the Fans' Consultation Group.

It comes after Sawiris and Edens, through their company NSWE, injected significant investment capital into the club on Friday.

The pair are keen to engage with supporters and have written to groups including My Old Man Said, Vital Villa and The Villa View and Aston Villa Independent Supporters Clubs.

In the letter the duo told fans that they will take seriously their responsibility as stewards of the club and confirmed they plan to meet fans at Fans' Consultation Group meetings.

Jonathan Fear, on the Vital Villa website , wrote: "This bodes well.

"The new majority stakeholders of Aston Villa, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have been in touch with the Fan Consultation Group Members to assure us (so all us fans) that they will look for fan input and continue with the consultation group.

"Nice to see, so early into their purchase, they are looking to engage with the life-blood of the club, us fans."