Villa director insists the money is there - but O'Neill hasn't spent it yet

Randy Lerner's right-hand man has moved to quash fan unrest by insisting that owner has never refused manager Martin O’Neill a player.

Vietnam veteran General Charles Krulak, a club director, has reacted to growing disquiet over the lack of activity in the transfer market by emphasising that funds are available.

Last season, O’Neill stated repeatedly that Villa were fortunate not to suffer many injuries as they qualified for a European competition, albeit the InterToto Cup, with a sixth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.

His squad is now two players lighter and that has led to supporters questioning the club’s ambition in the wake of the public relations own goal over Gareth Barry.

So far, Villa’s boss has added two goalkeepers to the side — Americans Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan — as well as Chelsea cast-off Steve Sidwell. But with Barry looking certain to join Olof Mellberg, Scott Carson, Patrik Berger and Luke Moore on the way out, O’Neill does not have much time to act, particularly as defender Wilfred Bouma is a long-term injury victim with a dislocated ankle.

Two possible new signings emerged last night after Reading agreed a £3.5million fee for left back Nicky Shorey, although Villa face competition from Sunderland and Portsmouth. The Midlanders have also reportedly made a £3m offer for Middlesbrough’s Luke Young.

In open correspondence on a supporters’ website, Krulak said: ‘Randy has never said “No” to Martin O’Neill. He is no Roman Abramovich, but he does have a wallet and he will open it. Martin O’Neill knows that in spades. Randy has made it perfectly clear to him that we do not have to sell a player to buy one.

‘I’ve spoken to Randy at length about the strength of feeling out there. Simply put, he has placed his faith in Martin. He has told him to get the players and not worry about the money.

Money available: Martin O'Neill

‘If Martin said: “I need £30m for player X” and this player would fit right into what we are trying to do, then the chequebook would be out.

‘Randy is in this for the longterm. After all, he has an AVFC lion tattooed on his leg — and that isn’t washable.

‘He wants Europe. He wants winning football. He wants entertainment for the fans. This is more than a business for Randy, this is a passion.’

Krulak maintained that Villa’s board remain firmly behind O’Neill but the transfer saga surrounding Barry  - and the subsequent U-turn by the club following a statement on their website that he was staying — has left many bewildered.

He added: ‘I do think what has happened is sad. All the shenanigans aside, Barry has been a great player for us and a fine captain.

‘I am 66 years old and have seen my share of people who have had their heads turned. In each instance the individual wishes they could turn the clock back. I hope and pray that Gareth does not encounter the same thing.’