Aston Villa Football Club

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Paul Lambert

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42584

Lerner confirms O'Neill stay

12 May 2010 - 14:20:52

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Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has confirmed that Martin O'Neill will remain in place as manager at Villa Park next season, following talks between the two men.

Irishman O'Neill has been fending off rumours about a possible exit for several weeks, despite guiding Villa to sixth place in the Premier League this season, as well as them reaching the Carling Cup final and the FA Cup semi-finals.

Those reports have now been put to bed with Lerner saying: "I think next year will be exciting and worthwhile and I look forward to it.

"Martin will be back next year managing. It has already been settled.

"He and I spoke on a number of occasions in person and over the phone. Yesterday (Tuesday) 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."

Meanwhile, O'Neill is reported to have told Curtis Davies, Luke Young, Nigel Reo-Coker, Steve Sidwell, Nicky Shorey and Habib Beye that they will be allowed to leave the club this summer if the right offer comes in.