FA Premiership News: Graham Taylor insisted yesterday that bad results were not the prime motive behind his decision to resign as Aston Villa manager.

Taylor terminated his second spell in charge at Villa Park three days after the club's defeat at Leeds gave them a final Premiership position of 16th, just three points above the relegation zone.

Taylor had come under increasing pressure to quit from some sections of the home support, but he said in a statement: "Contrary to what may be perceived, playing results are not the reason for my resignation.

"I had always believed that last season was going to be one of transition, particularly in respect of emerging young players.

"I would, however, point out that modern football, with its well-publicised financial pressures, involves much wider issues than mere playing matters and those are a major factor in my decision."

Taylor took over at Villa Park for the second time in February last year following John Gregory's departure. But the 58-year-old never recaptured the success of his first period at the helm, when he led Villa back into the old Division One and steered them to the runners-up spot behind Liverpool in 1990.

Taylor had been tempted out of retirement by Villa in May 2001 and appointed onto the club's board in a non-executive role. Villa finished eighth last season but failed to translate that promise into their current campaign, where they suffered the ignominy of finishing behind local rivals Birmingham.

A short statement on Villa's official website yesterday confirmed that the board had accepted Taylor's resignation with immediate effect.

Former Leeds boss David O'Leary will immediately be installed as one of the favourites to succeed Taylor and become the club's sixth manager in 13 years.

Taylor's last act as Villa boss was to release veterans Ian Taylor and Alan Wright this week.