Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has taken "full responsibility" for the team's relegation from the Premier League last weekend.
The former Cleveland Browns owner took charge of the Birmingham-based club in 2006. Since 2014, Lerner has tried to sell the club but has had no buyers willing to come forward.
Aston Villa have had a tumultuous season with former managers Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde both losing their jobs. Eric Black is currently manager in a caretaker capacity.
The former European Cup champions have been in the English top-tier since 1988. They have only been out of the top tier for one season in the past 40 years.
Aston Villa fans regularly bring 'Lerner Out' banners to games. Picture by: Mike Egerton / EMPICS Sport
Lerner released a statement on Aston Villa's website on Friday morning, telling the fans of his commitment to bringing the club back to the Premier League.
"I write to Villa supporters to make clear that this relegation lies at my feet and no one else's. And because I believe in Aston Villa and know it will come back stronger and more able, with love and care for the community it serves, with the edge and attitude it must have to represent our history and tradition... I know Villa will return better, stronger."
"I will continue to try to put the club into worthy hands as I have, and also do my best to position Villa for the quickest possible return to its rightful place among England's elite."
Villa's penultimate home game of the season takes place on Saturday afternoon against Southampton at Villa Park.
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