Lerner's Villa takeover edges closer

Randy Lerner’s proposed takeover of Aston Villa moved a step closer today when it was announced Doug Ellis and Jack Petchey had sold their shares in the club.

Aston Villa Shareholders’ Association backed the bid of American billionaire Lerner by staging an EGM on Thursday night and voting to sell their shares and in effect disband after 34 years.

Lerner, who had a £62.6m (€92.4m) bid accepted 10 days ago by Villa chairman Ellis, now has a clear path to take charge following the withdrawal from the contest of the Michael Neville-led consortium.