Docherty salutes end of an era at Villa

Former Aston Villa boss Tommy Docherty described Doug Ellis’ impending departure as club chairman as the “end of an era”.

But Docherty, the first boss to serve under Ellis, has warned Villa fans the expected spending spree under Randy Lerner, who is poised to take over, may not materialise.

The Scot explained: “I spoke to Doug this year and I asked him then: ‘Have you thought about getting out?’

“He said he had done for some time but felt it was not the right opportunity. Now the situation has changed.

“He might not have spent a lot of money on players but he has never got the club into any debt. Fans can scream and shout for his head but if it was their money they would not throw it about either.

“It’s the end of an era but the beginning of a new one as Martin O’Neill is an outstanding manager.”

Villa made a statement to the Stock Exchange this morning recommending that shareholders accept the bid from Lerner with the club valued at £62.6m (€92.86m).

Docherty believes the American billionaire may be hesitant to bankroll any major moves in the transfer market, however.

He continued: “It could be exciting times but we’ll have to wait and see because although Lerner has a lot of money, he won’t have accumulated it by throwing it away.

“It will be important to see how much support he gives Martin O’Neill in the transfer market. Villa fans will have to bide their time and see how much Lerner is ready to shell out.”