Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: richardhubbard on April 21, 2011, 08:31:31 AM
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Dont know if posted elsewhere but Gerard been taken ill but is comfortable in hospital, I hope he is ok.
GMac taking charge Saturday
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According to the BBC ticker.
I wish him the speediest recovery.
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Too slow - please merge
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Let's hope its nothing serious and not a recurrence of his heart problems.
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In hospital for a few days apparently, must be his heart problem.
Football management is just THE most stressful occupation ever.
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His previous heart problem was a congenital thing, nothing to do with stress.
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Expected to stay in hospital for a few days. Club statement later. Pat Murphy says "not a heart attack".
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Best wishes
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Get well soon
UTV
The Doc
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'Gary Mac's Claret and Blue Army'!
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Get well soon M H.
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...fuck! Get well soon mate.
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In hospital for a few days apparently, must be his heart problem.
Football management is just THE most stressful occupation ever.
Nonsense
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I know he has his detractors, but I love the old bugger, think he is a really good man, and hope he gets well soon. Up the Villa Gerard.
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If they let him out early can Salsa Party Animal use the room?
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Whilst I m not sure I want him as manager next season I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.
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Worrying on a Villa level solely, but best wishes to him on a personal level.
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Hope he gets well soon and it's not too serious. Good luck Gerard, get well soon.
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Whilst I m not sure I want him as manager next season I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.
I'm certain I don't want him as our manager next year but that is an insignificant issue and lets hope he is back on the touchline very soon.
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Let's hope it isn't serious and he is in the dugout on Saturday.
All the best Ged.
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Let's hope it isn't serious and he is in the dugout on Saturday.
All the best Ged.
This sums up my feeling.
Get well soon.
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All the best Mr H, hope you're well soon.
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ah well..think that will probably clinch him moving upstairs this summer. Come back soon Ged
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Just to reiterate what everybody else is saying, hope it's not serious and that he's back on his feet and in charge of team matters sooner rather than later.
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I can only echo what others have said; I might not be his biggest fan but wish him all the best for a speedy recovery
Get well soon Gerard!
Up The Villa
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Just to reiterate what everybody else is saying, hope it's not serious and that he's back on his feet and in charge of team matters sooner rather than later.
Not trying to be funny or owt but why? You want him sacked. Obviously everyone wants him to recover and get back to full health but why does it make you and others want him to do what you don't want to see him doing when he is back at full health? A failing or a strength of humanity?
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Just when things seemed to be going well
Get soon well Ged
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Best wishes Gerard, and to a speedy recovery.
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Just to reiterate what everybody else is saying, hope it's not serious and that he's back on his feet and in charge of team matters sooner rather than later.
Not trying to be funny or owt but why? You want him sacked. Obviously everyone wants him to recover and get back to full health but why does it make you and others want him to do what you don't want to see him doing when he is back at full health? A failing or a strength of humanity?
come on now peter. Risso may not want him as manager but he doesn't wish him to be hospitalised
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Just to reiterate what everybody else is saying, hope it's not serious and that he's back on his feet and in charge of team matters sooner rather than later.
Not trying to be funny or owt but why? You want him sacked. Obviously everyone wants him to recover and get back to full health but why does it make you and others want him to do what you don't want to see him doing when he is back at full health? A failing or a strength of humanity?
Because the alternative is to hope that his condition is serious and you can't honestly believe that anyone on here wants that. I find it bizarre that you need to ask.
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That's worrying news considering his prior medical history, get well soon Gerard
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Get well soon GH. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Edit: Can we please try not to turn a well wishing thread into slanging match.
It's a touch disrespectful, you never know GH might just read it!
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Get well soon Gerard, 3 points will do you the world of good
Hope its not serious
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Blimey Pete, someone nicked your Easter eggs?
Get well soon Ged.
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Get well soon GH. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Edit: Can we please try not to turn a well wishing thread into slanging match.
It's a touch disrespectful, you never know GH might just read it!
Reading this site may have bought on his ill health in the first place.
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i wish him the speediest of recoveries...
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Not his biggest fan for sure but just like everyone else on here, best wishes ged,get well soon
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His previous heart problem was a congenital thing, nothing to do with stress.
But stress on top of a congenital problem could be problematical.
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Get well soon Gerrard
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The latest news is that it's surgery. Apparently Gezza woke up with his head on his left hand side, his left arm in the middle of his body and his foot in his mouth. Terrible business.
Get well soon, Gerard!
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Get well soon Mr Houllier, hope it is nothing serious.
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thing is if you have problems with your heart it can cause other related problems. He's not looked in robust health to me since he arrived
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Get well soon Gerard
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Not really something to joke about jimbo!
Get well soon GED and let's hope the lads can get you a win to lift your spirits , the only important thing here is mr houlliers health and that he gets well and I'm sure most fans wish him a speedy return .
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I know he has his detractors, but I love the old bugger, think he is a really good man, and hope he gets well soon. Up the Villa Gerard.
As one of those detractors can I just say any negative opinion I have of him is based on his ability to manage on not him as a person.
But that's just football and other things are more important - wishing you a speedy recovery, Gezza!
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Just to reiterate what everybody else is saying, hope it's not serious and that he's back on his feet and in charge of team matters sooner rather than later.
Not trying to be funny or owt but why? You want him sacked. Obviously everyone wants him to recover and get back to full health but why does it make you and others want him to do what you don't want to see him doing when he is back at full health? A failing or a strength of humanity?
Naughty, naughty Peter, no need for that mate.
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His previous heart problem was a congenital thing, nothing to do with stress.
Heart problems are always to do with stress, in one way or another.
Whatever is causing his problem here's to a quick recovery and his name in lights against Stoke alongside a performance to match.
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Get well soon.
Thanks God we've got the points in the bag - if Gary Mac in charge it could be a messy end to the season.
Not sure Gez will be in charge next season now. Sounds quite serious to me.
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I always got the impression that GH handled stressful situations very well, almost too laid back if you will.
I wish him a quick recovery and hope it's nothing serious.
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I don't think Peter w is questioning whether risso wants GED to recover but more his comment about hoping to see GED back in charge soon when he spent recent months calling for his head.
I have no doubt risso and anyone of sane mind would wish GED a speedy recovery from his health issues- health is far more important than football at the end of the day.
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I know he has his detractors, but I love the old bugger, think he is a really good man, and hope he gets well soon. Up the Villa Gerard.
As one of those detractors can I just say any negative opinion I have of him is based on his ability to manage on not him as a person.
But that's just football and other things are more important - wishing you a speedy recovery, Gezza!
Hear hear...on both counts.
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Get well soon Ged let's get three points on saturday for you.
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I don't think Peter w is questioning whether risso wants GED to recover but more his comment about hoping to see GED back in charge soon when he spent recent months calling for his head.
I have no doubt risso and anyone of sane mind would wish GED a speedy recovery from his health issues- health is far more important than football at the end of the day.
I'd obviously rather see him healthy and in charge of Villa than seriously ill and out of a job because of it.
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Heart problems are always to do with stress, in one way or another.
No they're not. If it's a congenitial heart problem its likely he had it before he was even born. A genetic abnormality.
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There seems a lot of speculation but until an official statement nobody knows what the health problem last night was - sky are saying he's comfortable in hospital and hoping to be released soon.
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Best Wishes Ged.
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This is from the BBC Sport website
"Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been admitted to hospital, the BBC understands.
It is thought the 63-year-old was taken to hospital in Birmingham overnight.
He is understood to have spoken to the club's chief executive Paul Faulkner and his condition is said to be comfortable.
Assistant manager Gary McAllister will take Thursday's training session. The club is expected to release an official statement later.
Houllier is expected to remain in hospital for a couple of days as a precaution and it is anticipated McAllister will take charge of the team on Saturday for their game against Stoke at Villa Park.
'Healthier and fitter'
Houllier had major surgery after suffering heart-related problems in 2001, whilst manager of Liverpool FC.
He arrived at Villa Park in September to succeed Martin O'Neill.
When he took the position Houllier revealed he had consulted his heart surgeon before accepting the job.
He said he had returned to speak to Dr Abbas Rashid, the man who led the team who performed his 11-hour operation, and was given a clean bill of health.
"When you go into a job you know there will be pressure, that it will be hard work and you won't sleep every night," he said at the time.
"You need to make sure your body is ready. I have checked that. I am much healthier and fitter now than I was before."
Villa have been hovering around the relegation zone in recent weeks, although they have won their past two matches and the club said Houllier had their "total support" as he attempts to guide them to Premier League safety.
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Heart problems are always to do with stress, in one way or another.
No they're not. If it's a congenitial heart problem its likely he had it before he was even born. A genetic abnormality.
My nephew was born with a heart defect, which was diagnosed whilst still in the womb. I'd like to know how an unborn baby suffers from stress??
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I hope that twat with the banner is happy.
Get well soon Gerard.
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I hope that twat with the banner is happy.
Get well soon Gerard.
Is there any chance we can divorce the current state of the team from the currrent state of the managers health and deal with both seperately?
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Hope he's back up and about soon.
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I wish him all the best and a full recovery.
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Very best wishes, Gerard. Get well soon.
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Get well soon, Ged.
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Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Gerrard.
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Get well soon
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Best wishes Ged , hope its not serious. We need you back ASAP.
Please keep that fooker Ireland and Warnock away from the hospital , he would finish Ged off.. They would have finished me off.
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Wishing Mr H a speedy and full recovery - hope it's not serious.
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Very best wishes and a speedy recovery, M. Houllier.
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heh. you can imagine the interview if Ireland visited him.
"they wouldn't let me near him so they obviously don't think i'm good enough. The doctor's an idiot, the nurses are all ugly and the place is a shithole............"
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McAllister in charge of traing and the team on Saturday ARGHHHHHHHHHH
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Get well soon Ged. I love the bugger.
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Hope its nothing too serious,get well soon Ged,hope the back to back wins werent too much of a shock to the system.
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I can only like others wish him all the best and a full and speedy recovery.
I thought he didn't seem his usual self in the post match interview on Saturday. And this was after another win.
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All the best Houllier, need you back soon.
My dad feels differently, mind.
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I think we can all wish Gerard well with one voice.
On a football note - perhaps the Stoke game will reveal the positive or negative qualities of GMac and the players real feelings toward him - rather than the paper talk and tittle tattle that has been generated of late.
Get well Ged. UTV
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Get well soon Gerard.
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get well soon Ged
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Still don't know what the problem is
http://http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2343531,00.html
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http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2343531,00.html
Not a great deal of info from the official site..but in hospital for 'several days !'
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Irrespective of how they feel about gmac let's hope the players do it for GED on Saturday and his name is sung loud around the ground- he is one of us!
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The Club can confirm that Gerard Houllier was admitted to hospital last night. He is in a comfortable condition and he wishes to convey his appreciation to Aston Villa supporters for their concern and good wishes.
The manager spoke to chief executive Paul Faulkner this morning and he is currently undergoing tests. It is anticipated that he will remain in hospital for several days.
Assistant manager Gary McAllister has taken training this morning and he will be in charge of the team for the game against Stoke on Saturday at Villa Park.
The Club's thoughts at this time are with Gerard and his family.
Chief executive Paul Faulkner said: "On behalf of the football club, Mr. Lerner and I wish to convey our best wishes to Gerard. I spoke with him this morning, as did Gary before he took training, and he sounded very positive.
"I've also received a lot of good wishes from fans and I would like to thank them for their kind thoughts in wishing Gerard a speedy recovery.
"I will see him this afternoon, along with Gary, and we will pass on the fans' messages. I know they will mean a lot to him.
"We would ask everybody to respect his privacy and that of his family at this time."
The Club will issue further updates when appropriate.
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Would be great if he strolled up the touchline at the start of the second half in the same way Pulis did at their place and inspire the team.
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I am also one of his detractors, it's nothing personal just my opinion that his health would always fail again and he was the wrong appointment.
I have had a feeling for some time that he would walk away at the end of the season and I think this latest health setback will confirm that.
I like him as a man, his integrity is without question, wrong job, wrong time would sum it up for me, and there is only one person to blame for this and that person is at the very top of our club I'm afraid.
My best wishes for a full and speedy recovery and happy retirement Mr.Houllier.
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I hope that twat with the banner is happy.
Get well soon Gerard.
was just about to write the same thing but checked inc ase someone had done so already
hear hear
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Also not yet convinced in his abilities as our manager. Hope I am proven wrong.
However, that is irrelevant and I wish the man a speedy and full recovery. Good Luck Mr. H.
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It may be that GED has to move upstairs for health reasons but I think he has a lot to offer in a director of football role and it would be much less stressful than the day to day running of the club- we will have to wait and see the results of his tests over the next few days but I hope all goes well for him.
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Get well soon GH, I hope the players put in a good shift for you at the weekend.
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Dalglish has just said that houlliers doctor from Liverpool dr Waller is at the hospital in Birmingham with him so he in good hands , although that does suggest it's maybe a heart related problem.
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Hope he gets well soon.
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I wish him all the very best but surely he cannot consider doing any more damage to his health. I'd love him to stay but he has to look after number 1.
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Agreed dave p but if he has to step down as manager I'm sure we could use his experience and expertise as a director of football or club ambassador and he would provide valuable experience at boardroom level.
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I hope he makes a full recovery from this and than plans his retirement in south of France from end of May onwards.
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If they let him out early can Salsa Party Animal use the room?
That is not possible as Gerard is not in Highcroft!
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Just to reiterate what everybody else is saying, hope it's not serious and that he's back on his feet and in charge of team matters sooner rather than later.
Not trying to be funny or owt but why? You want him sacked. Obviously everyone wants him to recover and get back to full health but why does it make you and others want him to do what you don't want to see him doing when he is back at full health? A failing or a strength of humanity?
Peter sometimes you need to just give it a rest.
This isn't good news, and I agree with a post from Mark a page or so back. He didn't look as chipper as he normally especially given the magntiude of the win at West Ham. I hope that whatever this is, it doesn't have repercussions for him long term. I'm of the opinion that he is going to really change the club this summer for the better. Let's hope the lads and fans rally around him and get 3 points on Saturday.
Best wishes Gerard on your recovery
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Dalglish has just said that houlliers doctor from Liverpool dr Waller is at the hospital in Birmingham with him so he in good hands , although that does suggest it's maybe a heart related problem.
I'm guessing that given his past they'll be taking every known precaution. Even if it isn't heart related, to have the bloke that essentially saved your life around can only be a good thing.
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Real body blow for Ged after less than a year back in the driving seat - really hope it's not too serious and he recovers fully and quickly.
I think there's a real possibility that he won't get back into the job after this and from a purely selfish point of view I'm disappointed that we'll potentially have another frustrating close season. I was looking forward to Ged's dealings in the transfer market - quickly clearing out the unwanted and the deadwood and bringing in players to suit his style of play. As it is we may now spend at least part of the summer looking for a new manager.
Hope I'm wrong - but at the end of the day his health is far more important than football
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I have a feeling that this is the end for Gerard at our club, as stated he will after now look after No1
A real dissapointment because I was looking forward to seeing what his plans are the summer
IF Houllier has now been manager of our club for the last time, I reckon that Lerner will appoint Curbishley as our new Manager (he was 2nd choice behind Houllier) If that is the case then that is it for me, because there is no way I am setting foot in the ground whilst that blue nose bastard is manager!
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Got to agree CJ. I think he has finally won some of the battles, and I was really excited about the summer and next season. I hope he is back and is well enough to be so.
As for his managerial credentials, 7-8 months at Villa has not at all detracted from one of the best CV's in the game.
I really really hope the players hammer Stoke at the weekend for him.
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I have a feeling that this is the end for Gerard at our club, as stated he will after now look after No1
A real dissapointment because I was looking forward to seeing what his plans are the summer
IF Houllier has now been manager of our club for the last time, I reckon that Lerner will appoint Curbishley as our new Manager (he was 2nd choice behind Houllier) If that is the case then that is it for me, because there is no way I am setting foot in the ground whilst that blue nose bastard is manager!
Don't agree with your suggestion of Curbishley at all. The available pool of talent was thin 2 weeks into the season. IF, GH decides to move upstairs at Villa or move on completely, there will loads more candidates that would apply or that could possibly be approached in the summer.
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Get well soon GED
As posted by many others I think we'll see him retire now and look after himself
Here we go another summer of turmoil ahead
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Get well soon GED
As posted by many others I think we'll see him retire now and look after himself
Here we go another summer of turmoil ahead
why turmoil?
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I don't want him to be our manager next season but not because of this. I bear him no ill will as a person and hope he is healthy again asap. For footballing reasons I still don't want him in charge come the end of May.
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How will it be a summer of turmoil? I'd imagine that the decision to stay/go will be taken in the next couple of weeks. That still gives us a few weeks until the end of the season to start sounding possible replacements out. They'd want to come in straight away and will have their ideas and the whole of the Summer to get them across.
It's not ideal, but I doubt it will be a summer of turmoil.
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Get well soon GED
As posted by many others I think we'll see him retire now and look after himself
Here we go another summer of turmoil ahead
why turmoil?
Because Coopers [sic] Injury is a melodramatic oaf?
Get well soon Gerard. Hope it is nothing serious.
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Well, I'm not sure about turmoil exactly but if GED is to step aside becaause of his health then there will be another extended period of transition.
Any new manager coming in would have to evaluate the team,squad and club.
If this is during the close season, when players are away and not playing, then how can this be done efectively ?
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Get well soon Monsieur Gerrard.
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Get well soon GED
As posted by many others I think we'll see him retire now and look after himself
Here we go another summer of turmoil ahead
why turmoil?
In the sense that it's taken GED best part of a year to start to shape things his way and any new gaffer coming in may have different views/approach etc which again could take time
Then there's all the immediate stuff that needs addressing : ash, stan, NRC, friedel, heskey etc etc
Ideally GED will be back but I have my doubts now
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I have a feeling that this is the end for Gerard at our club, as stated he will after now look after No1
A real dissapointment because I was looking forward to seeing what his plans are the summer
IF Houllier has now been manager of our club for the last time, I reckon that Lerner will appoint Curbishley as our new Manager (he was 2nd choice behind Houllier) If that is the case then that is it for me, because there is no way I am setting foot in the ground whilst that blue nose bastard is manager!
I hope we don't start that discussion on this thread.
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Get well soon GED
As posted by many others I think we'll see him retire now and look after himself
Here we go another summer of turmoil ahead
why turmoil?
In the sense that it's taken GED best part of a year to start to shape things his way and any new gaffer coming in may have different views/approach etc which again could take time
Then there's all the immediate stuff that needs addressing : ash, stan, NRC, friedel, heskey etc etc
Ideally GED will be back but I have my doubts now
I get the impression that a number of players have been identified by the board as needing to be shipped out irrespective of whether GH is there or not. There are some players like NRC and Ash that are up in the air, but really there isn't that many other players that will need a lot of thought. If a new manager with new views comes in, I doubt he's going to want to keep the prize wankers we have at the club. They've burnt their bridges beyond repair.
I think there will be transition but it won't be turmoil.
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And if any replacement manager came from within the Premier League he might already have a decent idea of the playing staff. That's for another day though - for now, get well soon Gerard.
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And if any replacement manager came from within the Premier League he might already have a decent idea of the playing staff. That's for another day though - for now, get well soon Gerard.
Hear hear.
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Best wishes for a speedy recovery Gerard.
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Seriously lads, save it for another thread! he's been admitted to hospital and there is no confirmation what it is apart from saying he is comfortable and in good spirits. on a personal note I genuinely hope he's ok.
As a supporter, i hope he's in charge of aston villa for the next 5years, brings us silverware and leaves a legacy that moves us into the elite of this country. He is more than capable of it, he just needs to be given time.
Fergie was awarded it, Wenger was awarded it. God knows, we were even prepared to afford it to that self serving little slug O'Neill.
Get well soon Ged. Viva la resistance...UTV
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Get well soon, Gerard.
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Oh God. Hope its nothing too serious. Here's wishing him a speedy recovery. Get well soon Ged!!!
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Get well soon
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I have a feeling that this is the end for Gerard at our club, as stated he will after now look after No1
A real dissapointment because I was looking forward to seeing what his plans are the summer
IF Houllier has now been manager of our club for the last time, I reckon that Lerner will appoint Curbishley as our new Manager (he was 2nd choice behind Houllier) If that is the case then that is it for me, because there is no way I am setting foot in the ground whilst that blue nose bastard is manager!
This is neither the time nor the place.
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Bloody hell guys ..... It may be his farmer Giles playing up for all we know !!!!
Here's to a full and extremely swift recovery !!!
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Bloody hell guys ..... It may be his farmer Giles playing up for all we know !!!!
Here's to a full and extremely swift recovery !!!
I don't think that problem would require several days in hospital for extensive tests! Seriously, I wish him a speedy and hopefully a full recovery. I must admit I had serious doubts about him like many others on this board, however, I think he's taking things in the right direction and I'm beginning to visualize good things happening next year - as long as he recovers. All the best Gerrard.
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Agreed let's hope it's not too serious and merely precautionary measures being taken
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All the best Gerrard - get well soon.
UTV
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That's Gerard with one R. Apologies for my inept typing - don't want people to think I'm writing about the scouser.
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Get well soon Gerard.
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Get well soon
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That's Gerard with one R. Apologies for my inept typing - don't want people to think I'm writing about the scouser.
Suprised nobody has mentioned the acute accent - perhaps that's what's upset Gérard.
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All the best, hoping for a speedy recovery.
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speedy recovery ged. UTV together!
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Get well soon, Gerard.
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Get Well Soon
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Can only echo what others have said. Let's hope he makes a speedy recovery.
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Yep speedy recovery for Gerard please. UTV.
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get well soon Gerard
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As everyone else has said, get well soon
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Seriously, please get well soon, Gerard. The thought of Gary Mac being left in charge for an extended period of time scares the crap out of me.
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Didn't know he was ill until I read this thread. Hope he makes a full recovery and gets well soon.
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Get well soon.
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Get well soon Gerard.
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Hopefully not a recurrence of former trouble.
football mamangement mist be one of most stressful jobs going!
Speedy recovery to you and thanks for work done in AV recovery so far. GWS!
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get well soon gerard
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Get well soon Gerard.
Its only just occurred to me I dont have the first clue about his family, if he is married or has kids.
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A decent bloke, who quite frankly has deserved a bit more respect from everyone at the club.
Best wishes, and a quick recovery.
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Get well soon and we will see you back in action as a manager.
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Whilst not my favourite person at Villa - I wouldn't wish him any harm and certainly not ill health-
a speedy recovery Mr Houllier - I trust the players & supporters will give you something to smile
about on saturday afternoon ...........
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Get well soon Gerard
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I can not say I like him as our manager but he does seem like a really nice bloke, I hope it is nothing serious and if he does leave it is because of what happens on the pitch and not this.
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Get well soon Gerard
Hope to see him back at VP for the Wigan game.
I think, despite some obvious mistakes, he's had a rough ride from some sections of our 'supporters'.
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Gutted.Cannot believe our shite luck this season.Get well soon GH
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As someone nearer his age than most of you i feel i am entitled to say that probably the best way back to health is certainly not looking for retirement but to a full and active coming season. I am excited at the players we've been linked with and believe Houll will be there to supervise.
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Reading between the lines in this Telegraph article - do you think that will be it now for Gerard as manager? Got to think of your own health.
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier unlikely to return to full-time managerial duties this season
Gérard Houllier is unlikely to resume full-time managerial duties at Aston Villa this season after being admitted to hospital complaining of chest pains.
Villa, who are seven points clear of the relegation zone, will not be rushed into making a decision over his future, but they have conceded that the 63 year-old needs rest in the wake of a serious health scare.
Houllier was being examined at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Thursday night, where he was described as “comfortable” and “very positive”. However, medical staff have been unable to give any definitive prognosis on his condition and he is expected to remain under observation for a few days while further tests take place.
In the meantime, Gary McAllister, his assistant, has been given control of team affairs. The Scotsman took charge of training Thursday and will be accompanied by Gordan Cowans in the technical area for the club’s home fixture against Stoke City Saturday. The club will bring in new personnel only in the unlikely event that McAllister requests assistance.
McAllister visited Houllier Thursday afternoon, as did Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner, and was said to be in good spirits, and with plenty of colour in his face.
He is understood to have quizzed McAllister about the morning’s training session, and issued instructions for Villa’s preparation ahead of Saturday’s game. Nevertheless, there remains genuine concern for his wellbeing.
The Frenchman began feeling unwell at around 7pm on Wednesday, before chest pains forced him to visit the hospital, scenes all too reminiscent of the heart problems he experienced in October 2001.
Houllier and his family are thought to be encouraged by the fact that he was not taken into surgery immediately on being admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
When Houllier, then 54, suffered a condition known as dissection of the aorta at half-time during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Leeds in 2001, he was taken straight to surgery for an 11-hour open-heart operation. Surgeons repaired the main aortic valve with a synthetic material called Dacron — an operation with a success rate of just 30 per cent. Houllier later admitted that he was fortunate to be alive.
Houllier arrived at Villa Park seven months ago to succeed Martin O’Neill looking bronzed and healthy, and insisting that he was fit for the task ahead.
“When you go into this job there is pressure, hard work, you won’t sleep every night, so you need to make sure that your body is ready to sustain the challenge,” he said at the time. “But I would say I’m even fitter than when I was at Lyon.”
Houllier was referring to his two years, from 2005-07, at Lyon, who hired him to turn domestic dominance into European success after winning their fourth successive championship. “I would say that this was very demanding,” he said.
However, even a decade on from his operation, the Villa manager still meets regularly with his specialist, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital’s Dr Abbas Rashid, “on a friendly basis”. Rashid has even attended games at Villa.
Houllier is understood to have hesitated over accepting Villa’s offer of employment in September because of his wife Isabelle’s fears about what a return to the rigours of Premier League management might mean to his health.
There have been private concerns in recent weeks over Houllier’s ability to withstand the strains of modern management, and especially being embroiled in a relegation battle.
Although he has looked in good spirits at the training ground even when supporters have been calling for his departure, on match days he has looked increasingly fatigued, walking slowly from the technical area to the tunnel at the final whistle, and often arriving at his post-match press conferences out of breath.
What this means for his future at Villa remains uncertain. The club’s American owner, Randy Lerner, will fly to Birmingham for the Stoke game this weekend, and will visit Houllier, but they will not discuss the Frenchman’s future until his condition is made clearer by medical staff.
Until then, the message last night was that the future remains Houllier’s decision, and that he is still the club’s manager.
The players were informed of Houllier’s condition on Thursday morning. Stewart Downing, the England international midfielder, said: “Obviously, everyone at the club is concerned for the manager, but the news is that he’s going to be all right and that’s pleasing and reassuring.
Darren Bent, who Houllier signed for £24 million, said: “If we can win against Stoke, that will be one less thing for the manager to have to worry about. We want him to be able to concentrate just on his recovery.”
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Whatever he decides to do after this problem. I hope it is the safe one. Very decent person. Get well soon Gerrard .......
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If you want a high pressure job with high levels of stress,long hours and constant media exposure there cannot be much to beat being a premiership manager.
GH now has to weigh up his future health vs ambition.(didn't he say he came back to work for Liverpooll too early and ,in hindsight should have given himself more recuparation time?)
Get well soon
don't let the stress kill you!
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Great, now look what we've all bloody done with all our jeering and prattling on about formations and tactics.
Seriously though, I hope Gerrard has a speedy recovery and wish him and his family all the best. I'd like to think it's a reflection of how much he cares.
I wonder what the long term ramifications of this are?
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His health is by far the most important thing, if he's having trouble with his Strawberry, it would be best for his well being if he retired.
The Premiership is manic these days and it's probably been a bridge too far.
Speedy recovery, Gerard.
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I echo those sentiments fletch
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Wishing him a speedy recovery but think this may be a warning to call it a day as a premiership manager - as much as we love the Villa no job is worth your health
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When I worked in a cardiac department, I was told that average life expectancy post-bypass was around 10-15 years. Houllier's in that window as of this year. He might not be the man for my club but this is the last thing any of us would want for him. Get well soon Gerard.
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Latest from BBC Sport "ticker"
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been told he will not require surgery after suffering from chest pains
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When I worked in a cardiac department, I was told that average life expectancy post-bypass was around 10-15 years. Houllier's in that window as of this year. He might not be the man for my club but this is the last thing any of us would want for him. Get well soon Gerard.
That may be because the average age of people who have them is about 60. Gerrard was much younger. Did he have a by-pass operation anyway? I thought the op was to correct an hereditary defect.
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Didn't Souness have a bypass at a very young age too? He seems fit as a fiddle now
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I think GH had Open Heart Surgery, as opposed to a Heart Bypass.
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I think GH had Open Heart Surgery, as opposed to a Heart Bypass.
Apparently he had surgery to repair a torn aorta - so not a heart attack or heart bypass but a lot worse than both of those. Hopefully it's not a recurrence of that but whatever it is let's hope he recovers fully
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Didn't Souness have a bypass at a very young age too? He seems fit as a fiddle now
which prem side does he manage at the moment?
if he has been having trouble getting around due to short breath something must be affecting his heart, I'd suggest, and the stress of the job cannot be helping, especially as its not been an easy season for him, with both internal and external pressures.
My logic says common sense should prevail, and he should cut his losses and enjoy life without the pressure of a job like Villa.
Not a pleasant decision to have to make, but honestly Gerard is it worth it.
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I think it is much too early to say if he should call it a day.
The best thing is we as good as fully secure safety tomorrow. There is then quite a few weeks minimum to decide whats best to do. Personally, I hope his health is good enough to carry on with the job but we will have to see.
What I am sure of is that whatever Houllier decides he will be acutely more aware of timing than O'Neill was.
I am also sure that Randy and the board will afford more respect than the last Villa manager forced to take time off due to ill health. (Joe Mercer).
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Get Well Soon MR Houllier
It must be a very upsetting time for him and his family... after getting that great win last weekend and now this unfortunate event happening. Hopefully it's nothing too serious, just a caution. It's a shame after things were starting to look good, I hope Houllier not being available won't effect our form.
His health is the most important thing, as much as we love the Villa your health always comes first.
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Get well soon M. Houllier.
In the meantime, let's all get behind Gary Mac on Saturday.....
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Didn't Souness have a bypass at a very young age too? He seems fit as a fiddle now
This was in 1992 when he was 39.
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I don't envy RL at the moment. However he would at least want to keep GH in some capacity if only to oversee his vision for the club if management is too much for him. Sending him back after 8 months is a waste of a season.
Take it easy GH and we'll see you soon.
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If he can't be manager the best solution is a DOF role for the club. His knowledge and track record is superb, we would then be able to get a young manager willing to work in the arrangement - maybe someone like Coyle or Lambert, but Houllier should stay in some capacity whatever the outcome of the test are IMO.
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:) Get well soon Gerard -
Just a bit of local info - David Fairclough`s (Super Sub) wife, Jan died tragically last week in Formby - she was a really nice person and one of the first people to welcome us to Formby when we moved from Brum. Gerard contacted David as soon as he heard the sad news - that is the mark of the man - a true gent and sensitive human being - despite the poor season we have had I respect the man, as much as I did when he won all those trophies at Liverpool.
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Best wishes to Gerrard for a full and speedy recovery. However if the doctors should advise him not to resume his duties at VP on health grounds, I can't say I'll be too sad.
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I know he has his detractors, but I love the old bugger, think he is a really good man, and hope he gets well soon. Up the Villa Gerard.
A bit late to this thread (and I've only glanced at the first page) but this is how I see it aswell.
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If he can't be manager the best solution is a DOF role for the club. His knowledge and track record is superb, we would then be able to get a young manager willing to work in the arrangement - maybe someone like Coyle or Lambert, but Houllier should stay in some capacity whatever the outcome of the test are IMO.
Agreed, DOF might be perfect if we can afford two big wages on non-playing staff. Ged seems to have a few players lined up for the Summer and Makoun signed for him.
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Its been said earlier on here about a GED / Moyes combination ??
This is going to be a very intriguing summer
Up the Villa
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Its been said earlier on here about a GED / Moyes combination ??
Everton boss David Moyes added: "I am saddened to hear about Gerard. He is a good friend and someone I got to know really well when he was manager at Liverpool.
"If you are listening Gerard, I hope you are well. Look after yourself, we are all thinking about you. I really do hope he is fine."
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And I'd like to add I hope Monsieur will be back on his feet soon, I'm not suprised he's been feeling stressed with some of the bile and invective spouted at him by our wonderful fans. Well done chaps.
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:) Get well soon Gerard -
Just a bit of local info - David Fairclough`s (Super Sub) wife, Jan died tragically last week in Formby - she was a really nice person and one of the first people to welcome us to Formby when we moved from Brum. Gerard contacted David as soon as he heard the sad news - that is the mark of the man - a true gent and sensitive human being - despite the poor season we have had I respect the man, as much as I did when he won all those trophies at Liverpool.
This. Though to be honest, I've seen 'this' posted a lot of times and never given too much thought to what it means, but if it means agreeing with the post being quoted, then that's what I mean.
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This
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This
This, that or the other, CI?
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And I'd like to add I hope Monsieur will be back on his feet soon, I'm not suprised he's been feeling stressed with some of the bile and invective spouted at him by our wonderful fans. Well done chaps.
If you feel inclined to apportion blame to "our wonderful fans", how much blame do you apportion to the people who convinced him to move from his infinitely less stressful job at the French FA?
Or maybe his health is just a personal issue?
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And I'd like to add I hope Monsieur will be back on his feet soon, I'm not suprised he's been feeling stressed with some of the bile and invective spouted at him by our wonderful fans. Well done chaps.
If you feel inclined to apportion blame to "our wonderful fans", how much blame do you apportion to the people who convinced him to move from his infinitely less stressful job at the French FA?
Or maybe his health is just a personal issue?
Again, this is neither the time nor the place.
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And I'd like to add I hope Monsieur will be back on his feet soon, I'm not suprised he's been feeling stressed with some of the bile and invective spouted at him by our wonderful fans. Well done chaps.
If you feel inclined to apportion blame to "our wonderful fans", how much blame do you apportion to the people who convinced him to move from his infinitely less stressful job at the French FA?
Or maybe his health is just a personal issue?
Again, this is neither the time nor the place.
Agreed, that is a much better response.
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Hope you're on your feet again soon Monsieur.
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He will not be back in the dugout for the rest of the season.
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Get well soon and take your time to recover. We don't need you to come back for this season. We want you to be ready for preseason training.
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Get well soon and take your time to recover. We don't need you to come back for this season. We want you to be ready for preseason training.
Last time he was out for 5 months albeit after major surgery can't see him being back for at least 12 months depending on the seriousness of his condition.
I wish him a full recovery, but think it will be a long time before he can return & believe he will retire.
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Hopefully he'll be back on his feet and bringing in new talent before too long.
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Get well. Consider your Family and your own professional ambitions. Weigh it up and...
Make a decision, either way and I know this Club will honour that.
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Should be out soon
http://http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2347521,00.html
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Club Statement (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2347521,00.html)
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Seems much more promising that first feared. Very good news.
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Dissection of the aorta scary stuff sounds like he was very lucky
It is uncertain as to why the initial tear (rent) occurs in the intima layer of the aortic wall. Aortic dissection tends to occur most commonly in men between the ages of 50 and 70.
High blood pressure: Most cases (over 70%) are associated with high blood pressure (hypertension). The aorta has to withstand significant pressure changes with each heart beat, and it may be that over time with hypertension, a weakening of an area of the intima will occur.
Interesting that most cases are associated with hypertension which cannot be helped by stress
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Seems that maybe it's not as bad as we feared and if he can continue with no health worries all well and good- let's hope for a quick decision either way.
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Dissection of the aorta scary stuff sounds like he was very lucky
It is uncertain as to why the initial tear (rent) occurs in the intima layer of the aortic wall. Aortic dissection tends to occur most commonly in men between the ages of 50 and 70.
High blood pressure: Most cases (over 70%) are associated with high blood pressure (hypertension). The aorta has to withstand significant pressure changes with each heart beat, and it may be that over time with hypertension, a weakening of an area of the intima will occur.
Interesting that most cases are associated with hypertension which cannot be helped by stress
It is very serious, and the outcome could easily have been much worse, Luckily the QE is one of the leading coronary centres in the UK and he was in good hands
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Dr. Mark Waller said: "Gerard was admitted to hospital on Wednesday last week after complaining of chest pain. The cause of his chest pain was a dissection of the descending aorta."
Isn't that the same problem as he had at Liverpool (although obviously caught earlier or less acute)?
Edit: it is the same diagnosis as led to his heart surgery whilst at Liverpool.
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Fantastic news that he's on the mend.
Does seem to be intertwined with his previous illness though, surely only something completely unconnected would give either him or the club the confidence to continue as if nothing had happened.
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Get Well GED! Want to see you back on the touchline ASAP. Because that means you've been given a clean bill of health - which is something we can all agree on.
-C.
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Can't wait to post 'Houllier out!' in a few days time...
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released from hossie in 3 or 4 days ??
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Released from heart unit in 4 days. I wonder if any of the players who have 'played up' in the last few months are feeling really guilty that they may have contributed to his situation?
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Ged get out of the hospital and get out of this mad football world. Go and retire in the Maldives or somewhere equally nice with access to watching football of course!
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An aquaintance of mine was one of the team that operated on Gerard - I asked him tonight of his opinion on the diagnosis - the response - Quote "May have split the lining (dissection) of the descending aorta beyond the graft to cause his chest pain. Hopefully split will seal with no action needed. Not good though"
Gerard call it a day now and enjoy the rest of your life - some things are more important than football.
Leave Mr Lerner to make the toughest decision of his Villa tenure to secure the services of someone as good as Gerard could have been.
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An aquaintance of mine was one of the team that operated on Gerard - I asked him tonight of his opinion on the diagnosis - the response - Quote "May have split the lining (dissection) of the descending aorta beyond the graft to cause his chest pain. Hopefully split will seal with no action needed. Not good though"
Gerard call it a day now and enjoy the rest of your life - some things are more important than football.
Leave Mr Lerner to make the toughest decision of his Villa tenure to secure the services of someone as good as Gerard could have been.
Well said VCTM
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Quit while you are ahead Gerard. You bombed them out like you said you would. Nothing left to prove. Live on with the affection and respect of two big premiership clubs.
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Grauniad (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/26/gerard-houllier-aston-villa)
Gérard Houllier unlikely to return to management for Aston Villa
Stuart James
Tuesday 26 April 2011 23.01 BST
The Aston Villa manager, Gérard Houllier, is not expected to be in the dug-out for the club next season. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Gérard Houllier is expected to make a decision about his future at the end of the season but it looks increasingly likely that he will not be seen in frontline management again. The Aston Villa manager has been in hospital since last Wednesday, when he was admitted with chest pains, and although his condition has improved and he is set to be discharged within the next few days, there are major doubts about whether he will return to the dugout.
Gary McAllister, Houllier's assistant, will take charge of the team for the remaining four matches of the season, as the Frenchman undergoes a period of convalescence, which will initially be spent in bed at home. Mark Waller, Villa's club doctor, said that Houllier's heart is "working perfectly", although it has also emerged that the cause of his chest pains – a dissection of the descending aorta – is related to the major health scare he suffered in 2001, when he underwent 11 hours of open-heart surgery after being taken ill during his time as Liverpool manager.
Villa are in a difficult position. The club are understandably keen to avoid putting any pressure on the 63-year-old Frenchman, yet they also need to know whether he is likely to be in a position to continue in the long term. The club will wait until he has recovered before holding talks and, although McAllister has suggested the former Lyon manager will be desperate to come back, Houllier will be guided by the medical advice he receives.
In a statement released by the club on Tuesday night Houllier expressed his gratitude to those who have wished him well in his recovery. It is understood that the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, who is a good friend, has been among his visitors. "I am extremely touched by all the messages I have received and by the reaction of people throughout the world of football. It has been overwhelming actually. I'm especially grateful to the Villa fans for their genuine concern and encouragement and to the fans of clubs up and down the country. There has been a groundswell of goodwill and I appreciate this so much.
"I'm grateful to my players for their texts and messages and, of course, for their efforts in extending our recent unbeaten run on Saturday against Stoke and also to Gary McAllister and the rest of my staff – the team behind the team – for stepping in and taking the reins at this time. I'm grateful, too, to my managerial colleagues who have taken the time to get in touch with me.
"You need to know that the care I have received at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been first-class and I am in the debt of the medical staff whose expertise and human touch has helped me through these past six days. My condition is improving and extremely encouraging. Dr Mark Waller, the club's doctor, is better placed to explain things from a medical viewpoint, so suffice to say again that I am very moved by the fact that so many people have me in their thoughts just now."
Waller said: "Gérard was admitted to hospital on Wednesday last week after complaining of chest pain. The cause of his chest pain was a dissection of the descending aorta. All the tests have confirmed that his heart is working perfectly. We are extremely encouraged by Gérard's improvement over the past six days and we now anticipate that he will be discharged from the coronary care unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital within the next three to four days."
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Grauniad (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/26/gerard-houllier-aston-villa)
Gérard Houllier unlikely to return to management for Aston Villa
Stuart James
Tuesday 26 April 2011 23.01 BST
The Aston Villa manager, Gérard Houllier, is not expected to be in the dug-out for the club next season. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Gérard Houllier is expected to make a decision about his future at the end of the season but it looks increasingly likely that he will not be seen in frontline management again. The Aston Villa manager has been in hospital since last Wednesday, when he was admitted with chest pains, and although his condition has improved and he is set to be discharged within the next few days, there are major doubts about whether he will return to the dugout.
Gary McAllister, Houllier's assistant, will take charge of the team for the remaining four matches of the season, as the Frenchman undergoes a period of convalescence, which will initially be spent in bed at home. Mark Waller, Villa's club doctor, said that Houllier's heart is "working perfectly", although it has also emerged that the cause of his chest pains – a dissection of the descending aorta – is related to the major health scare he suffered in 2001, when he underwent 11 hours of open-heart surgery after being taken ill during his time as Liverpool manager.
Villa are in a difficult position. The club are understandably keen to avoid putting any pressure on the 63-year-old Frenchman, yet they also need to know whether he is likely to be in a position to continue in the long term. The club will wait until he has recovered before holding talks and, although McAllister has suggested the former Lyon manager will be desperate to come back, Houllier will be guided by the medical advice he receives.
In a statement released by the club on Tuesday night Houllier expressed his gratitude to those who have wished him well in his recovery. It is understood that the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, who is a good friend, has been among his visitors. "I am extremely touched by all the messages I have received and by the reaction of people throughout the world of football. It has been overwhelming actually. I'm especially grateful to the Villa fans for their genuine concern and encouragement and to the fans of clubs up and down the country. There has been a groundswell of goodwill and I appreciate this so much.
"I'm grateful to my players for their texts and messages and, of course, for their efforts in extending our recent unbeaten run on Saturday against Stoke and also to Gary McAllister and the rest of my staff – the team behind the team – for stepping in and taking the reins at this time. I'm grateful, too, to my managerial colleagues who have taken the time to get in touch with me.
"You need to know that the care I have received at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been first-class and I am in the debt of the medical staff whose expertise and human touch has helped me through these past six days. My condition is improving and extremely encouraging. Dr Mark Waller, the club's doctor, is better placed to explain things from a medical viewpoint, so suffice to say again that I am very moved by the fact that so many people have me in their thoughts just now."
Waller said: "Gérard was admitted to hospital on Wednesday last week after complaining of chest pain. The cause of his chest pain was a dissection of the descending aorta. All the tests have confirmed that his heart is working perfectly. We are extremely encouraged by Gérard's improvement over the past six days and we now anticipate that he will be discharged from the coronary care unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital within the next three to four days."
They know about as much as we do but I would be stunned if he returned
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Apparently the prognosis for people who suffer the condition he has is one in four die within three years.
When you see it put that starkly,it is a reminder how unimportant football is. I hope he's ok. Apparently the op he had ten years ago has only a 30% success rate. You've got to really love football and be committed to your jib to want to continue in those circumstances
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Fantastic news, great to read that he's getting better.
I think that's it for the Houllier era then, hopefully he'll return to management someday - when the time is right. Though if I were him I'd just retire somewhere abroad and forget that football exists.
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I wouldn't wish the pressures of football management -be it with our club or another- on someone who has gone through what he has.
It's difficult to view his period of time at the club to date with any fondness. But hopefully some of the things he's implemented will stand to us in the long run.
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Its ashame really because even though its been a twat of a season, I was looking forward to seeing how we'd do next season when he could clear the deadwood out and sign his own players, his health obviously comes first though.
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good news that he's on the mend. Whatever he decides to do, i'm sure it will be an informed decision and will be made soon after the end of the season to give us time to get a new manager in or plan for the season ahead. I'm not sure him staying or leaving is exactly ideal either way. If he leaves we rip up the rebuilding plans he's made and start again, if he stays you'll always be wondering if he's going to have to quit mid-season or worse.
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The latest piece in the Guardian has a distinct "he's not coming back" slant to it.
The Guardian Said: (http://www.guardian.co.uk/footbal/2011/apr/26/gerard-houllier-aston-villa)
Gérard Houllier is expected to make a decision about his future at the end of the season but it looks increasingly likely that he will not be seen in frontline management again. The Aston Villa manager has been in hospital since last Wednesday, when he was admitted with chest pains, and although his condition has improved and he is set to be discharged within the next few days, there are major doubts about whether he will return to the dugout.
Gary McAllister, Houllier's assistant, will take charge of the team for the remaining four matches of the season, as the Frenchman undergoes a period of convalescence, which will initially be spent in bed at home. Mark Waller, Villa's club doctor, said that Houllier's heart is "working perfectly", although it has also emerged that the cause of his chest pains – a dissection of the descending aorta – is related to the major health scare he suffered in 2001, when he underwent 11 hours of open-heart surgery after being taken ill during his time as Liverpool manager.
Villa are in a difficult position. The club are understandably keen to avoid putting any pressure on the 63-year-old Frenchman, yet they also need to know whether he is likely to be in a position to continue in the long term. The club will wait until he has recovered before holding talks and, although McAllister has suggested the former Lyon manager will be desperate to come back, Houllier will be guided by the medical advice he receives.
In a statement released by the club on Tuesday night Houllier expressed his gratitude to those who have wished him well in his recovery. It is understood that the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, who is a good friend, has been among his visitors. "I am extremely touched by all the messages I have received and by the reaction of people throughout the world of football. It has been overwhelming actually. I'm especially grateful to the Villa fans for their genuine concern and encouragement and to the fans of clubs up and down the country. There has been a groundswell of goodwill and I appreciate this so much.
"I'm grateful to my players for their texts and messages and, of course, for their efforts in extending our recent unbeaten run on Saturday against Stoke and also to Gary McAllister and the rest of my staff – the team behind the team – for stepping in and taking the reins at this time. I'm grateful, too, to my managerial colleagues who have taken the time to get in touch with me.
"You need to know that the care I have received at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been first-class and I am in the debt of the medical staff whose expertise and human touch has helped me through these past six days. My condition is improving and extremely encouraging. Dr Mark Waller, the club's doctor, is better placed to explain things from a medical viewpoint, so suffice to say again that I am very moved by the fact that so many people have me in their thoughts just now."
Waller said: "Gérard was admitted to hospital on Wednesday last week after complaining of chest pain. The cause of his chest pain was a dissection of the descending aorta. All the tests have confirmed that his heart is working perfectly. We are extremely encouraged by Gérard's improvement over the past six days and we now anticipate that he will be discharged from the coronary care unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital within the next three to four days."
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The guardian's more reliable than most. But I'm not sure what this story's based on other than the old news that the issue is related to his previous problems.
Having said that, what with the general's message I get the feeling we may need to find yet another new manager. Given that last time around we interviewed curbishley and eriksson, I can only hope we would cast the net more widely if we do need to look again. I'm hoping gerrard is able to return to work
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The guardian's more reliable than most. But I'm not sure what this story's based on other than the old news that the issue is related to his previous problems.
Having said that, what with the general's message I get the feeling we may need to find yet another new manager. Given that last time around we interviewed curbishley and eriksson, I can only hope we would cast the net more widely if we do need to look again. I'm hoping gerrard is able to return to work
Looking for a new manager at the start of the summer gives you much better options than trying to persuade them to leave their club in the first week of the season.
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True. But not many of the names floated fill me with great optimism. Motes and Benitez possibly the best, but I'm not sure either would come. Are we really that muchore attractive an option than everton? Only if randy promises to splash the cash again.
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The guardian's more reliable than most. But I'm not sure what this story's based on other than the old news that the issue is related to his previous problems.
Having said that, what with the general's message I get the feeling we may need to find yet another new manager. Given that last time around we interviewed curbishley and eriksson, I can only hope we would cast the net more widely if we do need to look again. I'm hoping gerrard is able to return to work
Looking for a new manager at the start of the summer gives you much better options than trying to persuade them to leave their club in the first week of the season.
If we do have to find a new manager, we are back to square one again though with the likelihood that we will have to have another season of consolidation.
Players who would have thought they were leaving may not now - targets for the Summer may not now be targets.
Obviously Gerard's health is the priority and I wish him well if he does choose to call it a day, but the club are in a really difficult position. Do they unravel everything he has put in place so far or do they try and find someone to build on those foundations? They need to be thinking about that now.
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At least we know that Gerard will do the honourable thing and give Villa the maximum amount of time to find a replacement, if he has to make that very difficult decision (for him) to call it a day.
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Interesting interview on Talksport with top Cardiologist.Explains the seriousness of the condition and how he does not think Ged should return
http://http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/6966/2/exclusive-top-heart-doctor-recommends-houllier-retirement
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I dont see what a Poker player knows about the medical situation. They should have sought the advice of a Hearticologist.
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Possibly out of hospital in the next 24 hours according to the o/s.
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BBC Sports ticker shows
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier set to leave hospital in next 24 hours after favourable scan
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3 or 4 weeks of pottering round in the garden and he'll be gagging to get back into the thick of it hopefully
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From BBC WM:
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier to leave hospital
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is expected to be discharged from hospital in Birmingham within the next 24 hours.
Caretaker boss Gary McAllister said the 63-year-old Frenchman had undergone a scan which was "favourable".
He said Houllier's condition was much better than had been expected when he was taken ill last week.
Houllier was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 20 April with chest pains.
In a statement he said he was touched by all the messages he had received and praised the care he had received at the hospital.
Consulted surgeon
Dr Mark Waller, the club doctor, said the manager's chest pain had been caused by a dissection of the descending aorta.
McAllister is expected to run the club's first team until the end of the Premier League season.
Houllier previously had major surgery after suffering heart-related problems in 2001 when he was manager of Liverpool.
When he arrived at Villa Park in September to succeed Martin O'Neill he revealed he had consulted his heart surgeon before accepting the job and was given a clean bill of health.
The club, who have been hovering around the relegation zone in recent weeks, said Houllier had their "total support".
It's clear he needs to step down, or he'll suffer another serious heart problem, with tragic consequences.
We want you alive and healthy.
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We have to have a new manager there is no way around it now.
But who? Oh god I can't cope with this again
Lets await the shit list
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Released last night according to the OS.
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Taken from BBC sport website...........
Gary McAllister said Aston Villa will cope with Gerard Houllier's absence from the club while the Frenchman recovers from a heart problem.
Manager Houllier, 63, left hospital on Thursday night, eight days after being admitted with chest pains.
He is almost certain not to return to Villa in an active role this season.
"It would be better if Gerard was here, but everything is in place for things to move on," stated assistant boss McAllister, who is in temporary charge.
"All these things that from the outside we seem to have to deal with over the next few weeks, we've been looking through already.
"Whether it be attracting new players, or players coming to the end of their contract, a lot of decisions have already been made."
Scot McAllister, 46, added: "I agree with people who say the upheaval is unneeded but as a group we've become very close with the chairman [Randy Lerner] and chief executive [Paul Faulkner].
"There is a plan to move forward which is already there.
"As much as it would be ideal if Gerard was here, it can be done from his home because we're down the line on a few things.
"I don't have to give anything away, but I'm talking about people that might want to come here, people we want to try and attract here, people that want to stay, people that might have to find a club.
"We know the positions where we are strong but we also know where we need to strengthen. It's ongoing and you've got to be like that, you've got to be prepared to go into the market and get these deals through."
A significant question mark still remains over whether Houllier will return at all given his medical history - he underwent major heart surgery in 2001 while in charge of Liverpool.
McAllister said he was certain Houllier would come back, although he insisted there was "no rush" for the manager to make a decision over his future.
And the Scot added that the decision will be made "after he speaks to friends, family and people he respects but, most importantly, the doctors".
"I'm sure he'll be recovering over here where there will be people on hand to deal with any queries," McAllister added.
"If he's given the green light to go and gets some warmer weather if it helps, I don't know. He'll be guided by the experts."
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Id like to see a Moyes/houlier now. I noticed Moyes has spent about £12 million a year at Everton , which isnt alot. I think Houlier could still get us some exciting signing , I mean , I love him just for Darren Bent .. So Move him upstairs , get his mate in Moyes , fook off Gmac .. I wouldnt have been keen for a few mths ago but Hughes,Benitez or Alladaryce , no thanks... Moyes needs a change and we would be hard to beat , as he brings a fighting spirit with me.. I heard they would let Moyes go , If they got MON.. would be interesting then ....
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Health and family wishes permitting, I'd personally like to see Houllier stay on.
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I would Legion . He desreves another season but if is health is not up to it , instead of losing him completely . I would bring his mate in to work with him. It could work , a relaxed Houlier looking for players with the passionate Moyes..
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I watched MON on the TV last night by the way , I didnt realise how much I hated him until I saw his face again ..
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"Whether it be attracting new players, or players coming to the end of their contract, a lot of decisions have already been made."
I do like the idea that things are already in place for the summer already in terms of who we want in and out.
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I'd like him to stay too. People who are saying it would be nice for him to move upstairs are being a bit idealistic I think. It rarely works - managers like to do their own thing, not be told by others who they should sign. I can't think of many examnples where it has worked.
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Best if he retires, then we get the sort of boss we should have appointed in the summer.
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We have to have a new manager there is no way around it now.
But who? Oh god I can't cope with this again
Lets await the shit list
Andre Villas Boas, the Porto manager would be my choice - he might just be the next Mourinho, although he'd be the first Villa manager to be younger than me.
But there are some other respectable options without a job this time - Benitez or Jol alone are better than any of the options we were discussing in August.
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McAllister said he was certain Houllier would come back, although he insisted there was "no rush" for the manager to make a decision over his future.
I do not agree with this statement, as I feel a decision definitely needs to be made by the end of the season (although McAllister may mean that)! We must not be in a state of 'limbo' in the summer not knowing whether GH is in a fit state to be our manager.
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He will be back, stop panicking
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Boas, no chance.
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Whilst I wish Gerard a speedy & full recovery from his recent setback we shouldn't
let it cloud our judgement on the man as the manager for Aston Villa -
Remembering how long it took for him to take up his post I trust the same won't
happen with regard to deciding his future and more importantly that of Aston Villa-
Heart specialist I'm not but I know that you can expect running around like a 'spring
chicken' which is what Premier managers are expected to do ( I concede that
Fergie & Hodgson don't support this theory) -
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"Whether it be attracting new players, or players coming to the end of their contract, a lot of decisions have already been made."
I do like the idea that things are already in place for the summer already in terms of who we want in and out.
Personally I don't find that particularly encouraging. Any potential new manager will have his own ideas -even if GH stays on in some capacity- and might feel that (a) he can get more out of players GH was keen to ditch and (b) might feel that GH's transfer targets aren't compatible with his ideas.
Unless we're getting a complete patsy as manager, a nodding dog who just agrees with everything GH says. That would be the worst outcome out of all possible scenarios (short of GH's health deteriorating further of course).
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Step forward Gary MacAllister.
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(gun in mouth emoticon)
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Step forward Gary MacAllister.
Wasn't he doing a good job at Cov before his wife was taken sick ?
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Well he hasn't covered himself in glory here, or at Leeds previously. No where near enough experience and credentials as a manger to get the job. I just hope Randy's nice guy persona doesn't try and shoehorn the current set-up into different positions (ie Macca in charge, Houllier consulting as and when he's up to it).
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Well he hasn't covered himself in glory here, or at Leeds previously. No where near enough experience and credentials as a manger to get the job. I just hope Randy's nice guy persona doesn't try and shoehorn the current set-up into different positions (ie Macca in charge, Houllier consulting as and when he's up to it).
Christ No.
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(gun in mouth emoticon)
(snigger emoticon)