Aston Villa have announced the appointment of Remi Garde as the club's new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The former Lyon boss, who left the Ligue 1 outfit in 2014 following a three-year spell, will be at White Hart Lane this evening to watch his new team in action in tonight's Premier League match.

The Frenchman was an early favourite to take the role after Tim Sherwood was sacked just over a week ago following six consecutive league defeats.

During his time at Lyon, Garde guided the team to the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions, as well as the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

"It is an unbelievable honour to be the manager of such an illustrious football club," Garde told the club's official website.

"I've had extremely positive meetings with both the owner, Randy Lerner, and chief executive Tom Fox. They have ambitious plans for the club and I'm excited that they have turned to me to help them realise them.

"Obviously we have a difficult task in front of us but I'm looking forward to the challenge with the support of everyone who loves Aston Villa."

Fox added: "For the past year we have been working purposefully to transform the club in order to build a successful organisation that can compete and succeed in the Premier League.

"Finding a manager who shares and believes in our vision and has the ability to bring it to life through performances on the pitch is essential. We are confident that Remi is the manager who can deliver the best from the current squad and help set the club up for future success."

Garde will be tasked with helping the club climb from the bottom of the table as they currently sit four points from safety.