When anyone wants an example of an American owner who has a good relationship with his manager and his fans, they invariably turn to the example of Randy Lerner, Martin O’Neill and Aston Villa. Recent reports of plans by Lerner to cut back on his spending on the club and a consequent rift with Martin O’Neill have been denied as the nonsense they are.
When anyone wants an example of an American owner who has a good relationship with his manager and his fans, they invariably turn to the example of Randy Lerner, Martin O’Neill and Aston Villa. Recent reports of plans by Lerner to cut back on his spending on the club and a consequent rift with Martin O’Neill have been denied as the nonsense they are.
Including the cost of buying the club, Lerner has so far spent not far short of £250m on Villa. For someone who wanted to have some fun but also make some money, that’s a big investment. At the moment a fourth place and the Champions League look unlikely for Villa, but there could still be some twists and turns. Despite the disappointment of the Carling Cup final, there is still the hope of FA Cup glory.
And if Villa fans ever have any doubts they only have to recall the Doug Ellis era. Or look up the M6 to Manchester.