O Neill - I want to continue at Villa

02 April 2010 07:58

Martin O'Neill has spelt out his desire to "continue to do a job" for Aston Villa ahead of summer talks with club chairman-owner Randy Lerner.

O'Neill issued a statement on the club's official website on Thursday evening to attempt to clarify his position with the midlands club.

O'Neill, in his statement, said: "In light of ongoing and perplexing reports - despite my efforts to bring clarity to the situation earlier - I would like to reiterate one or two points which, to me, are essential."

He added: "Every summer, since taking this job at Aston Villa in August 2006, I have sat down and discussed the season in general with my chairman, Randy Lerner, attempting also to formulate plans for how we hope to keep improving the club year on year. This summer will be no different."

The former Celtic boss had already stated at a media conference on Thursday afternoon that there has been no fall-out with American businessman Lerner.

That followed on from unfounded reports earlier in the week that O'Neill had quit Villa because he was unhappy with Lerner's transfer policy.

O'Neill declined at that conference to give assurances over his long-term future at Villa and said only Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could make such statements given his outstanding record of success.

But he was full of praise for the backing he had received from Lerner in spending £80 million on new players during the past four years.

As regards his future, O'Neill said: "I have a yearly rolling contract and I hope to continue to do a job, the challenges of which I enjoy immensely."

Source: PA