Randy Lerner says that his relationship with Martin O'Neill is more binding than any contract and could be strong enough to ensure that no outside influence, such as Manchester United or the FA, could force them apart.

Villa chairman Lerner has given a rare insight into the unique bond he has with his manager — "I could not conceive of better fortune than working with Martin O'Neill" — and expects their partnership to last long enough for the club to enjoy significant success.

Talking on the record for the first time in six months, Lerner accepts that O'Neill is among the most desirable managers in Europe but takes that as a compliment rather than a threat.

And with Steve McClaren's grip on the job as head coach of England now tenuous, O'Neill has been tipped as a possible replacement should the position become vacant.

The Football Association had the chance to appoint O'Neill last June but opted for McClaren. Lerner says he is not qualified to say whether the FA made a mistake but knows that England's loss is Villa's gain.

While Villa have won two of their past 15 matches, there is a feel-good factor at the club. This is largely because of O'Neill but partly because the chairman is prepared to back the manager with serious money.

When asked how Lerner would react if other employers tried to lure O'Neill away from Villa Park, the chairman said: "I think that you never get in anyone's way. Martin and I talked about this issue this morning [yesterday]. He called and asked if I was OK. I said 'yeah'. He asked if I had any questions. I said 'yeah, just one'. Basically, in answer to my question [about O'Neill's future], he said that he is managing Aston Villa for the long haul. He said that we have got a job to do and we are going to see it through.

"Did England make a mistake in not appointing Martin? I am not qualified to answer that."

O'Neill is seen in some quarters as the obvious replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Ferguson is in his 21st year and has long been flirting with retirement.

With England having not won in four matches and McClaren under pressure, there is talk that the FA are questioning their own wisdom. Whatever, Lerner refuses to spend too much time focusing on the issue because, he said, he will create an environment that would make it difficult for O'Neill to think about leaving.

"I have to rely on my relationship with Martin," Lerner said. "I don't think, in Martin's way of thinking, that contracts are terribly important. I think he is going to be where he feels is right for him.

"The way to keep Martin is to be respectful, to support him and to let him do his thing. And he will do it. I would acknowledge [if England approached the club for O'Neill], but I wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Perhaps I would jump on him and put my arms around him.

"I don't think, when you're talking about Martin O'Neill and these celebrated jobs, it should involve me. I just want to create a compelling opportunity, otherwise I would create obstacles, which would not be good business.

"I want to create an environment where Martin O'Neill would never want to leave. He wants to win the League and European Cup. He has done it before [as a player], with a great manager, who sits somewhere up there."

Lerner will continue to bankroll O’Neill’s transfer dealings in a bid for Villa to reclaim their lost horizon.

The chairman has purchased Stiliyan Petrov (#8 million) and Ashley Young (#8m and rising) out of his own pocket, creating enthusiasm not seen at Villa Park in a decade. He will adopt the same policy until his commercial plan for the club can generate extra funds.

Lerner purchased Villa last August for #63m to become the most powerful man in the club's history. "The money I have spent on players at Aston Villa has come from my personal pocket," he said. "Yes, that is correct and I have no intention and no market set for when I would stop spending."

Lerner also confirmed that Villa Park would not be renamed for commercial gain, although one or more of the stands could benefit from sponsorship. "We are not changing the name and we are also not opening a super-casino," Lerner said.

Lerner is not one to make rash statements but his plan for the immediate future is to ensure that Villa will be competing in Europe. "It is not as easy as saying 'this is what we are going to put into a transfer fund'," Lerner said. "In three years, I would like us to be in Europe."

Lerner has kept a low profile since taking over as chairman and was waiting until the transfer window closed before granting interviews to selected journalists.

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