Club sold to Dr Xia

Randy Lerner has flogged the Villa to the Recon Group owned by Dr Tony Jiantong Xia subject to the approval of both the Premier League and the Football League.

Once those approvals have been granted and the new board members approved under the fit & proper rules of both leagues, Our Tone will become Chairman of Aston Villa.

The club website states that "Dr Xia's immediate objective is to return Aston Villa to the Premier League and then to have the Club finish in the top six, bringing European football back to Villa Park. He plans to make Aston Villa the most famous football Club in China with a huge fan base."

villmad.co.uk welcomes the change of ownership and hope that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Randy's leaving message

Randy Lerner has issued a lengthy statement as he finally hands the baton on:

"In spite of my personal affection for reading history I have come to trust the future more than the past. And when I refer to the 'past,' I do so lightly and lightheartedly. I refer to recent accounts - mostly in the press regarding the sale of the Club, that are so many miles from accuracy or truth that I can only assume that they too were written by people whose tongues were firmly embedded in their respective cheeks. It is football after all.

"As I've said, it was my hope that ownership and custodianship of the Club would have been transferred some years ago when I knew that personal and professional matters made it impossible for me to contribute the time I did in my first five years with the Club. Time and immersion that is crucial to any formula for success. Still, fates are fickle in football so that we could claw back to safety last season, end up at Wembley at a Cup Final sitting amongst old friends!, and then spend the 2015/16 campaign at Bannockburn!


"As I expect this to be my last message to supporters through the Villa website I thought it worth reiterating that my approach from the beginning, consistent with my longstanding affection for The Trinity, was in three parts: Villa Park infrastructure, Bodymoor Heath infrastructure and the Villa squad. I have a sneaking suspicion that my best chance of any tolerable memories in this regard will lie with the father and son of this trinity…! In the end, however, so many wonderful young players came through Villa during my time and it is to them and supporters alike whom I am indebted. Also, of course, I wish - without mentioning names, to say thank you to countless people with whom I worked at Villa Park and BMH who have touched me personally and from whom I have learned so much.

"Finally, being conscious of the popular and dark pastime of wondering aloud how much was spent, or lost, I should like to think that I 'left behind' value which will hopefully endure and benefit this beloved old Club. In being sadly more than tone deaf, I'll not weakly risk trying to sound any positive notes. But what I will say is that if spending to restore and preserve the wonderful Jacobean Holte Hotel at the southern tip of the Ground, or researching and adding the Holte End mosaic as a nostalgic nod to that wonderful Leitch Stand of our past, add to the tally of personal losses then I can offer no counter argument other than to say I would do the same all over!

"It is here that the agreement I wish to announce with Tony Xia ties into my short narrative: Tony has built his career around infrastructure. He is certainly a hugely successful businessman but importantly for me he is passionate about architecture, site design and planning. His commitment to invest in the squad, and leadership at Bodymoor Heath was expressed early on but as we visited together, and had some unrushed time to discuss his plans, Tony's excitement to develop Villa Park shone through. I remain convinced that this is a crucial part of the Club's future as it provides a critical, long-term second source of revenue and therefore sustainability for the Club from which squad-funding can potentially come.

"It is with that that I want to say thank you, and to wish Tony every success going forward."

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