Barnwell defends Houllier record

Gerard Houllier deserves to be applauded for his record at Liverpool.

That is the view of John Barnwell, chief executive of the League Managers’ Association.

While Barnwell said it was not the LMA’S business to comment on the situation between manager and club, he launched a spirited defence of the Frenchman.

There is mounting speculation over Houllier’s future, even though Liverpool finished fourth in the table to secure a place in the Champions League.

Barnwell told the Press Association: “Gerard’s record is an excellent one.

“Not too long ago they (Liverpool) would have been delighted to have finished fourth. To say that is not acceptable for Liverpool is too easy a comment to make. You have to look at the areas of improvement and all those issues.

“In terms of what he has achieved, the position the club was in when he took over, they would appear to be in a healthy state at the moment.

“It is too easy for people to say Liverpool should finish higher. Gerard obviously hasn’t finished the work he set out to do.”

Barnwell, however, is fully aware that things can change quickly in football.

“Lots of times today’s success is tomorrow’s failure,” he said.

“Things that are outside of the manager’s control can dictate the future. We can only hope common sense prevails.”