Lerner in total control at Villa
Randy Lerner now owns more than 85 per cent of Villa stock as fans rush to welcome the American billionaire into sole control of the club. Lerner is being ushered into Villa Park on a tide of popular support.
The popularity of Lerner, pictured right with predecessor Doug Ellis, is despite UEFA urging the Government to investigate the growing number of takeovers swamping English football.
Fellow American Malcolm Glazer met with increased hostility as he bought out Manchester United while recent developments at West Ham and the Roman Abromavich revolution at Chelsea have attracted growing concern.
But Lerner's path to Villa Park control is being cleared by a huge show of support from shareholders and fans eager to give the Cleveland Browns owner total control.
Lerner revealed he had spent three years monitoring events before making his move.
"Aston Villa was a club I had already thought about for a long time as I became more familiar with the Premier League over the last three or four years," he says.
"I just became more and more focused. The people I was working with in London had advised I continue to stay focused and that it may be available, Mr Ellis may be of a mind to sell it and it kind of built on itself.
"It wasn't a lifelong thing. It would be dishonest and disingenuous for me to suggest it was. It seemed like an opportunity to make a little bit of a difference."
Lerner admits his job has been made easier by the appointment of manager Martin O'Neill.
"I can't say I know him well yet because we have only just started to get to know each other - but I think Martin O'Neill is great," he added.