Randolph David Lerner is an American billionaire investor and former sports-team owner. He became the majority owner of the American football team, the Cleveland Browns, of the National Football League (NFL), upon the death of his father Alfred "Al" Lerner in October 2002. In August 2012, he sold the team. Lerner became the owner and chairman of English club Aston Villa F.C. of the Premier League in 2006, subsequently Lerner sold the club at a loss in 2016 following their relegation. His personal fortune has been estimated at over US$ 1.1 billion.
Randy Lerner
Lerner (right), along with general manager Mike Holmgren, observing a Cleveland Browns practice session (2012)
Aston Villa Football Club, commonly referred to as Villa, is a professional football club based in Aston, Birmingham, England. The club, founded in 1874, competes in the Premier League, the top tier of the English football league system. The team have played at their home ground Villa Park since 1897. Aston Villa is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in England, having won the Football League First Division seven times, the FA Cup seven times, the League Cup five times, and the European Cup and European Super Cup once.
George Ramsay's trophy haul of six League Championships and six FA Cups established Aston Villa as the most successful club in England. He has been described as the world's first paid football manager.
The Aston Villa team of 1899 that won the First Division and Sheriff of London Charity Shield (shared with Queen's Park), as well as a number of county cup honours
The Aston Villa Double winning team of 1896–97 with the First Division Championship and the FA Cup
William McGregor, founder of The Football League