Randy Lerner insists he will not contemplate Villa Park expansion plans until Villa are successful enough to fill the existing stadium.
And the chairman has promised any future growth will be in keeping with Villa Park's rich history, reflecting: "I think the stadium is beautiful."
Villa Park currently holds almost 43,000 fans and Lerner commented: "The idea of building without success is out of whack.
"You've got to be a winner not only to build a bigger stadium, but also to feel good about doing it. I want to make sure the stadium is full. That helps you win games.
"My understanding is that we have planning approval to grow the stadium by 10,000 seats. That was already in place."
The Villa owner continued: "I love the history of the club, but there are things we can do to Villa Park to make it more beautiful.- and I think it is beautiful. I love the stands, although the North Stand is my least favourite.
"You go to the Holte End and you have a wonderful piece of 19th Century Victoriana. Then you have the façade which we are working on and trying to give a more authentic feel. At the moment we just have a big 'Aston Villa' sign in plastic.
"Then we'll work around the stadium with big Claret and Blue painted gates. Little things like that. Then, when we get to the North Stand, we may look at something more progressive architecturally - going from the deeply historical to the current."
source....
success before expansion....
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