Lerner outlines vision for Villa

Lerner has backed boss Martin O'Neill with cash

Aston Villa's American chairman Randy Lerner has insisted he is at the club for the long haul and plans to continue making money available for signings.

"The money I have spent on players at Aston Villa has come from my personal pocket, that is correct," said Lerner.

"I have no intention, and no market set, for when I would stop spending."

But Lerner, who took over in September, said he is "not sure I can answer what I plan to do with the club" but would not sell naming rights to Villa Park.

"What about naming rights? Does that include an offer for one of the stands? Or does that mean Villa Park becoming the Dorito Bowl? For example, if Nike wanted the North Stand, is that naming rights?" added Lerner.

Will I be around Aston Villa in 10 years time? I hope so, absolutely Randy Lerner

"But we are not changing the name Villa Park - and we are also not opening a super casino. We are not in the casino business. In fact, I have never been inside a casino."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has signed the likes of Stilian Petrov, Ashley Young and John Carew since Lerner took over at the club.

And in his first interview since taking control in August, Lerner said that although he expected more players to arrive at Villa he did not expect to play a high-profile public role.

He added: "Will I be around Aston Villa in 10 years time? I hope so, absolutely.

"But I don't belong in the media, owning a team is not a media platform."

And Lerner explained why he had decided to become involved with the Premiership club.

He said: "Why am I here? I had been interested in and eager to be involved with the Premier League over the last five years.

"The basis for that interest is probably a combination of having some background in England, secondly, I am a very big fan of English football.

"I thought it was the right time for me, in terms of where I am in my career.

"A set of circumstances converged and it seemed to make sense.

"It was available and I thought it was the right time. I wanted to do it and felt we had done our research, I felt I knew what I was getting myself into.

"I don't have accommodation in the midlands yet, but I have looked at a few things.