Houllier ‘through the mill’

LIVERPOOL yesterday revealed that manager Gerard Houllier has been “through the mill” since receiving a death threat last month.

The manager personally opened the letter but had not wanted the matter to become public knowledge.

A club spokesman said: "This is not something Gerard wanted to come out but he has been through the mill.

"There are no extra security measures now involved but we will continue to take advice from Merseyside Police."

Supporters' groups have also distanced themselves from the culprit and insist they have "tarnished the name" of the club and their fans.

"I am absolutely horrified by this," insisted Les Lawson, chairman of the Merseyside branch of the Official LFC Supporters Club.

"The man is doing his best. He hasn't committed murder he is simply managing a football club. I hope the culprit is caught and punished because he is trying to tarnish the name of Liverpool FC."

Liverpool revealed last night that Houllier opened a threatening letter at the start of February.