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The battle for control of Aston Villa may be entering its final phase, commentators agreeing that Martin O'Neill would have hardly gone to the club as manager if 'Deadly' Doug Ellis was to remain in charge. The favourites seem to be American billionaire Randy Lerner and the consortium led by Solihull businessman Michael Neville. Lerner has spoken again with Villa and their financial advisers Rothschilds and a formal bid is expected soon. Neville may try to increase his chances by linking up with the consortium known as AV06 fronted by deputy judge Nicholas Padfield QC. These latest developments follow the release of figures which show that the club had a £8.2m pre-tax loss in the year ending May 2006. The extent of discontent among fans is shown by the fact that gates dropped by 8.7% in 2005-6. Income fell £51.6m to £49m. This is less than a third of the income generated by Manchester United, a figure that could surely be substantially improved with better performances on the pitch. The club finished 16th in the Premiership despite a 20 per cent rise in players' wages and additional funds for player purchases. Villa have frozen season ticket prices in a bid to boost attendances, but interest will probably soar when it is known that Deadly Doug has finally gone.
UPDATE - 14/08/2006
Aston Villa looks likely to become the second American owned club in the Premiership after the club's board accepted a £62.6 million offer from Randy Lerner, the multi-millionaire owner of the American football team the Cleveland Browns. The office has been supported by club chairman, Doug Ellis, a 38 per cent shareholder and Jack Petchey with a 20.1 per cent stake. One of the sticking points in the negotiations has been the future role of Deadly Doug, but it appears that he will be offered a purely honorary position. Parties have ten days to prepare a competing bid if they choose to, although it must be at least 5 per cent higher than Mr Lerner's agreed price. Mr Lerner has indicated his willingness to provide funds for buying new players, upgrading Villa Park and developing the club's training ground.
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