Villa in talks with potential buyers

Jul 20 2006 By Lisa Smith & Jon Griffin, Birmingham Mail

ASTON Villa are locked in talks with "credible parties" which could finally lead to a long-awaited sale of the club, it emerged today.

The crisis-torn club issued an emergency statement on the sale discussions to the Stock Exchange in the wake of David O'Leary's departure.

The statement marks the first update to supporters on the sale since a long-running attempt by Irish property developers the Comers ground to a halt with no firm bid forthcoming.

But today's alert to the Stock Exhchange prompted renewed calls for chairman Doug Ellis to step down immediately to encourage bids for the club.

Jonathan Fear, chairman of the Aston Villa Shareholders' Association, said: "We implore Doug Ellis to step down with immediate effect, put Steve Stride in temporary control and encourage bids to come in.

"Doug Ellis's time and era is over. It is undignified the way that he has allowed his empire to crumble."

Today's statement to the City said: "Shareholders and supporters willl be aware that Aston Villa has been in an official Offer Period since September 19 2005, when the AVIL consortium made an initial approach to the company.

"As previously announced, the board appointed Rothschild as an adviser to examine the AVIL proposal and can confirm that there have since been a number of other approaches from various parties, both from the UK and overseas.

"Extensive discussions involving Rothschild, chairman Doug Ellis and credible parties are ongoing and will be fully explored to determine whether a formal offer for the issued share capital of Aston Villa will be forthcoming.

"But there is no certainty that any of these discussions will lead to an offer being made. Shareholders and supporters will be updated in due course."

But Mr Fear added: "It is very hard to believe a word that comes out of Villa Park - the fans are fed up with spin and bluster. I am very sceptical about anything in which Doug Ellis is dealing."

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