ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: GERARD HOULLIER is expected to make a decision about his future at the end of the season but it looks increasingly likely he will not be seen in frontline management again.
The Aston Villa manager has been in hospital since last Wednesday, when he was admitted with chest pains, and although his condition has improved and he is set to be discharged within the next few days, there are major doubts about whether he will return to the dug-out.
Gary McAllister, Houllier’s assistant, will take charge of the team for the remaining four matches of the season, as the Frenchman undergoes a period of convalescence. Mark Waller, Villa’s club doctor, said Houllier’s heart is “working perfectly”, although it has also emerged the cause of his chest pains is related to the major health scare he suffered in 2001, when he underwent 11 hours of open-heart surgery after being taken ill during his time as Liverpool manager.
Villa are in a difficult position. The club are understandably keen to avoid putting any pressure on the 63-year-old Frenchman, yet they also need to know whether he is likely to be in a position to continue in the long term. The club will wait until he has recovered before holding talks and, although McAllister has suggested the former Lyon manager will be desperate to come back, Houllier will be guided by medical advice.
In a statement released by the club last night Houllier expressed his gratitude to those who have wished him well in his recovery. “I am extremely touched by all the messages I have received and by the reaction of people throughout the world of football . . . I’m especially grateful to the Villa fans for their genuine concern and encouragement.
“I’m grateful to my players for their texts and messages and, of course, for their efforts in extending our recent unbeaten run on Saturday against Stoke and also to Gary McAllister and the rest of my staff for stepping in and taking the reins at this time.”
Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson has once again repeated his call for a winter break to be incorporated into the season. The United manager has been a strong advocate of a two-week halt to the domestic programme, which he feels should come immediately after the packed Christmas programme.
He finds few dissenting voices amongst his fellow professionals. England coach Fabio Capello and one of his predecessors, Sven-Goran Eriksson, have also spoken out, highlighting the benefits a chance to recharge tired muscles would have on the national side. However, Ferguson is not holding out any hope of a break being implemented, believing stopping fixtures is not something TV companies would accept.
“I have been saying this for years,” the United boss said. “But somehow they just will not listen to the people who really matter in the game, supporters, players, staff and coaches. That’s when maybe you think TV has too much power.”
Guardian Service
