• Premier League

Lerner claims direction shift with O'Neill

ESPN staff
August 11, 2010
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner claims the club's goals remain unchanged © Getty Images
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Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has stated Martin O'Neill left due to a difference of opinion over the future direction of the club.

O'Neill left the club on Monday, with a number of opinions put forward for the reason behind the Ulsterman's exit. It has been widely speculated that the use of money to fund transfers was the main reason and while confirming a rift had developed, Lerner refused to go into specific details for the split.

"As for explaining why Martin left, I can say only that we no longer share the common view as to how to move forward," Lerner said in a statement on Wednesday. "To go into greater detail would do little than to cause further distraction to the club as it faces imminent games and the priority of hiring a permanent manager."

Lerner was keen to stress that his plan for taking the club forward had not shifted.

He said: "There have been no changes in our approach to building the club, aiming always to be as competitive as possible given our size and resources."

Villa are in talks with Manchester City with regard to the potential transfer of James Milner and Lerner is keen to resolve that situation while also seeking out a new manager.

"The immediate focus is supporting [caretaker manager] Kevin McDonald and resolving the situation with Manchester City and James Milner."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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