Randy Lerner to step down as Villa chairman

Lerner, who has been looking to sell for the past year, is prepared to accept criticism from supporters after several seasons of battling against relegation.

In a rare interview, the American has admitted he should have stepped aside several years ago.

He said"I don't disagree with the criticism," he said. "What I should have done years back was bring in a chairman."

Lerner arrived at Villa Park to much fanfare in 2006 with ambitions of taking the club into the Champions League.

But while the first four years were relatively successful, Villa have been nearer the bottom than the top of the table since the departure of Martin O'Neill in 2010.

They finished 17th this season, three points above the drop zone, with supporters increasingly critical of Lerner for a perceived lack of investment.

"However much I know being a football chairman carries with it brutal criticism, my love for Villa makes the negativity pretty biting at times," said Lerner.

"On the other hand, the club's performance over the last five or so years has left quite a lot to be desired and that falls squarely on my shoulders. Happily we've not been relegated but I haven't got it nearly right enough."

Lerner has revealed interest interest from "nearly every corner of the globe" since Villa were put on the market and talks are continuing with several parties.

Lerner is prepared to stay on as owner if no deal is completed this summer but will stand down as chairman.

"Last year at this time I had a plan A which was to sell, and a plan B, which was to rethink the club's business management, which has led to the hiring of Tom Fox (as chief executive)," said Lerner.

"This year plan A remains to find a buyer if on the cards or, plan B, find a new chairman."