Darren Bent has revealed Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner has nicknamed him 'the Mailman' because he always delivers.
Villa striker reveals close relationship with chairman
Darren Bent has revealed Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner has nicknamed him 'the Mailman' because he always delivers.
Lerner has given Bent the nickname in reference to basketball player Karl Malone, who starred for Utah Jazz and LA Lakers in his career.
Bent has scored 11 goals in 22 appearances for Villa since arriving last January from Sunderland and the striker admits he enjoys a good relationship with his chairman.
"Mr Lerner has always been great to me and, if I've done well in games and after England matches, he'll text me and say congratulations," said Bent.
"Even after I missed some chances against Newcastle, he texted and said "don't worry and keep going". That's the kind of person he is.
Nickname
"He calls me "the Mailman". It's after a top basketball player, Karl Malone. They called him 'The Mailman' because apparently he always delivered (the goods) so Randy calls me that now!
"He's always been good to me and I know he was good to one or two of the other players who aren't here anymore like Ashley Young.
"He said the same, that Randy had always been fantastic with him and he'd always be grateful to Randy. I think a lot of the lads think he's a top, top chairman.
"He cares about the football club and he cares about the history of the football club."
