Lord King joins Aston Villa board

Lord Mervyn King has been appointed to the board of Premier League strugglers Aston Villa, the club has announced.

The former Bank of England governor is a life-long Villans fan and joins with the side staring down the barrel of relegation, 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table.

"I was delighted when Mervyn agreed to join the board. His dedicated support for the club is well known," said chairman Steve Hollis.

"Mervyn successfully steered the Bank of England through the most turbulent economic headwinds in living memory and his appointment to the board is a huge boost as we plan our path back to more successful times."

King added: "It is a privilege to be asked to serve as a director of this great club. I watched my first match at Villa Park more than 55 years ago, and have experienced the highs and the lows since then.

"I shall do my best to help the rebuilding of Aston Villa Football Club as together we return it to its position as one of the top clubs in the world."

Despite their perilous position, Villa failed to make a signing during the mid-season transfer window.