Lerner in for the long haul
12 Feb 2007 - 08:40:23
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner says he has not become involved in the club simply to make money.
The recent spate of American tycoons taking over Premiership clubs has aroused suspicion with Manchester United, Liverpool and Villa all now owned by investors from across the Atlantic.
Lerner's money allowed Villa to buy John Carew and Ashley Young in last month's transfer window, and he insists he is happy to remain at the club in the long term.
"If someone could tell me how to make a profit from a football club, I'd like to know," he said. "What's my prime motive? It's certainly not financial. Who's ever done well buying a club? It baffles me.
"Would I sell Villa to a wealthy Arab if he gave me a 'Double your money' deal? No, no, no, no, no!
"I see this as a lifetime type of thing. Some people just don't buy it though. I know they think: 'What's the catch?' and I don't blame them. In the end actions will allay all those fears.
"Villa has grown on me since I've been here. I've been treated so graciously and with so much support that I literally pinch myself.
"If you had the chance to sit on the stage and be second guitarist with Bob Dylan at the Royal Albert Hall, would you be talking about what you were going to get paid that night?
"My return from Aston Villa is seeing Carew score. I want a life of good sport, good people and the competition that goes with it.
"I'm not saying you can't make any profit. I'm saying that it would not motivate you to go and acquire a club.
"You can get more out of buying a 30-year bond - I'd be poolside and cordless, but where's the fun?"
