RAL Takeover Close

Does anyone believe that there is a possibility ( i dread to think ) of Randy Lerner not getting to 90%, and therefore the deal not going ahead, or is this extension of deadlines etc, just city trading formalities. I notice Mr Fear stated that he believed that the 85.5 % was a bigger shreholding than expected at this stage. Is anyone aware of any shareholder groups that may be resisting the takeover, and if there are do they amount to 10% or more of the shares of AV. I just wish that we could all put this to bed now so that when we open the next matchday programme we see .... Chiarman : Randolph Lerner HURRY UP GUYS AND SEND THOSE CERTIFICATES BACK !!!!!!!!!!

Cant understand the logic or thinking of the small shareholders who are insistent and determined to hold onto their odd few shares, just to continue feeling that they own a part of the club. It defies belief, apart from being a very selfish and potentially destructive attitude.

I am unsure of the exact 'average' shareholding amongst the smaller shareholders. However maybe my situation could answer this and a couple of other points. Several years ago, two £5 shares were passed on to me. I was made aware that I should hold on to them at all costs and told in no uncertain terms that Villa should never be in the control of one man. Villa was a club for the people. Not really understanding share issues I did grasp this logic, but could not understand how Ellis with just 38% of the shares was perceived as 'owning the Villa'. However when the club went public these two shares were changed in to two hundred shares worth £11 each. However as I was told never to sell them I did not even consider cashing them in and pocketing £2200. It would be my guess that most small shareholders own between 100 and a couple of thousand shares. The dilema now faced is the same as many people. Why would I except just over a thousand pounds for shares that I wouldn't have sold for thousands more, just a few years ago, and put the club in to the ownership of an unknown American with no history of sporting success? My solution is that I have bitten the bullet and sent back my share certificate. I will use some of the cash to purchase a memento to the person who passed on the shares to me and who died shortly after. This will probably be in the form of one of the engraved paving stones at the Trinity Road. I think lots of supporters/shareholders will face similar dilemas and 500,000 shares seems like a lot find. I would advise all shareholders to sell and ensure that Ellis is removed from Villa Park. However it stills goes against all the principles that I was brought up with. I am sure many fans feel the same. Once we go down this road there is no turning back.

Thanks for the considered response, VOTH, it makes it easier to understand that there is a genuine decision to be made for even the most loyal Villa supporter and that the rest of us should try to contain our excitement and impatience and put the whole thing out of our minds - at least for another 10 days 12 hours 46 minutes and 21 seconds and counting :)