Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner claims Martin O'Neill resigned because they could not agree on the club's future direction.

Villa owner releases statement regarding former boss

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has released a statement saying Martin O'Neill quit as manager because the two could not agree on the future direction of the club. O'Neill stepped down from his role at Villa Park earlier in the week, just days before the start of the Premier League season, and American owner Lerner has explained the reason for his decision. With the transfer saga involving midfielder James Milner proving an unwelcome distraction throughout the summer, it is thought to have had a key role in the Northern Irishman's choice to step down. The England international has long been linked with a move to Manchester City, despite O'Neill's reluctance to let him leave. Lerner, who took control of the club four years ago, admits the Milner situation must be resolved quickly, and claims O'Neill's departure was down to a difference of opinion. "Having had some time to reflect on Martin leaving, I can say that our most immediate focus is supporting (caretaker boss) Kevin MacDonald and resolving the situation with Man City and James Milner," he said. "As for explaining why Martin left, I can say only that we no longer shared a common view as how to move forward. "To deal in greater detail would do little but cause additional distraction for the club as it faces imminent games, and the clear priority of hiring a permanent manager. "Finally, there have been no changes in our approach to building the club, aiming always to be as competitive as possible given our size and resources." Lerner's statement comes shortly after Villa's general director, and his right-hand man, Charles Krulak openly criticised the former manager for stepping down. Krulak claimed O'Neill always had money available to spend, but that he was unwilling to address wage-to-revenue issues. Lerner will continue his search for a new manager, but has claimed he will not be rushed into an appointment despite the imminent start of the campaign.