Villa owner shoulders relegation blame

Apr 23, 2016 - 8:42 AM Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has accepted blame for the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Villa's 28-year run in the top tier ended last weekend with a 1-0 loss to Manchester United.

"I write to Villa supporters to make clear that this relegation lies at my feet and no one else's," Lerner said in a statement on the club's website on Friday.

The American has come under fire for the recent failures of the seven-time English champions and 1982 European Cup winners.

After successfully fighting off relegation the past four years, Villa have just 16 points from 34 matches and are on their third manager of the season.

There have also been numerous changes in the front office, including the resignation of two board members earlier this week.

"How many seasons after all can one hold on and hope to slide through?" Lerner said.

"That is not Aston Villa.

"That kind of desperate existence is totally unacceptable, unbearable and totally incompatible with Villa's glorious past." Lerner put Villa up for sale two years ago but has found no takers.

"I can say certainly in good faith that I have tried to sell since my May 2014 announcement and put our beloved club in better suited hands - but that hasn't happened," he said.

"I will continue to try to put the club into worthy hands as I have, and also do my best to position Villa for the quickest possible return to its rightful place among England's elite."

Source: AAP