Aston Villa: Doug Ellis expects Carling Cup Final to be his last
ASTON Villa’s former chairman Doug Ellis told of his joy at seeing his beloved team reach the Carling Cup showdown at Wembley – then admitted it could be his last final.
The 86-year-old said he is unsure if he will see Martin O’Neill’s men clinch more silverware after the February 28 final, due to continuing poor health after a brave cancer battle.
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mercury at his Sutton Coldfield home, Doug revealed he is desperately missing being in the Villa hotseat after selling the club to American Randy Lerner in 2006.
“Don’t ever get old, that would be my advice,” said the soccer legend, who has overcome three operations to remove cancer.
“My health is not good at the moment but I am living.
“I am struggling with my balance, my voice is getting a little hoarse and I don’t have the energy I used to.
“I can remember things from 30 years ago, but struggle with things that were five minutes ago.
“I don’t know if I’ll see another final, but it is great to be in this one.
“I miss it badly, but to be fair I chose the right men to take the club forward, first by signing Martin O’Neill and then a few weeks later selling to Randy Lerner on his third visit from New York.
“I always said they would have to carry me out of the ground feet first, but after my operations it was time to step back.” During his time in charge of Villa the entrepreneur, who made his fortune by pioneering package holidays to Spain, suffered an almost constant barrage of abuse from some fans.
They often blamed him for the club’s lack of success.
Doug was criticised for not freeing up enough cash to attract the game’s biggest players, despite spending £120 million on transfers in eight seasons.
Groups of supporters mounted high-profile campaigns to oust him and even attacked his plush Midlands’ home.
Doug, whose wife Heidi is currently in Spain celebrating her mother’s 101st birthday, even received telephone death threats.
But since he stood down from his post and became the club’s president, he has seen the mood of the once hostile Holte End vanish to be replaced with adulation
“The change is incredible,” he added.
“I used to be unable to set foot in the ground without someone shouting something at me.
“Now people want to have their photo taken with me and I am celebrated.
“I always tried to keep the club stable, that was my aim, and that is why it was important who took over.
“When it became known the club was available the predators began to circle.
