Aston Villa owner explains Martin O'Neill's departure
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has shed light on Martin O’Neill’s abrupt departure as manager earlier this week, saying that they could not agree on the best way to make progress in the English Premier League.
Lerner said in a statement on the club’s official website that: “I can say only that we no longer shared a common view as to how to move forward. To deal in greater detail would do little but cause additional distraction for the club as it faces imminent games and the clear priority of hiring a permanent manager.”
The chairman added that, along with the hunt for a permanent replacement for O’Neill, his immediate focus would be on supporting Kevin MacDonald, who has been promoted from the reserve team boss to caretaker manager of the first team, and continuing discussions over midfielder James Milner’s imminent move to EPL rivals Manchester City.
Lerner had put in place a ‘sell-to-buy’ policy with an eye on securing Villa’s future, but this was widely reported to be one of the main reasons O’Neill resigned. The chairman has confirmed that he will not be changing this strategy, and said: “There have been no changes in our approach to building the club, aiming always to be as competitive as possible given our size and resources.”
Villa are reported to be looking to have a permanent manager in place by next week ahead of their UEFA Europa League campaign kicking off in the play-off stage against Rapid Vienna. Former Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has declared his interest in taking up the job, while former Villa player Gareth Southgate and United States national team coach Bob Bradley have been heavily linked with the role.
The Villans begin the EPL season at home to West Ham United on Saturday. If a new boss is in place before the hollowing weekend they will take charge of the team for their visit to Newcastle United.
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