SEVEN AXED IN SHAKE-UP OF VILLA SCOUTS

IAN ATKINS, Aston Villa’s respected chief European scout, was the highest profile casualty in a purge of the club’s technical staff. The 61-year-old was one of seven people summoned to the Bodymoor Heath training complex yesterday morning when they were told they were surplus to requirements. Sportsmail understands manager Steve Bruce was present at the meetings. Atkins, who has managed nine clubs during his career, was only appointed to the role two years ago but he was jettisoned along with Tommy Mooney — who was Villa’s loan manager — three scouts, plus scout co-ordinators John Harrower and Mark Britland. There had been differences over transfer targets, with Bruce wanting experienced players in the summer, while Atkins was eager to promote more youthful players from the continent. Club insiders suggest a sporting director may be appointed in the coming weeks. Chief executive Christian Purslow, appointed by new owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, would favour bringing in Eduardo Macia, who is Leicester City’s head of recruitment. The pair worked together at Liverpool in 2010.