Doug Ellis took over as chairman of Aston Villa in 1968, when he bought a substantial amount of shares and invested "a large sum" although the exact amount was undisclosed. Apart from a brief spell between 1979 and 1982, he has served as Aston Villa's chairman ever since. When assessing Doug's abilities as chairman, one shouldn't forget that the footballing world has a preferlection for taunting and abusing chairmen of football clubs, especially in England. It's a bit like it is customary to abuse referees. Doug Ellis is no exception, and both banners from time to time and plenty of songs on the terraces have included the words: "Ellis out!". Ask those opposed to him, and they probably won't mind being foul-mouthed when referring to his shortcomings. Ask those who approve of him, and they'll say he's way above average for a chairman/owner.

His detractors claim:
He has continuously raided the club, and denied it the funds it needs to become a top-three club of England rather than then top-ten that it is today. He has continuously denied this in the press, but nevertheless, despite being one of the most financially healthy clubs in England, Aston Villa never joins the band of big-spenders. Money talks in the very top of the football league, and that's all there is to it. Manager after manager have left the club after having had enough of him, including Ron Saunders, shortly after turning Aston Villa into champions in the 1980/81 season. He is in this for the money, and has no real love for Aston Villa Football Club contrary to those in the stands.

His supporters claim:
Doug Ellis has turned Aston Villa from a bunch of underachievers into one of the truly big clubs of England, and at the same time, Aston Villa is one of the most financially healthy clubs in the entire world (which is certainly true. Aston Villa is very healthy in terms of finance, and has been so all through Ellis' spell at the club). He loves Aston Villa and does what he thinks is the right thing for the club.