O'Neill staying as Villa boss

Villa Park chief staying following owner meeting

Last updated: 12th May 2010  

O'Neill staying as Villa boss

O'Neill: Staying on

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Martin O'Neill is staying on as Aston Villa manager following positive talks with American owner Randy Lerner.

Villa have enjoyed a successful 2009/10 campaign with their sixth-place finish securing Europa League football next season.

The Midlands outfit also reached the Carling Cup final and progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

O'Neill stated last weekend he was due to meet with Lerner in the coming days to have an in-depth look over the season.

Some felt O'Neill's position could be under threat despite comments last week that he was eager to stay on at Villa Park.

O'Neill had previously rejected recent unsubstantiated internet rumours that he was unhappy with Lerner's transfer policy.

Lerner was happy with the meeting with the club's manager and confirmed O'Neill will have money to improve his squad in the summer.

Exciting

"Martin will be back next year managing," said Lerner. "It has already been settled. He and I spoke on a number of occasions in person and over the phone.

"Yesterday I dragged him out of a series of meetings with chief executive Paul Faulkner trying to get plans for the summer underway.

"We feel very good about that because it represents continuity for the players and in many other ways.

"I think next year will be exciting and worthwhile and I look forward to it."

Though some funds would be available for O'Neill to strengthen his squad during the summer Lerner admitted the club would not be able to sign a £30million player.

He said: "That sort of deal would be outside of our means."

Comments (4)

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Nigel Hammond (Leicester City fan) says...

Villa have done well to keep him at the club, a great manager. Will they be able to keep him when Sir Alex retires thats the question. The only man for the Manchester United job in my opinion ....

Posted 19:00 12th May 2010

Russell Phillips (Aston Villa fan) says...

Villa couldnt ask for a better manager. We have finished 6th three seasons in a row and was in the race for 4th right until the end. Two trips to wembley as well. Fantastic season! I hope O'neill stays for a long time to come!

Posted 14:25 12th May 2010

Callum Browning (Aston Villa fan) says...

aston villa should be grateful that martin is staying because he is probably the best villa manager ever and he needs to buy some players that will definately get 20-25 goals a season

Posted 14:01 12th May 2010

Josh Hunt (Aston Villa fan) says...

I'm so glad to see Martin staying with us, he has done us proud over the last 4 seasons. I would like to see him stay and keep building our team, I would also like to see us hang onto our top players which will be difficult with players like Milner having such good seasons for us. I hope we dont get bullied out of our good players by big money offers, its such a shame.

Posted 14:00 12th May 2010
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