Aston Villa Exclusive: We talk to Randy Lerner

May 27 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

The billionaire spoke openly about his unerring desire to keep manager Martin O’Neill and captain Gareth Barry at Villa Park, should the anticipated knocks from the big boys arrive.

Also on the agenda was the chairman’s total support of O’Neill’s controversial decision to effectively forfeit the UEFA Cup in Moscow to make Champions League qualification a priority.

Lerner then addressed the issue of this summer’s spending policy, understandably steering clear of figures for fear of divulging too much to Villa’s rivals about the club’s finances.

He hinted that players would be allowed to leave as part of the squad’s natural progression, but stressed that O’Neill was not under pressure to sell to generate a transfer war-chest.

“I expect us to have funds,” said Lerner, who reportedly spent in excess of £50million to boost Villa’s playing staff 12 months ago.

“Like any club we’re conscious of having money available for the summer.

“We’re also conscious of managing players leaving and trying to generate funds from that. It’s a balancing act.

“Will it be similar to last year? I don’t know. If I came out and said that I would probably put the club at some disadvantage in pricing.”

Lerner revealed that rather than one big summer meeting to discuss Villa’s plans for next season he will keep in regular contact with O’Neill.

There is a hotline from manager’s to chairman’s office and on the occasions the pair cannot talk, chief executive Paul Faulkner is an influential go between.