The replacement for MON...?

[KevinGage]

None as far as I can see.

Benitez was quite clear that it needed a major overhaul after less than a year in the job as so few players had broken through since the time of Owen, Carragher Gerrard and co.

Houllier has to take part of the blame for that surely.

His best results were in the earlier stages of his Liverpool career when the backbone of Carragher, Gerrard, Owen and Fowler pulled them through. When he started spending money they went backwards, from a results, entertainment and youth development perspective.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

Reading a few comments on RAWK (the Liverpool fansite) suggests that whilst Houllier is held in regard, he does get the blame for destroying the Liverpool youth system.

Have they produced a half decent player since Gerrard and Warnock?

[Eigentor]

Benitez was quite clear that it needed a major overhaul after less than a year in the job as so few players had broken through since the time of Owen, Carragher Gerrard and co.

Houllier has to take part of the blame for that surely.

I think it has been an issue that the Liverpool manager hasn't had much power regarding the youth setup. I remember reading something about a former Barcelona youth coach appointed by Benitez who was shocked at the state of affairs.

Another point: one of the reasons Benitez shifted a lot of Houllier's players is that they are two manager with very specific (but quite different) ideas on how their team should play and what players they need. Thus, the clearout by Benitez wasn't only due to the quality of the players but what kind of players they were, as well.

[KevinGage]

Whilst there may be a degree of truth to that, players of the quality of Owen, Gerrard and co could have fitted into any managers ethos and style of play.

Liverpool would have a pull and attraction to young players nationwide and indeed across Europe. It's a natural advantage they possess above many other sides. To have produced so few capable of making an impact in the first team  since the time of the above smacks of neglect.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Steve Heighway was heavily involved at the Liverpool Academy but left somewhat hastily - Can`t remember who was responsible for removing him from the post - Benitez?

[villa `cross the mersey]

"His heart was something to do with the aorta i believe. Not really related to a continuous dodgy ticker".


Indeed that is true - A friend of mine assisted with the operation to save Houlliers life - his heart virtually exploded. Apparantly he now has a plumbing system within his heart that any plumber would be proud of.
(Said friend is back up Doctor for Citeh)

I am told GH is a pretty decent fella and an anglophile to boot.

Was not on my list of preferred candidates ( personally I would have a punt on Martinez from Wigan), however if he comes I will not be overly disappointed. Not so sure about separate manager and coach thing though.

[5ft811st2 Durham]

None of the candidates inspire me, but Houllier is a particularly ridiculous suggestion, he's at the end of his career and he's got a dodgy ticker whereas we need someone who could potentially be with us for ten years or so.

Remind me how old Alex Ferguson is? Wenger is 60 now and doesnt look like slowing down anytime too soon......

Both were in their 40's when they took up their current positions, and are now reeping the rewards of the efforts made when they were younger men.

Houllier is way too old to create any comparable legacy at Villa. Sadly he is yesterday's man in my opinion, but of course I hope I'm proved wrong.

[Salsa Party Animal]

I reckon Randy is trying to introduce something similar to his NFL team Cleveland Browns

Mike Holmgren (President and overall boss of team (Former Head Coach))
Eric Mangini (Head Coach)
Tom Heckert (General manager responsible for recruitment of players and scouting)

to Villa

with possibly Gerald as DOF and MacDonald as Head Coach.

[supertom]

Houllier on short term, 1-2 years might be worth a go. To be honest, it's the only half decent option out there. He's got a good record, has won a lot of trophies. He'll also have us passing the ball properly. Granted he was never the most exciting manager, but he was very much emphasised on technique. Should see the best of Ireland, Petrov, Young, Downing and our other more gifted ball players.

If he doesn't do the biz, maybe there'll be someone better, and available next summer. As long as we're not silly and sign him long term.

[TheSandman]

Not sure what I think about houllier. He did buy a lot of dross and was lucky that carragher, gerrard and Owen came through. I also seem to recall his teams being quite boring. Would be very dubious about a director of football post as I can't think of an example of it working well. km would still be doing the matchday stuff so not sure I see the advantages. What were the benefits to Liverpool of a supposedly improved scouting network?

For Gerrard, Owen and Carragher might you not sub in Albrighton, Delph, Delfouneso and Clark among others? It's not like we don't have some good players coming through. Admittedly I'm not sure they will be in the same class as Gerrard and Owen who became world class players but it's not like he's not going to get lucky again.

For me if you look at the mooted shortlist Houllier is the least bad option. Perhaps bad is being harsh as I don't mind the idea as opposed to the other three who I'd prefer having nowhere near the job.

I see a set up with Houllier as a figurehead with KMac and a few other good coaches assisting him working well for us.

[wozwebs]

Daily Mail again

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1308821/How-Gerard-Houllier-Eurocrat-won-Aston-Villa-Sven-Goran-Eriksson-failed-impress.html?

[Bosco81]

Steve Heighway was heavily involved at the Liverpool Academy but left somewhat hastily - Can`t remember who was responsible for removing him from the post - Benitez?

Benitez got rid of Steve Heighway, he was critised for bringing in all his Spanish mates to do every job there

[villa `cross the mersey]

Steve Heighway was heavily involved at the Liverpool Academy but left somewhat hastily - Can`t remember who was responsible for removing him from the post - Benitez?

Benitez got rid of Steve Heighway, he was critised for bringing in all his Spanish mates to do every job there

Thanks Bosco -  I thought it was

[john e]

"His heart was something to do with the aorta i believe. Not really related to a continuous dodgy ticker".


Indeed that is true - A friend of mine assisted with the operation to save Houlliers life - his heart virtually exploded. Apparantly he now has a plumbing system within his heart that any plumber would be proud of.
(Said friend is back up Doctor for Citeh)

I am told GH is a pretty decent fella and an anglophile to boot.

Was not on my list of preferred candidates ( personally I would have a punt on Martinez from Wigan), however if he comes I will not be overly disappointed. Not so sure about separate manager and coach thing though.

i'm with you on the Martinez punt VCM,

but can you imagine the fallout if that happened.

i was keeping my head low with the first two results of the season, but then he redeemed himself at Spurs.

it is a risk though, no doubt,
but for me the style of play would be  paramount, but thats just a personal thing,
i think he would be capable of building something good given a club like Villa, but it obviously isnt going to happen,

 he did get 6 votes on the poll though, so theres 4 more like us somewhere !

Edit, 3 more, someones withdrawn, fickle twot

[villa `cross the mersey]

Gerrard Houllier and the "Villa Boot Room"

"Gerard Houlier will be Director of Football following the outline set up mentioned by Graham Taylor last week - Taylor is advising the Board. Kevin MacDonald will be Coach with Steve Staunton and Dean Saunders supporting"

Pulled from a rumours page - http://www.astonvillarumours.co.uk/