Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill plans to be careful

11 Oct 2006 - 14:29:03

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is determined to spend new owner Randy Lerner's money wisely when the transfer window reopens in January.

O'Neill has transformed Villa's fortunes this season despite only spending money on Stilian Petrov since becoming manager but is aware that he needs to be careful with the American billionaire's cash.

"Mr Lerner will obviously have to put a bit of trust into me, which he realises, because we don't really know each other that well," said O'Neill. "Obviously during the early stages, the better we do, the more matches we can win, then he is going to feel a bit easier with you.

"But I think he is well aware that the old rocky periods are not too far away - and I think he will be supportive.

"I accept that but I've also said I don't expect people to support you through thick and thin, through sheer blind faith, if you can't win a game. I prefer it that way.

"Mr Lerner hasn't said to me 'You are in control of the whole proceedings' but he hasn't had to. I will be. I won't get interference.

"Equally I have no intention of wasting his money but he will give me some sort of budget when he gets to know the precise financial position of the club."