RAL, the vehicle used to purchase the shares of Aston Villa plc have extended the offer to shareholders until September 18th at 1.00pm.

From what I gather this means we've got to wait another 13 days before Mr Lerner takes full control and he'll probably be at the Charlton match to accept the applause.

The BBC are already reporting that Mr Lerner has control but the official web site are confirming that it's not yet over and somewhat alarmingly, although I suspect to follow party line, are saying that the deal 'remains conditional on 90% shareholder acceptance'.

What happens if Mr Lerner doesn't get 90%? Do the shares that are lost or forgotten about automatically transfer over on acceptance from the board or do RAL have to have confirmation from the shareholders that they will sell before counting on them?

I don't doubt that Mr Lerner will assume control on the 18th September but wouldn't it be a shock if because you didn't return your forms you held up the purchase of Aston Villa FC or even worse, helped it collapse!

Get your forms back, you know it makes sense. Up the Villa!