Randy speaks at last....

"A nagging sense of inevitability set in against Leicester City despite the late lead we enjoyed. Can't say why although I doubt I'm alone...

"How many seasons after all can one hold on and hope to slide through? That is not Aston Villa. That kind of desperate existence is totally unacceptable, unbearable and totally incompatible with Villa's glorious past. That is not what, or why, I looked to get involved back then and it is why I've looked for some time to make a change. I can say certainly in good faith that I have tried to sell since my May 2014 announcement and put our beloved club in better suited hands - but that hasn't happened.


"I write to Villa supporters to make clear that this relegation lies at my feet and no one else's. And because I believe in Aston Villa and know it will come back stronger and more able, with love and care for the community it serves, with the edge and attitude it must have to represent our history and tradition. Memories of Acorns on the shirt, and Ashley Young scoring a late winner against Everton still romantically nourish me. I know Villa will return better, stronger.

"I will continue to try to put the club into worthy hands as I have, and also do my best to position Villa for the quickest possible return to its rightful place among England's elite."

R Lerner

Villa rips the heart out of the North Stand Lower

Villa fans who have enjoyed years of sitting in the cheap seats in the North Stand Lower are receiving letters saying that will have to move.

Incredibly, the club are removing seven rows from the back of the stand to provide improved wheelchair access.

While providing disabled access is laudable and legally necessary, these plans amount to barbarism.

The North Stand Lower fans can be very vocal and often banter with the away support. Ripping out the back seven rows of what is already a shallow area will kill that atmosphere stone dead.

Yet another example of terrible Villa decision making where the needs and desires of the loyal fan come last.

Villa are also closing the less popular and far more pricey Trinity Road Upper.

Gabby suspended AGAIN!!!!!

"Aston Villa Football Club has today suspended Gabby Agbonlahor pending an internal investigation.

"This is following allegations concerning his conduct at the weekend.

"There will be no further comment from the Club in relation to this matter until the investigation has been completed.

CRISIS Bernstein and King RESIGN with immediate effect

David Bernstein and Mervyn King have sensationally QUIT Aston Villa.

Although the club state that "Steve Hollis, is currently engaged in extensive negotiations in relation to the sale of the Club.", it's clear from Bernstein's stinging resignation letter that things are even more rotten at Aston Villa than many of us had thought.

His letter:

Lord King was also unequivocal:

Open letter from Chairman Reg Hollis

*WARNING: MAY CONTAIN PATRONISING PLATITUDES

Dear Supporters

First, on behalf of the Board, let me express my deep regret that I find myself writing this open letter to you, knowing just how much hurt and pain, anger and anguish will have been felt by you all after the Club lost its Premier League status this weekend.

Your profound sadness is shared by everyone connected with the Club and while I know that will be of little consolation in the days ahead, it should be a source of reassurance as we rebuild the foundations for future successes.

We must acknowledge that this weekend's confirmation has been the culmination of an unacceptably fractured season both on and on the pitch. That isn't down to bad luck. To make such a claim would be insulting to each and every one of you. I must add you have all displayed unyielding commitment in adversity.

While it is of little solace at present, the process of identifying the root causes of our circumstances started long ago and the focus now has to be looking forward and making sure lessons have been learnt.

The search for a new manager to provide drive, direction and immediate promotion has commenced.

Together, we share the same goal. We intend to restore Aston Villa Football Club to its rightful place. It is a journey we must make together so we can bring success, enjoyment and exciting football back to Villa Park once more.

Steve Hollis
Chairman

Gabby off the hook...

Our leader

Aston Villa will take no further action against club captain Gabriel Agbonlahor following his antics on a recent holiday in Dubai.

Agbonlahor was snapped seemingly smoking a shisha pipe and the 29-year-old goal shy forward was sidelined for Saturday’s match against Chelsea as the club carried out an investigation.

However, Villa tweeted on Tuesday: “Aston Villa Football Club has completed its investigation into Gabby Agbonlahor’s trip to Dubai over the international break. The Club will be taking no further action.”

Agbonlahor was pictured with Micah Richards, but the defender was allowed to play against Chelsea.

Agbonlahor is Villa’s longest-serving current player, although he has only made 15 Barclays Premier League appearances this season

He signed a four-year contract in 2014 but has managed just one goal this season.

Villa were spanked 4-0 at home by Chelsea and relegation is  inevitable. They are currently 15 points below fourth from bottom Norwich City, with just six matches remaining.

Gabby sent to the naughty step as his career goes up in smoke

Gabriel Agbonlahor has been sidelined while an investigation is carried out into the striker’s conduct during a recent trip to Dubai.

The 29-year-old waster has made only 15 Premier League appearances this season and his future at Villa Park looks bleak.

Villa announced that Agbonlahor, pictured apparently smoking a shisha pipe during a recent holiday in Dubai, would not be involved in Saturday’s home match with Chelsea while an internal investigation into his behaviour is carried out.

Rémi Garde unable to steer sinking Aston Villa away from the rocks

 

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He was pictured with excuse for a defender Micah Richards but despite getting into an Instagram spat with fans, he will be included against Chelsea. 

Pretend manager, Eric Black said: “I have spoken to Micah. It’s slightly different circumstances and he’s in the squad.”

Agbonlaho is halfway through a four-year contract in but has scored only once this season, and frankly looked a shadow of his former self

Black said: “There’s an internal investigation. I spoke to David Bernstein at length and the club have taken a decision. I have taken a decision on the footballing side to remove him from the squad, purely because I don’t want anything to distract the players.

“I’ll speak to him again on Monday and then we’ll take it from there. He’s back in and reporting for training. I’m not going to go into the details because the investigation is ongoing. I want us to get back to football and football alone.”

Black yanked Agbonlahor from the squad after the club’s new football board, headed by the former Football Association chairman Bernstein, launched an investigation.