Villa fans urge Ellis to sell up

Aston Villa fans are calling on chairman Doug Ellis to sell his majority share-holding in the club – or risk losing manager David O’Leary.

Villa Fans Combined (VFC) fear that O’Leary will become frustrated with the lack of funds that will be available to investment in his already depleted squad - around £2m (€3m) – this summer.

Leading scorer Juan Pablo Angel and midfielder Lee Hendrie have already pleaded for O’Leary to be given the resources to strengthen a squad challenging against the odds for a European spot.

VFC’s plea comes after Villa today rejected a takeover bid – believed to be in the region of £30m (€44.7m) – from a number of parties including former Manchester City full-back Ray Ranson.

And VFC are pledging to step up their demonstrations against Ellis unless he agrees to stand aside.

A statement by VFC reads: “We recognise that Aston Villa are at yet another crossroads.

“With two high profile players calling on the board to back David O’Leary, it is now down to Mr Ellis to decide how he is going to react – be it for the love of the club or the love of himself.

“We note with interest a bid has been rejected and can only hope that Mr Ellis distances himself as he has a personal interest from any negotiations that could arise.

“It is clear from Mr O’Leary’s comments about the size of the squad and the expected low budget for the summer that he will be forced to search in the bargain basement for transfers.

“This is not good enough for a club of the size and potential of Aston Villa.

“It is also not the sort of situation that will help attract the right quality of player to the club or keep the stars we have from leaving.

“It is also not the sort of situation that will persuade our manager that his long term future doesn’t lie with a more progressive and ambitious club.

“Previous managers have left out of frustration, VFC do not see why that pattern won’t continue unless positive steps are taken.

“VFC call for a simple and clear statement from Mr Ellis that – at the age of 80 years old and with failing health – is willing to listen to offers for his majority shareholding in Aston Villa.

“If he signals his intent to sell then the fans and shareholders can ask no more of him, especially if he distances himself from any negotiations so as not to prejudice them.

“It is time for Mr Ellis to prove he loves Aston Villa, to prove himself man enough to step aside for a more dynamic and capable board. It is never easy to let go, but the time is long overdue.”

The statement continues: “We congratulate both the manager and the team for reaching safety with such stretched resources but stress that unless radical changes are made, we will flirt with such dangers season after season.

“If Mr Ellis signals his intent to listen to offers, the protests, disaffection and ill feeling can come to an immediate halt.

“Everyone at the club from board level downwards can pull together and the ground work set in place can be built upon in order to give this great club the chance to get back to the elite of football where it rightly belongs.

“If not, the protests will again be stepped up, something none of us want, and the customers and shareholders of Aston Villa will continue to fight until they see the club treated with the professionalism and respect it deserves.”

A Villa plc statement to the Stock Exchange this morning confirmed the offer and its rejection.

It read: "Following recent articles in the press, the Board of Aston Villa plc confirms that it has received an indicative proposal from certain parties, including Mr Ray Ranson, to acquire the entire issued share capital of the company.

“Having considered the proposal and consulted with the company’s advisers, the board’s view is that it significantly undervalues Aston Villa and the proposal has been rejected.

A Villa spokesman said: “There will be no further comment from the club on this matter.”