O’Neill dismisses exit rumours

(GSM) – Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill has rejected reports that he is set to leave the club. Claims had mounted that O’Neill fell out with chairman-owner Randy Lerner and may be ready to quit Villa Park.

The 58-year-old has rubbished these reports, saying, “There is not an ounce of truth in the story that I have had a fall-out with Randy Lerner. In fact, he called me earlier in the week to see where these stories were coming from.

“He was pretty surprised and also very supportive and it was good to hear that. I have been delighted with the investment put into the club. I have been allowed to invest £80million on players.

“If the chairman decided to sell, and he has no intention of doing so, then he could get his money back with interest on four or five of those players.

“It is nonsense to say that I want to walk away now. There is still so much to play for and there is a renewed determination to see it through.”

O’Neill added, “I will assess everything at the end of the season. I will sit down with the chairman and see where we are going.

“There will be a number of determining factors, the supporters, the chairman who will have a big part in proceedings, and I will also play a part because it is my life.

“I will assess everything at the end of the season. I am contacted on a yearly basis and would hope to continue.”

But when asked about if he was at Villa for the long haul O’Neill said, “There is no such thing as a manager saying he is in it for the long haul.

“Possibly there is only one manager who could say that, somebody who has won dozens of honours, championships, European titles, who is based up in Manchester (Sir Alex Ferguson).”

And he is insists Villa still have a chance to claim a Champions League spot this season.

O’Neill said: “I have been here four years, and four years ago the club was in a pretty depressed state.

“I still have the energy and vitality of someone who is 15 years younger and that zest has kept me going.

“In terms of the Champions League, we are going to still give it a go as long as it is possible and I expect a positive response from the players after what happened at Chelsea.”