Doug Ellis resigns but is made President Emeritus for life

As soon as the offer becomes unconditional in all respects, Doug Ellis and the non-executive Aston Villa Directors have agreed to resign from the Board of Aston Villa.

Doug will remain as President Emeritus for life. We're not sure what exactly that is but it's a nice title which probably means he'll get his car parking space and a seat in the Directors box.

We've now got 21 days to wait for other bids to come in but seeing as the two major shareholders are recommending this bid it is likely to go through but if a bigger bid does come in, wait for car salesman Michael Neville to say something about trying to put something together, the board will have to review it so the process could be delayed, but we don't expect it to.

By early September expect it to be confirmed but expect Mr O'Neill to start spending now.