Villa fans renew call for Ellis exit

Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust want Doug Ellis to step down as chairman in the wake of the latest furore to engulf the club.

Villa are to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the release of a statement last Friday, presented as being from members of the first team and detailing concerns over alleged cost-cutting.

The inquiry is to be concluded “sooner rather than later” according to a club spokesman as they look to get to the bottom of the issue.

Until the results of the inquiry are known, it is unlikely a request for a meeting between the players and Ellis, who is currently on holiday in Majorca, will be granted.

The fans, though, are exasperated at seeing their club embroiled in the affair and have renewed their call for Ellis to go.

“The last few days have seen Aston Villa descend into a shambles,” said Supporters’ Trust spokesperson Neil Heitzman.

“While players, manager and board bicker like children over who’s to blame, the suffering fans look on in despair.

“The Trust has regularly called for the club to address declining season tickets sales, yet this farce will only stiffen the resolve of the thousands who have failed to renew.

“Whatever the outcome of the forthcoming inquiry, recent events clearly show that Aston Villa Football Club cannot move onwards until Doug Ellis resigns.

“We urge him to walk away now and allow new blood to retrieve us from the brink of disaster.”