Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing

[Rip Van We Go Again]

sportinglife.com

Gerard Houllier believes Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker can play a major part in his longer term plans.

Houllier is planning to hold talks with Reo-Coker, who is out of contract in the summer, over his future at the end of April.

His days at Villa Park looked numbered last summer under then manager Martin O'Neill with whom he reportedly had a training ground dispute 18 months ago.

But Houllier immediately drafted Reo-Coker into his starting line-up after taking charge in September and made him captain in the absence of the injured Stiliyan Petrov.

Houllier is reluctant to make any hard and fast commitments until Villa's Barclays Premier League fate is decided.

But he admits he is an admirer of former England Under-21 skipper Reo-Coker who moved to Villa from West Ham four years ago.

Houllier said: "We have said regarding players at the end of their contract, that we would review the situation at the end of April.

"But Nigel has been involved in every game. First of all, whether he plays or is on the bench, he's a good member of the squad, a good team-mate.

"He's very happy, very positive. He's a fighter. We have a lot of midfielders but he has been very consistent for us."

Houllier added: "Would I like Nigel to stay? If the opportunity comes, but everything depends on the next seven games.

"The future is seven games for the moment. Let's go over that hurdle and then we will see.

"First of all we need to be secure and then we will see.

"But I have shown him he is part of the plans. I like him, because he's a good trainer as well. I think he has improved a bit.

"In the dressing room, he is important. He's a committed player. He's got a desire.

"I think Nigel has played a great part in our season and I'm pleased with him. He's a very popular figure amongst the players."

Houllier disputes suggestions that Reo-Coker is difficult to handle as a player.

He said: "I didn't notice that. I've never found him difficult.

"I've had much more difficult ones (players) than Nigel in my career I can tell you.

"He likes to work, train, play. Everyone can be temperamental at times. Who isn't.

"I know what he's good at and I ask him to do that."

Houllier also reiterated his desire to retain the services of winger Stewart Downing this summer.

Downing has been in fine form for Villa and earned an England recall against Ghana last week when he was chosen as the official man of the match.

He has been linked with a move away from Villa Park.

But, when asked if he was looking to keep Downing, Houllier said: "Yes, we will keep him."

[freakypete]

if downing goes it shall just proove how todays footballers are unloyal greedy bastards,he owes us we boght him when he was injured and from a relegated team

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Seems Houllier is keen on NRC staying around.

All depends what division we're in and if Houllier is still here.

[Irish villain]

Finally GH beginning to say the right things. Had he started like that we may have a few more points on the table.

I have always liked Reo-Coker so I'm happy.

[Greg N'Ash]

reckon NRC will go back to london in the summer whether we stay up or not. Shame really, as he can do a job with the right people around him in midfield

[JJ-AV]

If Ash stays (not happening) and there's a big money offer I'd sell Downing. Quality player, inteligent and uses the ball well, but I feel the overall balance of the team may be better should we let one go, especially if we can reinvest the money wisely.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd like both to stay, Downing has been excellent this season and Reo is a committed player.

[Dave]

if downing goes it shall just proove how todays footballers are unloyal greedy bastards

And if we choose to sell him would that just prove that clubs today are unloyal, greedy bastards?

[luke25]

If Ash stays (not happening) and there's a big money offer I'd sell Downing. Quality player, inteligent and uses the ball well, but I feel the overall balance of the team may be better should we let one go, especially if we can reinvest the money wisely.

I agree that the balance does'nt seem rite with them both in there, out of the two i'd rather keep Downing though, I genuinly think he offers us more

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I think NRC would be invaluable in a 3 man midfield (4-3-3), however, if we're going to play 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2, with 2 wingers, i'm not sure he's quite good enough.

[cheltenhamlion]

Agreed Fletch

[themossman]

if downing goes it shall just proove how todays footballers are unloyal greedy bastards

And if we choose to sell him would that just prove that clubs today are unloyal, greedy bastards?

Plus most of us have called him a poof since day one, plus we bought him for our good not his.

[darren woolley]

Like i have said before i would like him to stay and Downing also he has had one of his best season in football on a personal level so i would keep SD i think we do need to bring players in but keep our best players is vitaly important.

[Concrete John]

I think NRC would be invaluable in a 3 man midfield (4-3-3), however, if we're going to play 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2, with 2 wingers, i'm not sure he's quite good enough.

I think it's the other way round.  If we're playing with a three in the centre you can get away without a specialist holding player (although I'd always prefer one) by benefit of the extra man and them all working hard.  With only two in there I think an anchor man becomes invaluable.

And that's what NRC is - a midfield anchor man who's job is to stop the opposition playing.

[damon loves JT]

My prediction, for what it's worth: NRC is a perfect signing for a promoted team. So QPR, probably.