Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill staying at Villa - Lerner
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner says his relationship with Martin O'Neill is as "close as ever" after revealing O'Neill will be staying as boss.[LNB] And Lerner is adamant there will be money to spend on new signings during the summer although Villa would not be able to bring in a £30million player.[LNB]O'Neill's future was constantly under discussion at the tail-end of last season after unsubstantiated speculation that his relation with American multi-millionaire Lerner had deteriorated.[LNB]But Lerner could not have been more clear cut in his statement that O'Neill will be at the helm for a fifth successive season with the midlands club.[LNB]Lerner said: "I gave Martin assurances that I also wanted to take the team forward. I want to make it clear that Martin will be back next year managing.[LNB]"That's been settled. We feel very good about that as it represents continuity for the players and in many other ways.[LNB]"Let me say again, Martin O'Neill will be the manager next season. He has definitely agreed and I wasn't worried that might change.[LNB]"In fact, I would say our working relationship is as close as ever - if not closer."[LNB]Lerner admits a general 'sell to buy' policy will remain in place and the likes of Curtis Davies, Luke Young, Nigel Reo-Coker, Steve Sidwell, Nicky Shorey and Habib Beye will be available to leave if the price is right.[LNB]But that will not stop the owner of NFL side the Cleveland Browns making funds available to O'Neill over and above that policy.[LNB]Lerner said: "I gave Martin the assurance that I also wanted to take the team forward. A £30 million striker would be out of our budget but there is money there to be spent on the team.[LNB]"I say that carefully in the context of knowing that the summer brings a very dynamic environment of players coming and going so I'm careful not to simply say 'here is a brand new amount of money, go and spend it.[LNB]"I would prefer to say our ambitions remain to get better and we are not in some sort of mode where we are shutting the door on spending on players.[LNB]"Is there a sell to buy policy? I think there is a sell to buy policy in every organisation on the planet.[LNB]"On the other hand if an opportunity arises and the net 'sell to buy' doesn't equal what is required to take advantage of an opportunity, then you may spend the money. I wouldn't exclude us from the group who would do that."[LNB]Lerner is confident that Villa will be able to retain the services of midfielder James Milner who is due to have further talks over a new contract during the summer.[LNB]Milner, the PFA Young Player Of The Year, has been linked with a possible move to Manchester United.[LNB]Lerner said: "I am not worried about losing James Milner and I think he will play for Aston Villa.[LNB]"I'm not dismissive of the realities of the situation whereby a player who has received the attention and acclaim of James Milner is going to spark discussion and debate about whether or not he will move.[LNB]"But I don't worry about him leaving because he is wanted at this club. We will do everything in our power to keep him."[LNB]Lerner also underlined his own commitment to remaining at Villa who have enjoyed three successive top six finishes in the Barclays Premier League and a Carling Cup final appearance this season.[LNB]He said: "I remain very excited and privileged to be involved at Aston Villa. It's been a great four years so far. Next year will be exciting and worthwhile and I look forward to it."[LNB]
