Aston Villa Shareholders’ Association chairman Jonathan Fear has claimed the current state of uncertainty over the future of the midlands club is “unhealthy for everyone at the club”.

Doug Ellis has been assured by the consortium aiming to take control of Aston Villa that they will not asset-strip the club if they move into power.

Chairman Doug Ellis insists he must be satisfied any would-be buyers of Aston Villa are “the right people to take the club forward” before he relinquishes control.