open letter from Steve Hollis

[four fornicholl]

That makes everything alright then

[spangley1812]

Dear Supporters

First, on behalf of the Board, let me express my deep regret that I find myself writing this open letter to you, knowing just how much hurt and pain, anger and anguish will have been felt by you all after the Club lost its Premier League status this weekend.

Your profound sadness is shared by everyone connected with the Club and while I know that will be of little consolation in the days ahead, it should be a source of reassurance as we rebuild the foundations for future successes.

We must acknowledge that this weekend's confirmation has been the culmination of an unacceptably fractured season both on and off the pitch. That isn't down to bad luck. To make such a claim would be insulting to each and every one of you. I must add you have all displayed unyielding commitment in adversity.

While it is of little solace at present, the process of identifying the root causes of our circumstances started long ago and the focus now has to be looking forward and making sure lessons have been learnt.

The search for a new manager to provide drive, direction and immediate promotion has commenced.

Together, we share the same goal. We intend to restore Aston Villa Football Club to its rightful place. It is a journey we must make together so we can bring success, enjoyment and exciting football back to Villa Park once more.

Steve Hollis
Chairman

[TheMalandro]

It's actually what I wanted to hear and I believe him.
Good start.

[curiousorange]

The club had to say something. It's not an apology but it does actually sound like they've got an idea of what they need to change.

[Stu]

It's actually what I wanted to hear and I believe him.
Good start.

Agree. It's nice to hear from the board.

[brian green]

Does he mean it?  The identity of the next manager will tell us.

[Jimbo]

I'd like to see what the real culprit has to say.

[conman]

seems like  he saying the search for the new manager has just commenced

[old man villa fan]

That makes everything alright then

No, it doesn't but that was not the intention of it.  It is an acknowledgement of serious issues at the Club.  The last thing the fans wanted was a Lambert type "we played very well".

[ez]

As close as we'll get to an apology.

[SheffieldVillain]

That makes everything alright then

Yes, of course that's what he was saying.

And if no comment had been made, you'd have been moaning at the lack of communication.

[levico]

I'll start to believe it when Paddy Riley is gone.

[old man villa fan]

seems like  he saying the search for the new manager has just commenced

No, the search for a new manager started when they decided to allow Garde to leave/sack him.  They are taking their time to work out the best way forward and the manager is a key part.  The Club is broken and there are many ways to try and put it back together again.  Jumping quickly to appoint a manager before all of the issues are established and a strategy worked out, would not be the best way.

[Villafirst]

At least he didn't start the letter with "Dear Customers"! A good open letter. Be good if Lerner followed suit...

[Toronto Villa]

It's very well written and the easiest thing in the world is to be sceptical and cynical. Obviously the proof will be in the results of their review, the managerial appointment, the support given to that manager and the players that the club employ in the future. This is a good start. He needed to make contact quickly and he has. And he's right it won't take away the pain. Only time and evidence that things have started to change and will continue to improve will.