Houllier remains defiant as job 'hangs by a thread'

LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier last night remained in defiant mood amid growing speculation his job at Anfield is under serious threat.

The club refused to comment on a report in the Liverpool Echo that the Frenchman's job "is hanging by a thread".

According to the report, the club are reviewing Houllier's role and performance over the season and that process could continue until next week.

But the French-born manager does not appear overly concerned with the situation.

"I am carrying on my work as normal and have been holding meetings with staff preparing for next season" he said yesterday.

He went on: "I have been discussing contracts and other moves, as well as when the players will report back."

Houllier is expected to meet Liverpool chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry over the next few days to outline his plans.

And if Houllier satisfies them his moves will propel Liverpool back into championship contention, he could yet defy his critics again and start next season in charge.

Houllier has come under severe pressure this season, but led Liverpool to fourth place in the Premiership and a berth in the money-spinning Champions League. He has been in sole charge since November 1998, when his joint-manager ticket with Roy Evans was ripped up.

It is believed that Liverpool's board will fully take into account his record of four major trophies when the next move is discussed.

Houllier won a treble of the FA Cup, the Uefa Cup and Worthington Cup in 2001, and returned to the club after life-saving heart surgery to win the Worthington Cup again against Manchester United in 2003.

Liverpool have failed to win a trophy this season, but Houllier believes with new signings in place this summer, the club will be well-placed to challenge for their first title since 1990.

The uncertainty comes as Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry continues talks over two separate investment proposals.

The Thailand Prime Minister's bid to buy a 30% share has hit a snag. Thaksin Shinawatra's representatives were to have flown to Liverpool today to finalise the £60million deal, but that trip has been indefinitely postponed until lawyers from both sides sort out the differences.

According to government sources in Thailand, a special lottery is planned to raise the cash needed for the stake.

Liverpool have also not ruled out a deal with lifelong fan Steve Morgan, the former Redrow Homes owner, who last week had a rival £73million bid rejected.