Doug or Randy?

[citizenDJ]

Here's a question which will probably seem very naive to many of you, but I'm really no expert when it comes to financial things. Is Lerner a billionaire in the sense that, we'll, he has a billion dollars in his account, or is it such that he has assets and whatnot that are worth a billion?

Because if its the former, he could actually afford to go quite mental in the transfer market if he wanted, couldn't he?

As I say, I'm probably missing something glaringly simple on this one, but I was just wondering, really (I'm watching the NFL and was thinking of the sale of the Browns).

[eastie]

Here's a question which will probably seem very naive to many of you, but I'm really no expert when it comes to financial things. Is Lerner a billionaire in the sense that, we'll, he has a billion dollars in his account, or is it such that he has assets and whatnot that are worth a billion?

Because if its the former, he could actually afford to go quite mental in the transfer market if he wanted, couldn't he?

As I say, I'm probably missing something glaringly simple on this one, but I was just wondering, really (I'm watching the NFL and was thinking of the sale of the Browns).

I think he has the money to spend but whether he has the interest or ambition I doubt .
When he took over he had a realistic crack at the top 4 but now we are so far away it would cost way too much to be realistic , he needs to avoid relegation though and should invest enough to do so, if not it would be financially mad.

Maybe the best scenario would be to invest enough to keep us up and put the club up for sale in the summer having avoided relegation.

[onje_villa]

Two opposite characters.

Randy the nice guy who can't seem to stumble into a good decision.

Deadly, looks after number 1 yet he was as canny as they come and had some idea on running a football club.

And yes, I also think we miss Steve Stride.

[mr woo]

Because if its the former, he could actually afford to go quite mental in the transfer market if he wanted, couldn't he?

Well, dont forget there is this to consider...............

Football clubs wishing to take part in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League must balance their football-related expenditure over a three-year period up to the 2014–15 season.

The 2011–12 season is the first season which counts towards the 2014–15 assessment. Clubs, however, will be allowed to make a loss of €45 million (£39.4 million) over the three years, falling to €30 million from 2015–16 IF the loss was covered by equity contribution only. The first season that UEFA will begin actively monitoring the financial situation of individual clubs is 2013–14, but this will take into account losses made in the two preceding years (2011–12 and 2012–13).
From 2013-14 UEFA will be able to ban clubs from playing in European competitions the following season if the rules have not been met but it is not until 2018 that clubs will be expected to bring their annual losses below £8.8 million (based on 2010 exchange rates)

Although from that it would appear there isn't a fat lot UEFA can do about us spending a shit load in a bid to avoid relegation.

[Ian.]

Both have had their faults and both have had their positives.

Randy needs a good right hand man in charge of affairs if he wants to hideaway from it all. Someone with a good business brain, footballing knowledge, not of the playing kind but the business end and also someone he could trust. PF is not this man.

[pendinevilla]

Permission to say "None of the above"?

[Des Little]

Does anyone think that RL will be attending every single game, home and away, as he turns 90?

Will he bollocks.

[dave.woodhall]

Does anyone think that RL will be attending every single game, home and away, as he turns 90?

Will he bollocks.

Do you think there might be a reason for that? Like he has absolutely nothing else in his life?

[Des Little]

Does anyone think that RL will be attending every single game, home and away, as he turns

Do you think there might be a reason for that? Like he has absolutely nothing else in his life?

I'm not questioning his motives, Dave. I'm questioning his affection for the club.

[dave.woodhall]

When you compare Doug and Randy, and the time they both spend at Villa Park, you also have to bear in mind that from 1982 onwards it was Doug's full-time and very well-paid job.   

[Des Little]

Thats a very fair point, granted. However at times like this, fans want visibility of the people in power...they want reassurance and some hope that there is a plan in place.  For all his faults, old Doug had something to say...even if it didn't go down too well with many. Lerner's silence is deafening.

[olaftab]

Don't forget Doug presided over the team that was relegated 5 years after winning the Champions Cup.

[pauliewalnuts]

Does anyone think that RL will be attending every single game, home and away, as he turns 90?

Will he bollocks.

Do you think there might be a reason for that? Like he has absolutely nothing else in his life?

Harsh on Doug, Dave

[dave.woodhall]

Thats a very fair point, granted. However at times like this, fans want visibility of the people in power...they want reassurance and some hope that there is a plan in place.  For all his faults, old Doug had something to say...even if it didn't go down too well with many. Lerner's silence is deafening.

It doesn't need Randy to say it but it does need someone. I've said that from the start. In fact, going way back to the early Doug II days one thing we've lacked is a presidential figure who everyone can respect and believe in. 

[saunders_heroes]

Does anyone think that RL will be attending every single game, home and away, as he turns 90?

Will he bollocks.

Do you think there might be a reason for that? Like he has absolutely nothing else in his life?

What does that mean?