Well, today is the day. Or is it? None of us really know, the wording from Randy Lerner was that we'd wait until the season was over. But there is even speculation that it will be at 3pm. 3pm is good as I'm in a meeting and I can't get out.
But what will it be? I'm not convinced that it's we have a new owner. I think if there was a new owner we'd have found out by now. But I could be wrong. Talk is that Faulkner isn't really in the loop so a deal could very well have been done without him or anyone in the UK knowing, but I doubt it's happened.
But, if there is a new owner, there is a process that we'd have to go through, so it could be that that is about to begin. Or it could just be that Lerner is committed to doing what is best for Aston Villa.
And that is what I think we'll hear. Randy Lerner is committed to doing what is best for Aston Villa Football Club and returning Aston Villa to where they should be. I'm not sure what that means, but we'll find out in time. In essence, I think it will be confirmation that the club is for sale, something we told you in December from a rumour but something we have all long suspected.
So, with no news to write about and pretty much everything focusing on this statement, let the speculation begin and if it does happen at 3pm, some of you know how to send me a message when I'm in a meeting, please do so.
Here is the statement
Several weeks back I said that following the end of the season I would clarify my future role with the Club, and address what had become seemingly constant rumours of a sale. I have come to know well that fates are fickle in the business of English football. And I feel that I have pushed mine well past the limit. The last several seasons have been week in, week out battles and having now come through this last season unfortunately limping amidst very meaningful injuries and constant sale rumours, I feel further that now is the time for me to look for new ownership and thus new leadership. I have asked the world of Paul Lambert and Paul Faulkner and they have both delivered selflessly. On a personal level it is time for me, like the Shunammite, to dwell among my own and get on with other aspects of my career, following a sale.
Above all, the debt I owe Aston Villa whether as owner, Chairman, custodian or simply as a fan is to put the Club first. To make good on that debt, I owe it to Villa to move on, and look for fresh, invigorated leadership, if in my heart I feel I can no longer do the job.
During my time with Villa, I have tried to strengthen and improve the Club's physical infrastructure both at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath while also trying to carry on the McGregor tradition of being mindful of the local community we serve. Above all in this effort is the connection the Club has made with Acorns; the caring, kindness and warmth that players, staff, managers and supporters have shown to Mr Strudley and Acorns has wiped away all disappointments and sobered my finest memories. Still, I can see now that it is time, if possible, to hand these privileges and responsibilities to the next person or group to take the Club forward. I am appreciative of the support I have received, even in these last years of comparative struggle when criticism was due, and will look on with others - with fingers crossed, for stronger future performance appropriate to our size and heritage.
On a practical level, the Club will continue with its normal operations and plans for the summer. I've no doubt that the core staff at both Villa Park and Bodmoor Heath, to whom I owe a massive debt of friendship and loyalty, will continue to guide and protect the Club through this period of transition according to their collective sense of professional pride and long term service to Villa - the vast majority having preceded my tenure.
Finally, in light of the above, I have engaged Bank of America Merrill Lynch to advise on the sale of Aston Villa.
I'm just saying, but don't think any of us are surprised by what was said. Still, we've now got a bank in play that will try and sell it. Think it's important to mention that Lerner would have agreed a price with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and that if it's not met, we'll still have Lerner next season, but we're going to have an owner who is confirmed as not interested. This could be a very nervous time.