General Krulak - MON WASN'T Pushed Out

General Krulak on the departure of Martin O'Neill.

It is pretty hard to address all the comments and questions that have come my way today.

Let me try to lay out what has happened as best I know.

First off, Martin's decision to leave was just that...Martin's decision..

I am very much aware that he quit 5 days before the beginning of the season.

He was not pushed out.

Rumors that there was a row between Randy and Martin over the sale of players (Young and Friedel) are just that...Rumors.

There is absolutely NO truth to the rumors!!

Neither player is up for sale and Randy and Martin never discussed such a sale. Martin's decision was a surprise to the Club. Randy had spoken to Martin last week and on the weekend. Randy then flew back to the US. This morning Randy learned that Martin has quit...and Randy is now flying back to the UK.

Martin was fully involved in the Milner transaction from the very beginning....he took part in all the discussions.

It is a good move if looked at in its totality. We have not suddenly become a 'selling club.' We have a player who wants to move and we have a solid offer that makes good sense to the Villa. That does not make us a selling club.

There is no question that if ANY Club has players on the payroll that do not play on the Pitch...it is prudent to sell them if possible.

As I know I have mentioned many times, a Premiership Club must balance wages vs. revenue...cutting wages always involves the sale of some players...and every Club does it.

We are NOT selling Young or Friedel. I have also written many times that we are trying to run the Club in a sensible and sustainable manner BUT, at the same time, the amount of money we have spent over the past 4 years should tell everyone that we marry this approach with aggressive ambition!!

Some of the comments and some of the rumors have been truly amazing. Randy is not broke! Randy is not selling the Villa! Randy has not lost interest!

I have even seen comments about Randy's divorce and its impact...pure nonsense. Like all of you, I am not privy to what went through Martin's mind when he made his decision to leave 5 days before the season kicks off. I am sure he will have his own views. My only hope is that the media will allow all the facts to emerge vice playing one side against the other.

What I do know is that Randy cares deeply for the Villa and I have posted thousands of comments on the web sites because I don't care. I care deeply. We will all get through this together...we will get the right man and we will continue to move forward. I recognize I didn't answer all the specific questions asked but I thought it might be best to post what I know right now.....I will provide more info as I get it.

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