Villa set to unveil Houllier as new boss

GERRARD HOULLIER is poised to become the 25th manager in Aston Villa’s 126-year history when his appointment as Martin O’Neill’s successor is announced today.

He is set to be named as Villa’s fifth manager of the new millennium after John Gregory, Graham Taylor, David O’Leary and O’Neill.

It will represent the end of a six-year exile from the Barclays Premier League for Houllier since his reign at Liverpool came to an end in May 2004.

Houllier, who has been working as France’s technical director, is expected to face the media for the first time in his new role tomorrow. His first match in charge would be the away clash with Stoke on Monday.

When Villa started recruiting in earnest to replace O’Neill, they admitted that Premier League experience was high on their list of priorities – and Houllier has that in abundance.

The former schoolteacher has been in management for 37 years and his clubs included Lens, Paris St Germain and, after leaving Anfield, Lyon. He joined Liverpool in July 1998 and won the UEFA Cup, two League Cups, an FA Cup and a European Super Cup during almost six years at the helm.

He had more than a 50% winning rate from his 325 matches in charge as Liverpool’s first non-British manager.

Houllier suffered heart problems during the end of his term with the Reds. It is still to be decided what role the current caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald – an ex-Liverpool player – would have under the new regime.

He has been successful as reserve team coach but may be offered a post as part of the first-team set-up.