Football fans insist Ellis must step down; Villa needs new leadership |
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Tue, 28 Jun 2005 22:35
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BIRMINGHAM: It could be the last and only chance Doug Ellis gets to make a graceful exit as chairman of Aston Villa. In a statement issued to the stock exchange, former footballer Ray Ranson said he was leading a consortium to make a bid for the premiership football club.
This is Ranson’s second attempt to gain control of Villa. His £30million bid last year was rejected by Ellis, who turned 80 in January. Ellis had last month undergone a triple heart bypass surgery which has made Villa fans and supporters urge him to step down. Majority shareholder Ellis has been holding on to chairmanship despite being under-fire.
He has been resisting all attempts to buy control of Villa. Now however, his heart condition could change all that. His supporters feel this would be “an ideal time for Ellis to walk away and save face”. It would give him the chance to recover and Villa the chance to be led by new management and also the chance (after seven long years) to qualify for the European football championship tournament.
Ellis has enjoyed two terms as chairman of the club. His first term began in 1968 and ended in the late seventies and the second in 1983. It was only during the period between the two terms that Villa had won the Championship and the European Cup. Ellis was never allowed to forget this fact.
Jonathan Fear, a spokesman for ‘Villa Fans Combined’ said the current sentiment had nothing to do with fan pressure. Ellis’ stepping down would allow “a new dynamic group the chance to take Villa forward.” he said. He clarified that the VFC was not in favour of selling Aston Villa on the cheap. The offer would have to be really very good. The VFC would need to hear what the Ranson-led consortium had to offer. If they make “a worthwhile offer this would be a prime time for Ellis to step aside.” he said.
Investment analysts agree with fans that now could be the right time for a takeover of Villa; however their reason is different: Villa’s finances are currently very healthy and it has a strong portfolio of properties in the Midlands.
According to sources, Ranson is expected to make a £45m bid this time.
In April 2004, after Ellis had rejected Ranson’s bid for control, the latter had approached the VFC for support.
Ranson who was former Manchester City defender had enjoyed a successful second career with an insurance business. He later started working on football related finance deals. He clarified that any bid process for Villa is "at a very early stage".
The club is now operating without leadership as Ellis is in hospital and its earlier chief executive Bruce Langham had resigned in May.
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