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Aston Villa need to spend money more effectively if they are to survive the current "crisis," new chairman Steve Hollis says. With Villa 10 points from safety after earning just 12 points from 22 games, relegation from the Premier League seems seems more probable with each passing day. And Hollis didn't mince words about Villa's situation, telling the BBC: "In football terms, this is a crisis. This is the worst position this club has been in for many a decade." Hollis insisted that Villa still have money to spend, but they will not dole it out easily after seeing £60million in the summer. Asked if that money had been wasted, Hollis told Sky Sports: "I think the results are the best indicator on answering that question." And Hollis admitted that the club are already considering the Championship when discussing possible transfers. "The cheque book has not been put away and if there is a player out there or a couple of players out there who we feel will fit in and really help the side in the Premier League or in the Championship, we are looking," he said. "You have got to look at the facts, this club spent £60m last summer. This club five out of the last 10 years has had the biggest contribution from the owner of all the top six clubs. That is a lot of money. "This is not about spending money. That is not the reason why the club is not doing well. Other things need to be fixed before we go out and spend big money." Hollis added that investment in "hard work culture, culture of continuous improvement and team spirit" was more valuable than high-priced acquisitions. He also defended American owner Randy Lerner's management of the club. "Last May, Randy was very clear, the club was for sale. If he couldn't sell the club, he would put in a professional board, a new chairman and the club would be put on a 'proper footing,'" Hollis said. "He is very clear, he wants me to run this club. The buck stops with the new chairman. Randy will still be on the board, he has a lot to offer to the board. He has got a lot of experience and knowledge, so he is not going, but we a moving into a new phase for this football club."
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