Houllier loses out in poll

LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier should be dismissed from his post, according to a snap poll.

The survey was set up by the Liverpool Daily Post and its sister paper the Liverpool Echo in the wake of the 1-0 FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth.

They posed the question: What do you think of Gerard Houllier’s position? And 48.58% of those who responded said he should be sacked now. Only 10.76 said he should be given more time.

The answers were, resign now (28.40%), be sacked now (48.58%), go at the end of the season (12.26%), be given more time (10.76%).

James Carroll of supporters’ website ‘Shankly Gates’ says he will continue to back Houllier but that things have gone “stale”.

“I’m not calling for his head and, as long as he is in charge of the club, then he will have my support,” said Carroll.

“But something needs to be done on the pitch and sharpish, whether it be tactics or team selection.

“We’ve already gone stale, let’s hope we can turn things around before we start to rot.

“We have dominated matches against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United at Anfield as well as Everton and Tottenham, but from those games we have picked up just two points.

“Quite frankly this is just not good enough and nor is seeing finishing fourth as being successful.

“To lose twice to Portsmouth in a single season is extremely embarrassing - they were playing First Division football last year.”