Aston Villa appoint former Bayern Munich assistant manager Michael Henke

Aston Villa have appointed former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich
assistant manager, Michael Henke, as their new head of European
scouting.

The experienced German will head up the club's European network in an overall structure that has been developed over the past two years.

As part of the move he is reunited with Villa manager Paul Lambert who is a former Dortmund player.

Henke said: "This is a similar role to one I held at Bayern when Jurgen Klinsmann became manager and I am looking forward to helping identify players who will enhance Villa.

"Our objective will be to identify young players who have a good future and a good mentality.

"The Bundesliga has good youth Academies but our analysis of players will include other leagues, including Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, France, Spain and other countries."

Lambert said: "It's great to have a man with Michael's experience and track record to come in to this role and I'm delighted that we've been able to bring him here.

"Michael has been successful with two great clubs in Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, working with Ottmar Hitzfeld, and together bringing Champions League success and a succession of Bundesliga titles to both clubs.

"In the European game he has an unbelievable wealth of experience and an enviable network of contacts. It's a great thing for Villa that we have been able to attract a man of his calibre."

PA