Arsenal
legend Tony Adams is a lead member of a consortium looking to secure finance for
a £150million takeover of Aston Villa.
The former England
captain is involved with Paul Smith, the one-time Chelsea executive, on a
possible bid to owner Randy Lerner.
Adams has approached
City investors with the aim of raising funds to buy the Premier League club,
which has been up for sale publicly for a year.
Former Arsenal defender Tony Adams is leading a consortium bidding to takeover Aston Vill
Paul Smith, a former
Chelsea executive, is also part of the team of investors trying to buy the club
Smith is
understood to have been working on a deal for months alongside Adams, who could
take up a football role if ownership change goes through.
No takeover is imminent
but the stage of due diligence is believed to have been reached.
Manager
Tim Sherwood admitted he is not kept abreast of sale developments, but had
spoken to Lerner on general terms as the American made a surprise visit to the
Villa training ground on Thursday. The trip is a routine catch-up rather than a
chance to finalise any takeover terms.
Sherwood conceded a
change of ownership would bring his position under scrutiny. ‘If the club’s up
for sale a decision will be made if a fee is agreed,’ said Sherwood. 'If
something happens it’s up to someone who comes in to decide whether they want
Tim Sherwood as their manager.
Manager Tim Sherwood admits a change of ownership could affect his position in charge
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner (right) has had the club up for sale for around one year
“I
haven’t heard anything. I’m working for the football club not the individuals
who are here. It’s one of the biggest football clubs in English football. I’m
happy to be here and proud to be the manager.
‘I had a chat with Randy today. He’s given me no
indication he’s lost any enthusiasm for this job. He’s excited about what’s
happening at the moment.
Adams, a former Portsmouth manager, could take up a football role if the bid is successful
'But
we’re still not safe. There’s a lot of hard work to be done. We’re in that
pressure cooker situation.
‘I know
Tony but only through playing. He’s a good guy, I have a lot of respect for
Tony. Great player.’
No comments:
Post a Comment