Time is running out for you know Hou

GERARD HOULLIER’S week began fighting the fires ignited by Richard Dunne’s unsavoury quarrel with backroom staff, it ended with the realisation his Aston Villa team are fighting a very real relegation battle.

Just three weeks ago Villa thrashed Blackburn 4-1 and were being tipped for a late surge up the Premier League, however nothing has gone to plan for Houllier since he fielded an under-strength side in the FA Cup against Manchester City days later.

A defeat to Bolton was followed by Ireland international Dunne and James Collins’ alcohol-fuelled row with Houllier’s coaches during what was supposed to be a team-building trip, earning the defensive duo combined fines totalling £200,000.