Villa losing millions even though Randy waives interest

Aston Villa lost £18m last year; income £12m down, gates 3,500 down, £27m made selling players, and they cut costs - presume wages. Unhappy.
— David Conn (@david_conn) March 1, 2013

Aston Villa say Randy Lerner waived £20m interest on £107m loans to the club in 2011-12. He must be delighted with how it's all gone....
— David Conn (@david_conn) March 1, 2013

Aston Villa cut wage bill by £13.8m in 2011-12, also made £26m selling players. Cut losses from £54m to £18m, but it looks like downsizing.
— David Conn (@david_conn) March 1, 2013

Aston Villa announce loss of £17.7m for year to end May 2012. That's a big improvement on £53.9m loss the previous year.
— Nick Clitheroe (@NickClitheroe) March 1, 2013

Aston Villa: turnover down by £11.6m but operating expenses reduced and Randy Lerner waived interest on loans to the club too. #avfc
— Nick Clitheroe (@NickClitheroe) March 1, 2013

"These results represent a further step towards club's objective of long-term sustainability." Chief financial officer Robin Russell #avfc
— Nick Clitheroe (@NickClitheroe) March 1, 2013

Villa's chief financial officer, Robin Russell, said: "By managing costs effectively, the club managed to cut losses by more than half during a period which continued to be challenging economically both globally and especially in the West Midlands.

"In this respect, despite a disappointingly low performance level on the pitch in the 2011-12 season, these financial results represent a further step towards the club's objective of long-term sustainability.

"Having appointed Paul Lambert as manager in June 2012, he is building a youthful, progressive first-team squad and we continue to offer our season ticket holders and supporters in general some of the cheapest ticket prices in the Premier League.

"Our objectives remain to compete strongly on the pitch and to achieve sustainability as well as compliance with both UEFA's and the Premier League's Financial Fair Play requirements."

Villa risk fan revolt as Weimann talks stall

Randy Lerner is risking a major revolt amongst Aston Villa fans after contract talks with Andreas Weimann broke down.

The emergence of Austrian international Andi has been one of the few bright spots in a miserable season at Villa Park and Holte Enders will be horrified at the prospect of losing him.

Weimann is rumoured to be on around £15,000 a week but sources close to the player say they are “disappointed” with the fresh terms so far on offer He has around 18 months left on his current deal, but Villa are unlikely to let this run down and lose the talented forward man on a Bosman, so if a deal can't be brokered, his summer exit seems assured, whether or not Villa secure their Premier League status.

Villa boss Paul Lambert remarked “We’re still talking at the minute and seeing how it’s gone on.”

Randy effectively gives Lambert the dreaded vote of confidence...

Statements from Randy Lerner are almost as rare as hen's teeth, so it's a sign of how serious things are that he has issued an official statement today:

"In the time that I’ve come to know Paul what is clear above all else is his strength of character and belief in his approach to football.

"Fortunes can shift quickly in this game and a sense that one has it right can become grave doubt in a matter of a few games.

"The Villa board knew that with Paul we would begin to address the club’s multi-year lack of competitive stability by reshaping the squad with seven new signings in the summer.

"It has been rewarding at times this season although certainly frustrating as well, particularly recently.

"During January Paul and the board have discussed a variety of players although nothing has yet materialised, which I know also can be frustrating as fresh players always give at least a sense of progress and optimism.

"Finally, and on a very personal note, I would reiterate that Paul has achieved success at many levels of professional football and I believe, given support, he will continue to do so for us.”

Transfer Deadline Day: Villa News