American billionaire Lerner becomes Aston Villa chairman

LONDON, Sep 19 (Reuters) American billionaire Randy Lerner became the chairman of Aston Villa today after increasing his shareholding in the club to almost 90 percent, the Premier League club confirmed to the Stock Exchange.

Former chairman Doug Ellis, 82, stepped down from the position he had held for most of the last 38 years, along with four other directors from his board.

Lerner needs to control 90 percent of the shares before he can compulsorily purchase the remaining 10 percent.

In the statement, Villa confirmed that Ellis, whose association with the club dates back to 1968 and who has been chairman for most of that time, would become the club's honorary president.

He was chairman from 1968 until 1975 and returned to the club in 1982, having been chairman ever since.

Ironically, Villa's greatest successes since winning the league and FA Cup double in 1897, came in 1981, when they won the English title, and in 1982, when they won the European Cup, and Ellis was not chairman.

A statement to the Stock Exchange confirmed that Ellis was resigning from the board along with four other directors.

It said: ''Aston Villa is pleased to announce the appointment of Randolph Lerner as Chairman and General Charles C. Krulak, Bob Kain and Michael Martin as new Non-Executive Directors. The appointments are effective from today.'' Lerner is the owner of the NFL American football club the Cleveland Browns and although he has admitted it was ''never a lifelong dream'' to own Aston Villa, now that he does, he wants to make them one of the top clubs in England again.

REUTERS DH PM1830