Randy Lerner has made a rare interview for The Times and he talks about his vision for Aston Villa, a little update about interest in the club and what he will do should Aston Villa not sell by the end of the summer
“I have had interest from nearly every corner of the globe,” he said. “Germans, Italians, Americans and Chinese among others have expressed interest in and fondness for the Villa. The key of course is to try to put the club in custodial hands that can take the club forward – resources and competence and a willingness to immerse themselves in the local fabric.”“Last year at this time I had a plan A, which was to sell, and a plan B, which was to rethink the club’s business management, which led to the hiring of Tom Fox [as chief executive],” Lerner said. “This year plan A remains to find a buyer if on the cards or, plan B, find a new chairman.” – Rand Lerner
I pulled out the more interesting quotes and what Lerner said in his interview are all positive things. Firstly he is looking to sell the club and admits that the club could have been sold last summer. He also admits that he should’ve sold the club earlier to focus on his family and other business interest in the United States. But he will not sell the club to anyone, he wants to find a new owner that will put Aston Villa interest first and ensure that the club don’t suffer financial or have the same fate as Birmingham FC, Blackburn or Fulham. This is all very positive, it’s also good to hear that there is interest across the globe for Aston Villa.
Lerner will be at Wembley for the FA Cup and I think that would be a great farewell for Lerner’s period. Lerner has invested a lot of money in the hope of seeing Aston Villa play Champions League football, we were really close as well. But Martin O’Neil’s spending affected the financial balance of the club for a few years. However Villa have also made a League Cup final in 2010.
If you’re interested in reading the full article the link can be found here.