Doug Ellis and the Villa board step down

Doug Ellis and the Aston Villa board have stepped down, completing Randy Lerner's takeover of the club and ending an era at Villa Park.

The resignations were announced on 19 September, after the American businessman secured the backing of shareholders owning more than 89 per cent of the club. Lerner has taken over as chairman.

The end of the Ellis era

Ellis, 82, has dominated Villa for most of the last four decades. He first became chairman in 1968, when the club were struggling in the old Second Division, and returned for a second spell in 1982. He has been the club's majority shareholder for many years.

His time in charge has brought highs and lows. Villa won the League Cup twice under his chairmanship in the 1990s, and the club's ground has been transformed, with new stands built around three sides of Villa Park. But he has also been criticised by fans for failing to invest enough in the team and for his rapid turnover of managers.

In July, several senior players went public with complaints about the club's lack of ambition, in comments reported by a local newspaper. The club dismissed the claims, but they reflected a widely held view among supporters that the club was standing still.

Ellis will stay on as president emeritus, a title that recognises his long service to the club.

A new owner from America

Lerner, the owner of the Cleveland Browns American football team, agreed to buy Ellis's 39 per cent stake last month, in a deal valuing the club at around £62.6 million. He then made an offer for the rest of the shares, and by the deadline had secured just under 90 per cent.

That was slightly below the level he had set as a condition for the deal, but he decided to accept and make the offer unconditional. It means he now has full control of the club.

He becomes only the second American to own a Premiership club, after Malcolm Glazer at Manchester United. General Charles Krulak, a former commandant of the US Marine Corps, has also joined the new board.

A fresh start

Lerner has already made his mark by appointing Martin O'Neill as manager, following the departure of David O'Leary in the summer. O'Neill, who led Celtic to three Scottish titles and a UEFA Cup final, was welcomed by fans as a sign that the club was serious about success.

The team have made a good start to the season, and supporters are hopeful that Lerner will provide the money O'Neill needs to strengthen the squad.

Lerner has said little in public so far, but those who have met him say he is serious about Villa's history and wants to restore the club to the top of English football. Villa won the European Cup in 1982 and have a long list of honours, but have not won the league title since 1981.

After years of frustration, many Villa fans believe the club is finally entering a new chapter.