Soccer:Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has confirmed that manager Martin O'Neill is staying at the club after talks. The Derryman stated his desire to stay at the club last week.
Villa finished sixth in the Premier League and also reached the final of the Carling Cup and semi-finals of the FA Cup.
O'Neill rejected recent unsubstantiated internet rumours that he was unhappy with Lerner's transfer policy.
He insisted there was no fall-out with Lerner and that he would assess everything with the American at the end of the campaign.
That has now happened and although Villa fell short in their bid to break into the top four in the Premier League O'Neill was delighted with his side's overall campaign.
He will now be hoping that he can push on next season after summer strengthening.
O'Neill admitted last week that he would need to improve the team just to stand still in a fiercely competitive top flight.
Lerner said: “Martin will be back next year managing. It has already been settled. He and I spoke on a number of occasions in person and over the phone.
“Yesterday I dragged him out of a series of meetings with chief executive Paul Faulkner trying to get plans for the summer underway.
“We feel very good about that because it represents continuity for the players and in many other ways.
“I think next year will be exciting and worthwhile and I look forward to it.”
Lerner also confirmed that some funds would be available for O’Neill to strengthen his squad during the summer although he admitted the club would not be able to sign a £30million player.
He said: “That sort of deal would be outside of our means.”