VFC Questions For Doug

Following the news that Ray Ranson has been forced to end his interest in acquiring Aston Villa, we feel that Mr Ellis has a great deal to answer for. At the very least he should answer the following questions at this years AGM to be held on Oct 14th.

Why do we not have a Financial Director?

Why do we not have a Chief Executive? What we’re the differences over the direction of the club between Mr Langham and Mr Ellis, was it the case that Mr Langham felt that Mr Ellis should seek new ownership for the club, to provide the necessary dynamism and impetus?

Why in, an unfortunate state of poor health, has an octogenarian chairman resumed autocratic control of our once proud club?

Why did Mr Ellis not inform shareholders of an offer he received a week before he approved the accounts to be dispatched?

Were the other board members given the opportunity to vote on whether the proposal be put to the shareholders? And if not, why not?

Why did he not agree to meet with the group who put a decent proposal on the table?

Why did the shareholders not get consulted over an offer of £45million plus very significant funds for the manager to improve the squad?

Steve Stride and David O’Leary have worked tirelessly this summer bringing in players under such stringent restrictions. Doug Ellis in the meantime is again claiming ‘he’ spent significant funds. After decades of the same old story Villa fans are now sick and tired of being patronised in this fashion. Whilst the provision of some funds for the manager this summer is welcome, why were the funds on offer from Ray Ranson not explored further - talks may have led to the opportunity to make up some of the gap on clubs who have overtaken us in recent years?

The question has to be asked, in the year 2005, in such ill health and at such a great age,what exactly are you bringing to the party Mr Ellis?

Our attendance record to capacity last season was 19th* in the league. This season attendances are massively down - 6000 fans below the average attendance of last season for the last game, for example. That shocking statistic illustrates that fans are voting with their feet and the loss of revenue is incredibly damaging to the club’s ability to compete effectively in the premier league.

Shareholders are, like the rest of the club, in limbo. No dividends have been paid, yet again, because of the poor overall financial position of the club - we can’t afford them, and likewise the manager has been blocked in bringing in the quality of players such as Scott Parker for the same reason.

It has been clear to the Shareholders Association and VFC for some time, Mr Ellis brings nothing positive to the club but takes plenty out.

Mr Ellis, frustrates fans, shareholders, fellow board members and staff alike. His spin is no longer impressing even the most forgiving of fans. The faith some had in him has gone for good and it is time, for the sake of everyone, that he cleared his desk and left Villa once and for all.

*http://www.soccer-stats.com/divisions/attendances.asp?divno=1&orderby=8&asid=04