Aston Villa may have lost their opening game of the English Premier League season, but fans of the West Midlands club can console themselves with the knowledge that they currently top the 'stewardship' table.
Business thinktank Tomorrow's Company has ranked England's 20 top-flight teams in terms of how well the owners and board members are building for their club's future, with Aston Villa coming out on top.
The stewardship table, which awards points according to five categories - putting the club first, 'long-termism', clarity of role and purpose, engagement of fans and passion - gave Aston Villa 37 points out of a possible 50, while second-placed Arsenal received 36 points.
Explaining the concept behind the table, Tomorrow's Company founder Mark Goyder said: "Stewardship means handing something on to the next generation in better shape that you inherited it.
"The footballing parallels are clubs with a long-term view who see beyond wheeling and dealing, clubs which focus on management continuity, youth development, improved facilities and the club giving something back to the community."
Wigan Athletic were ranked third for stewardship with 35 points, while Everton (32) took fourth and Blackburn Rovers (31) were ranked fifth. West Ham United came bottom with just 12 points.
American businessman Randy Lerner completed his takeover of Aston Villa in August 2006, bringing Doug Ellis' second spell as chairman to an end.
Written by Craig Kemp
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
