Lerner: I won't interfere at Villa Park

Feb 10 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

RANDY Lerner insists he will not stamp his authority at every turn at Villa Park.

The American billionaire believes a dictatorial style of management would simply hinder the team of executives he has put in place.

The chairman will take ultimate responsibility and therefore accountability, but will leave the various dynamics to his experts: chief executive Richard FitzGerald, non-executive director Bob Cain and financial whizz Robin Russell.

All have very different, but also heavily defined, roles.

"These guys come from very, very good jobs,'' said Lerner. "If you are going to bring them over and ask them to try and achieve these goals on the business side, you have to give them real jobs and give them the authority to execute the responsibilities they have taken on.

"In return, you have every right to hold them accountable for the results."

Lerner will not change his style of continuing to let actions and not words do his talking.

"I continue to believe that I do not belong in the media,'' he said. "Otherwise I am just out there undermining someone, speculating and I don't want to be part of it."