O'Neill defends Lerner
Martin O'Neill has defended Villa owner Randy Lerner and insists the chairman wants to help him strengthen the squad in January. Martin O'Neill has defended Villa owner Randy Lerner and insists the chairman wants to help him strengthen the squad in January. Reports have suggested Lerner may block major funds for team building when the transfer window opens in six days' time. But the Villa boss insists the American is fully behind him - although he warned fans may have to wait for the quality players to become available. "I think the chairman wants to do something, no doubt about that," said O'Neill. Read the full story in the Express & Star
Martin O'Neill has defended Villa owner Randy Lerner and insists the chairman wants to help him strengthen the squad in January.
Martin O'Neill has defended Villa owner Randy Lerner and insists the chairman wants to help him strengthen the squad in January.Reports have suggested Lerner may block major funds for team building when the transfer window opens in six days' time.
But the Villa boss insists the American is fully behind him - although he warned fans may have to wait for the quality players to become available.
"There's work being done in the background - but who knows whether that materialises or not?" said O'Neill.
"I think the chairman wants to do something, no doubt about that.
"I was asked a question last week, about Randy Lerner failing to come up with the promises. Excuse me - there has been no time to do that because there's been no window to do anything.
"And actually it's not true because he was the one, coming in very late, who said 'Let's try to get James Milner' after we'd signed Stiliyan Petrov.
"I might not be able to get the quality of player in January - that's my only concern. The rest doesn't concern me."
O'Neill wants at least one striker and is keen on Tottenham's Jermain Defoe. He has been linked with a £12m bid for Charlton striker Darren Bent, and several central defenders, including Birmingham's Matthew Upson, Albion's Curtis Davies and his former Celtic stopper Bobo Balde.
But the manager refuses to be drawn and is not believed to have earmarked a central defender as a priority.
"I can imagine people putting two and two together to see me at West Brom games, and I went to see Birmingham v Preston," he said.
"Bobo Balde is a very obvious connection. But it's sheer and utter speculation. There are only so many players you can sign.
"It's a surprise to see us linked because we've got three or four centre-halves."
But he wants two new full-backs and is keen on Manchester United's right-sided player Phil Bardsley, who has been on loan at Rangers.
Gavin McCann (hamstring) was a doubt for today's trip to Tottenham after coming off in Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Manchester United.