Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he wouldn't be in charge at Villa Park without Randy Lerner taking over the club from Doug Ellis.

During this week's fans dinner, the Mirror says O'Neill revealed: "Doug Ellis signed me on but I was hoping Mr Lerner would possibly take over and I had a fair idea he would.

"I remember seeing Mr Ellis on the Monday after that Arsenal game. He asked me to explain why Martin Laursen came off the bench in the last couple of minutes.

"I was taken aback because no chairman has ever asked me to explain a decision, as they know they would get short shrift.

"This is my job, I don't have to explain things - results explain things. I was taken aback but knowing he wouldn't be there that much longer, I was very gracious.

"I said I would explain as long as he never ever asked me again."