Houllier confirmed as new Villa boss

According to the Sun, Gerard Houllier has signed a 3 year deal to be the new manager of Aston Villa. He said "It was a very difficult decision to leave the FFF but I could not turn down this opportunity. "Aston Villa is one of England's biggest clubs and has an amazing set of fans. This is a tremendous challenge." Houllier, 63, resigned from his post of technical director with the French Football Federation yesterday to take up the challenge of succeeding Martin O'Neil at Villa Park. The former Liverpool boss resigned as the technical director of the French Football Federation yesterday to take up the post. Houllier, 63, said,

"It was a very difficult decision to leave the FFF but I could not turn down this opportunity. Aston Villa is one of England's biggest clubs and has an amazing set of fans. This is a tremendous challenge." 


The Frenchman first match in charge of the team will be the away trip to the Britannia Stadium for the clash against Stoke City.  It is understood that Houllier is looking to bring his own team to the club which would mean the exit for  current caretaker manager, Kevin McDonald. Names being bandied around as the new number two include Dietmar Hamann and Gary McAllister.  One person who has already declined Houllier's approach is Phil Thompson, the number 2 during his time in Liverpool. Thompson has said he is happy being a TV pundit and does not relist a return to club management. 

Villa is currently fourth in the Premiership table with 2 wins and a loss.