American Businessman Randy Lerner is set to take over Aston Villa after the club board agreed a $118 million offer to buy the club from former chairman Doug Ellis. Aston Villa shareholders agreed to sell 56.85% of the club's shares which will enable Lerner to be the club's new chairman, succeeding Ellis who has been leading the club since 1982. Over the past few seasons, 82-year-old Ellis has been criticized by the media and the fans alike for the way he has been running the club, however Ellis stated that he is bowing out of the Aston Villa with pride. "It has been my sincere pleasure to have been involved with Aston Villa these many years, both as a chairman and a substantial shareholder," Ellis in a statement released on the stock exchange on Monday. "I wish to thank the many staff at Aston Villa over the years for making the club what it has been and what it is and I'm sure this transaction will be a new chapter in the club's proud history." Meanwhile Lerner, who already owns American Football team Cleveland Browns promised to bring Aston Villa back to their glory days. "It is my belief and the basis for my bid that Aston Villa can compete at the highest level within the Premiership and in Europe," Lerner said. "The club has a rich history and a long tradition of passionate fan support."
