Randy Lerner gets his Aston Villa

A cash offer of ?62.6mn. is on the table from Randy Lerner and the board are recommending it to shareholders.

Aston Villa are about to have a new owner and a new chapter in the history of Aston Villa is about to begin. We shouldn't forget however, that one is about to end and despite what many think Mr Ellis has done a great thing in getting Martin O'Neill in and hopefully the right new owner.

We are not entirely sure of exactly when Mr Lerner will take control and we're not sure exactly what is going to happen to Doug or the other existing Directors and management but we are led to believe that Martin O'Neill is aware of what funds are going to be made available for him and intends to spend before the end of the month.

Ellis thanked the staff and everyone involved with the club, 'It has been my sincere pleasure to have been involved with Aston Villa these many years, both as Chairman and as a substantial shareholder. The Club has been an enormous and immensely enjoyable part of my life.

I wish to thank the many staff at Aston Villa over the years for making the Club what it has been and what it is. I am sure that this transaction will be the beginning of a new chapter in Aston Villa's proud history.'

If August 4th is to be known as Martin O'Neill Day what should we call today?