Lerner lifts lid on reason for O’Neill’s shock exit

ASTON VILLA owner Randy Lerner has revealed differences in opinion on how to take the club forward led to manager Martin O’Neill quitting the club on Monday.

O’Neill had often spoken of his desire to bring Champions League football to Villa Park during his four-year reign.

He had spent freely in guiding Villa to a trio of top-six finishes in the Barclays Premier League but Lerner, whilst also remaining ambitious, is also clearly aware of the need for Villa not to spend beyond their financial means.