Former Aston Villa Owner Tony Xia has voiced his thoughts after they were promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs on Monday afternoon.

Taking to Twitter, Xia referenced where he picked the club up three years ago as they were relegated to the second tier and saying he had kept his promise following their triumph against Derby.

"3 years ago. That game. This picture," he wrote.

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"I made the decision to scarify [sacrifice] for this beloved club. Maybe it’s delayed. I kept my promise! UTV! VTWD!"

Xia was forced to sell the club back in the summer of 2018 after running into the complications with funding, leading to a lot of borrowing to keep the club alive.

But they bounced back impressively.

Anwar El Ghazi gave Dean Smith's side the lead just before half-time on Monday after Ahmed El Mohamady's cross ricocheted kindly off his back.

And it was 2-0 just ten minutes into the second half when Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos came unconvincingly for the ball and John McGinn capitalised, heading home a second.

Derby threatened a come back late on when a good turn and shot from substitute Jack Marriott flicked off the foot of Martyn Waghorn but it was not enough.

The verdict

Tony Xia remains a bit of a divisive figure at Villa Park and it is easy to see why.

The model he and the people he was working with to finance the club nearly cost them very dearly, but to his credit he sold as soon as he could to competent buyers.