AVSA Anger At Interim Results

The Aston Villa Shareholders Association share the Trust's disappointment at today's interim results.

With:

Turnover DOWN to £17.7m from £19million in 2004

The operating loss UP to £9.4million from £8.8million in 2004

and Villa's net cash from operating activities of £2.0m DOWN from 2004's £4.2million

We feel this provides a perfect illustration as to why major changes are required at Aston Villa and why the board are right in finally putting the club in the hands of Rothschild's.

Villa tried to add some 'sparkle' yesterday by announcing an extended contract with Hummel and we couldn't help but question the timing because if they can deal with those sort of contracts why couldn't they deal with the managers need for more players? Then they announced the interim figures and all became clear.

Villa aren't in debt, which has become Mr Ellis' mantra, but they are badly run. You only need to look at their in-ability to keep a loan player that their manager had asked for to see the financial situation at the club isn't what it should be for such a large and historic institution.

With attendances also down to an average of 33 221 per match from 2004's 35 332 it seems fans and shareholders alike have the right to be concerned at results on and off the field. We can but hope that Rothschild's are able to attract the right investors and the sooner the better!