Filed under: Aston Villa, Premier League, Football
It was an expected, if sad, end to Gerard Houllier's stint as Aston Villa manager. The Frenchman did not step down because of poor results, failing to meet expectations or falling out with the owner.He stood down simply because to preserve his health. After having tests this week it was found he could put himself at risk of more heart problems if he stayed in the high-pressure environment of Premier League football management.
Doctors revealed he needed more time to recuperate, after missing the final month of last season having been taken to hospital on April 20 with heart problems. Ten years ago he had heart surgery while at Liverpool.
He admitted: "I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season. My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on 20 April. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football.
"I was very much looking forward to the prospect of my first full season as Villa manager and returning for pre-season training. It has been an honour to manage this great club and I wish everyone connected with Aston Villa every success for the future."
While Houllier is refusing to rule out a return to management - he took Lyon to two French titles after leaving Liverpool - Aston Villa are concerned he will suffer more health issues if he goes back.
And although fans will be united in wishing Houllier the best of health in the future, few will be sorry to see him no longer in the dugout next term, after his spell in charge was criticised for poor results and disorganised performances. There was a marked improvement under Gary McAllister and they rallied to a top-ten finish.
Villa have already begun the search for a new manager, with Fulham's Mark Hughes, Everton's David Moyes among those mooted. Ex-England manager Steve McClaren has also been linked, along with the current assistant McAllister.
Chief executive Paul Faulkner said: "We regret the circumstances of Gerard's departure and, naturally, we wish him well in his continued recovery. I know I speak for everyone associated with Aston Villa in expressing our hope that Gerard will return to full health as quickly as possible and we wish him all the best for the future.
"As a board we are very conscious of the need to ensure that the club is prepared fully to meet the demands of the new season. To that end, we have already embarked upon the process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager."
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