The barrister overseeing an independent investigation into safeguarding at Aston Villa has issued a public appeal for further witnesses. Jack Mitchell - of Old Square Chambers - is investigating following claims of bullying made against long-serving coach Kevin MacDonald last December. MacDonald, 58, was removed from working with players by the Championship club while an investigation is carried out. MacDonald spent over a decade in charge of Villa's reserves and had a spell with Republic of Ireland as assistant to Steve Staunton. He was made caretaker manager of Villa when Martin O'Neil resigned in 2010 and had further spells in the role in 2015 and then again last year when Steve Bruce also resigned from the job.

Source: Sky sports February 19, 2019 17:03 UTC