Ellis seal of approval for Lerner
"Deadly" Doug Ellis is happy to let Randy lerner take over the reins
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Thursday, 26, Oct 2006 09:56
Former Aston villa chairman Doug Ellis has spoken of his confidence in the club's new owner American billionaire Randy Lerner.
"I have to praise Mr Lerner wholeheartedly. I always knew he was the right man and I have been proved absolutely 100 per cent correct," said the 82 year-old of his successor.
"We were on the same wavelength from the very beginning. They are not only extremely warm people but are also football people through and through.
"That was clear from the outset. They are absolutely driven by Aston Villa, the name, the history, everything."
Ellis, who ended a 35-year association with Villa Park when he sold the club in August, also revealed that Lerner had considered other Premiership sides as possible takeover targets.
"He didn't have to find any money to repay any debts. They had looked at the likes of Newcastle and Everton and others but they all carried debt," he said.
With new manager Martin O'Neill at the helm and the Villains now up to seventh in the league, Ellis also seems to have turned round his fragile relationship with the Holte End.
"I have received dozens and dozens of letters out of the blue saying 'thank you'. Even making my way out of the ground people have been shaking my hand.
"These are exciting times. These current youngsters are something special. And there are more to come, trust me."