LONDON (AFP) - Tim Sherwood was sacked as Aston Villa manager on Sunday less than 24 hours after a defeat by Swansea that left his side languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.

Sherwood had been under increasing pressure during Villa's dismal run of six successive league defeats and Saturday's 2-1 home loss proved the final straw for the club's owner Randy Lerner.

"Aston Villa Football Club has parted company with manager Tim Sherwood today," a statement on Villa's website read. "The board has monitored the performances closely all season and believes the results on the pitch were simply not good enough and that a change is imperative.

"However, the club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Tim for all his efforts during a difficult period last season and for the many positive contributions he has made to the entire football set-up during his time with the club. We wish him well in the future."

Kevin MacDonald takes over as interim boss while Lerner searches for a permanent replacement for former Tottenham Hotspur manager Sherwood.