O'Neill refusing to gamble Villa future

12 April 2009 10:45
Martin O'Neill insists he will not place Aston Villa in 'financial jeopardy' in pursuit of Champions League qualification. Villa invested heavily last summer before adding England striker Emile Heskey to the squad during the January transfer window. O'Neill's side have been in contention for a top-four place all season, but have slipped nine points behind Arsenal in recent weeks. The 1982 European Cup winners are eager to play in the Champions League, but O'Neill insists he will not be reckless with owner Randy Lerner's money. "Randy knows that to be up there is exceptionally hard work," said O'Neill. "We know what we've got to do, although I agree with him that this is not the time to be putting the club in financial jeopardy for a short-term gain."With a bit of luck, we'll be in Europe next season and we'll attract more quality to the club." O'Neill is also pleased with the improvement Villa have shown to be able to push for qualification for the Champions League this season. He added: "People can be disappointed we're not in the top four, but there's been a great improvement here. "The progress we're making means the vital next step is to do what the top four have been doing year in, year out. "They're in contention every season. These clubs have experience - and years of it - on us. "It's up to Villa to improve at such a rate that we're up there a year or two before we should be."

Source: Eurosport