Ellis told the club’s official website, www.avfc.co.uk: “I’m absolutely delighted. We’ve taken the best part of a week looking at the pros and cons of different prospective managers.

“We’ve had 35 applications from professionals and a lot of them were managers with experience.

“But we had no doubt. Our first choice was David O’Leary and we’re all absolutely delighted.

“He’s proven it in the past, he’s a top-class manager and I think our supporters will go along with me in thinking we have made the best choice.”

Villa midfielder Ian Taylor has also backed O’Leary to turn around the club’s fortunes.

Villa moved swiftly to install O’Leary on a three-year deal following the shock resignation of Taylor last week.

And 34-year-old Ian Taylor, who was told he would be released this summer by his former boss, believes O’Leary’s appointment is a positive move.

He told Sky Sports News: “I don’t think it is a bad appointment and I think it is one the fans will agree with.

“We’ve got good youngsters at the club and he did bring through a good crop at Leeds, perhaps he can do the same here.

“He is a good up-and-coming young manager and that is what the fans want to see, I think.

“All they want to see is good football and us winning matches. As long as they get that, they will be happy.”