At Last. VILLA IS FOR SALE!

A statement from Aston Villa PLC to the Stock Exchange :

Aston Villa PLC
20 January 2006
For Immediate Release 20 January 2006
Aston Villa Plc ('Aston Villa')
Update on Discussions and Appointment of Rothschild as Financial Adviser

The Board of Aston Villa has been considering how best to take the company and its principal asset, Aston Villa Football Club, onto the next stage of its development.

As per our announcement dated 31 October 2005, the Board has held discussions with Aston Villa Investments Limited ('AVIL') in the context of AVIL having provided Aston Villa with an indicative proposal to acquire the company, which if converted into a firm offer, the Board of Aston Villa would recommend to shareholders.

To date the Board is not aware that AVIL has performed detailed due diligence on Aston Villa and has not been provided with evidence of AVIL's financial ability to proceed with an acquisition.

The Board of Aston Villa has with immediate effect appointed Rothschild to act as financial adviser to help it determine the best strategy for the future of Aston Villa. This includes, amongst other strategies, seeking a possible acquirer for the company who would build on the achievements of the current management team and pave the way for future success.