O’Neill – I had no problem with chief

Villa boss Martin O’Neill insists he had nothing to do with chief executive Richard FitzGerald’s resignation and won’t be involved in the search for his successor.

FitzGerald quit last week after just 13 months at Villa following a move from blue-chip media branding group IMG.

Unlike the situation at many clubs where a chief executive takes control on transfer negotiations and players wages, O’Neill runs the entire football side of the club.

But he says there was no conflict between himself and FitzGerald.

“Richard came from a different background and I know the general viewpoint is that a chief executive does such things as transfer negotiations,” said O’Neill.

“That may well eventually be the case, but I don’t know exactly what Richard’s remit was.

“I actually got on with him very well and I have no problems with him – in fact he helped me out a lot in some things.

“The truth is this – I really don’t know the reason. So whatever happened here, it had absolutely nothing at all to do with me.”

O’Neill added: “I’m running this side of events here. This is it, this is me. I said to the owner I will take complete control of the training ground and everything to do with the playing aspect.

“Now sometimes there’s a crossover of responsibilities, but I’d be hoping that the brand or commercial side of Aston Villa Football Club is similarly upheld.

“All you can do is uphold your own end. If the team are going well, I think it’s always easier to sell certain commercial activities and if we’re not doing so well, it rebounds. But that side of events is something I couldn’t do. I will help if I’m asked to help promote something I genuinely believe in and we think is worthwhile.”

The club are still to officially announce the appointment of Michael Cunnah, who presided over the rebuilding of Wembley. It’s not known what Cunnah’s role will be.

“Whatever Aston Villa want commercially, it’s really up to them. We run this side of things here,” said O’Neill.

 “I accept things cross over but whatever the owner wants on that side of things is a matter for him and the club.

“I’ve only met Michael very briefly on two occasions – once when Randy was at the training ground with him and once at the FA Youth Cup game other other night – so I don’t know him at all.”