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Billionnaire Randy Lerner could be the second American to gain control of a major British football club. He seems to be ahead in the race to acquire Aston Villa, even though lifelong fan and local businessman, Michael Neville, is favoured by many fans. However, the American's financial clout may count for more than the local appeal of the Solihull based businessman. Lerner has already been to the training ground and Villa Park to check out the real estate. Of course, when Doug Ellis is involved, anything is possible, but the 82-year old Villa chairman was due to return from his yacht in the Mediterranean today to meet Lerner. A price tag of £57m has been put on the club which will pose no problems for Lerner, formerly chairman of credit card giant MBNA. Lerner already owns American football club Cleveland Browns which he inherited from his father in 2002. Opinion in the States is split on Lerner. Some Browns fans think he is reluctant to dig deep into his capacious pockets, while others think that he has good business sense and is prepared to invest wisely to get the best out of the club. In the case of Villa simply a different style of management could reap dividends and realise the club's considerable potential.
Ellis Criticised Over Latest Role In Villa Saga - 27/7/2006
Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has attracted criticism from shareholders, fans and even, it is reported, his associates after his stance led to the breakdown of negotiations with Randy Lerner over the acquisition of the club, although attempts are being made to revive his interest. A joint statement from Aston Villa Shareholders Association and Villa Fans Combined said: 'Randy Lerner came to England with the intention of bidding for Aston Villa. His advisors and himself had been in contact with VFC and the Shareholders Association in order to gauge the fans feelings and they showed a great willingness to listen. There can't be many billionaires in the world that would treat "simple fans" with that level of respect. Our information is that Mr Lerner had a meeting with Mr Ellis today that was described as "farcical" because Mr Ellis tried to jostle for position and play one group off against another. Mr Lerner had the funds in place and was willing to offer the full asking price. What he was not prepared for was the level of disrespect that Mr Ellis showed and was stunned to the point of walking out when Ellis said to Mr Lerner, "Once you have bought the club, you will report to me." So not only does Mr Ellis want a king's ransom for his shares, he also wants to remain king.'
Local businessmen Michael Neville has found sufficient backers to make a bid worth £64 million. There is also speculation that a third unnamed group from Saudia Arabia may become involved, let's hope that they are not "fake sheikhs". Which brings us to Sven-Goran Eriksson who was certainly interested in moving to Villa six months ago when approached by a 'fake sheikh'. His agent Athole Still was spotted leaving the club on Wednesday, leading to speculation that Sven might be involved in a bid that would make him manager. However, as long as Mr Ellis is involved, it is difficult to say how the saga will end.
New Consortium Enters Villa Battle - 29/07/2006
A new consortium has entered the battle for control of Aston Villa and it could end in a two-way battle between them and local businessman Michael Neville who has been assiduously working the television and radio studios saying that his knowledge of the club is worth more that pounds and dollars. The new consortium known as AV06 is fronted by Nicholas Padfield QC. They have said that they would install a professional board and liaise with fans. Little more has been heard about Sven and his Arab sheikhs, but US businessmen Randy Lerner could still re-enter the race, although it doesn't seem likely at the moment. His interest in the club has cooled after his treatment by Doug Ellis, but he is said to be mulling things over during the weekend.
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