Is a deal close to sell Aston Villa?

THE immediate future of Aston Villa remains in a state of flux today after a sensational 24-hours in the life of the football club.

The club was rocked last night when new directors David Bernstein and Mervyn King quit just weeks after their appointment to the board.

The resignations came just 48 hours after the club’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed following a 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Then a statement from the club immediately shifted focus away from the resignations and fuelled speculation that a deal to sell the club could be close.

Nothing further has come from the club this morning but the eyes of the football world will be firmly focused on Villa Park today, waiting for further news.

In his resignation letter, Mr Bernstein said: “I was invited on to the board to oversee a much needed review of the football side of the club. Following this I was to lead the implementation of this review and the ongoing management of football at Aston Villa. To this end a football board was created consisting of four people with considerable football and relevant experience.

“For this new structure to work it required all at the club to accept new disciplines, clear reporting lines and to adhere to the authority delegated to the new football boards.

“Unfortunately it has proved impossible to implement the agreed structure and my position has quickly become untenable. The issues at the club are fundamental and the solutions are radical and do not lend themselves to compromise.

“I am sorry it has come to this and wish the supporters and employees every success in the future as the club grapples with the challenges of life in the Championship.”

In its response, the club said: “It is with regret that Aston Villa Football Club today announces the resignations of Mervyn King and David Bernstein as directors of the club.

“The club would like to thank both for all their efforts throughout their short time as members of the board.

“A search to appoint a new manager remains a priority.”

The most telling part of the statement said: “The chairman, Steve Hollis, is currently engaged in extensive negotiations in relation to the sale of the club.”

However, it has not expanded on that, leading to rumours about what might be happening.