Why the long faces about Houllier?

[hilts_coolerking]

The voice of reason from Phil McNulty at the BBC: http://bbc.in/9gd2XE

Good write up that, which broadly sums up my own expectations. I know a fair few people are, er, underwhelmed, but I am really looking forward to seeing how we get on under Houllier.

Yep good piece and he makes a good case for Houllier.  My concerns about him are not his commitment, professionalism, attention to detail and so on. I'm not even terribly bothered about his reputation for defensive football, because his job will be to stabilise and consolidate, not play cavalier football. Where I do have doubts is in regard to the time he has been away from top flight management, specifically the top end of the Premier League. It's been a long time since he was successful here and, in some respects, he'll probably have less at his disposal with us than he did at Liverpool.

I think if he can keep us at least in touch with the challengers for fourth, keep us in Europe and bring some influence to bear on our approach to the transfer market then I think he will have done a good job. He's not a long-term option, that's obvious, so as long as he ensures we will be an attractive proposition to whoever comes next then I'll be very happy.

[eamonn]

When/where did McNulty get that General Krulak quote from?

[Phil from the upper holte]

The voice of reason from Phil McNulty at the BBC: http://bbc.in/9gd2XE

I have a lot of time for Phil McNulty. Always comes across as a decent, sensible bloke and I fully agree with his assessment.

An interesting article. Im up for this to be honest. I'll give him the support he deserves.

[Matt C]

I think we could choose to look at the spell away from management as a positive - during that time he's been watching football across the globe building an (even more) worldly view of the game, amassing more contacts. Plus it says to me that he really wants the job. I'm sure he's had other opportunities but he's waited for the right one, one he believes in. I like that.

Just a thought.

[Bad English]

While Phil McNulty lauds my ex-colleague G Houllier, in France they are hanging out the bunting, screaming (hence ALLCAPS which follow) "FUCK OFF PONTIUS PILATE", "YOU WERE A SHIT MANAGER OF LES BLEUS", "SHAME ON YOU, YOU WERE THE ONE WHO ENROLLED DOMENECH", "YOU KEPT THE FUCKER ON AFTER THE EURO 2008 FUCK-UP", "YOU WILL SAY ANYTHING NOT TO TAKE YOUR PART OF THE BLAME", "c***", "THE LUCKY LUKE OF FOOTBALL, TURNS HIS COAT QUICKER THAN HIS OWN SHADOW", "YOU SURF ON YOUR RESULTS AT LIVERPOOL BUT THE REST IS WANK!" Indeed, there were 2-3 million people demonstrating across France today. Ostensibly, they were protesting against Pension reform injustice, but there are many who believe the day of action was called due to frustration at Randy Lerner's snail-like interview process and tergiversation over the role of Pinocchio.

[Salsa Party Animal]

I wonder how often Gerrard watched Aston Villa recently. Would he know who is Barry Bannan or Marc Albrighton for example.

[pauliewalnuts]

I wonder how often Gerrard watched Aston Villa recently. Would he know who is Barry Bannan or Marc Albrighton for example.

I don't think Martin O'Neill knew who Marc Albrighton was, to be honest.

[Ian.]

That write up from McNulty and GH's record make you realise what a good manager we have got. Its so easy to remember his last couple of years at Liverpool.

As I said last night I was extremely excited when we got MON, I'm getting more and more I'll say intrigued by this appointment. On paper I should be more excited than I was 4 years ago, its just MON had a very, very good reputation in this country. When you look at his record on paper you have to ask why is this with MON?

[hilts_coolerking]

I have to say though that in any of the interminable "I think we need a better manager than O'Neill / Okay who do you suggest then?" threads, had anyone suggested Gerard Houllier as a replacement they would have laughed off the board. So I have to take this sudden enthusiasm for him with a pinch of salt, coinciding as it does with him apparently getting the job.

[pauliewalnuts]

I have to say though that in any of the interminable "I think we need a better manager than O'Neill / Okay who do you suggest then?" threads, had anyone suggested Gerard Houllier as a replacement they would have laughed off the board. So I have to take this sudden enthusiasm for him with a pinch of salt, coinciding as it does with him apparently getting the job.

The difference is, surely, that those polls were in the context of MON leaving at a time when it suited us, rather than at the worst time possible.

That's bound to have a major impact on the range of replacements available, and as a result, i don't think that is a fair comparison.

[hipkiss92]

no phil thompson according to sky sports.

<cheers>

[hilts_coolerking]

The difference is, surely, that those polls were in the context of MON leaving at a time when it suited us, rather than at the worst time possible.

That's bound to have a major impact on the range of replacements available, and as a result, i don't think that is a fair comparison.

Well, either he's a good manager who is worth a crack, or he isn't. He hasn't become a better (or worse) manager because of the manner of O'Neill's departure. If he's only got the job because of the timing then that tends to support woodhall's view that he will only be here short-term.

[pauliewalnuts]

The difference is, surely, that those polls were in the context of MON leaving at a time when it suited us, rather than at the worst time possible.

That's bound to have a major impact on the range of replacements available, and as a result, i don't think that is a fair comparison.

Well, either he's a good manager who is worth a crack, or he isn't. He hasn't become a better (or worse) manager because of the manner of O'Neill's departure. If he's only got the job because of the timing then that tends to support woodhall's view that he will only be here short-term.

I agree he is no better or worse, but that's not the point, surely?

You mentioned the polls of the past / where Houllier would have been pitched, but surely the point now is how good a manager he is in the context of who is available?

[SoccerHQ]

Well 2 year deal hardly suggests long term does it?

I still maintain it will be GH for this season then we'll go for either Jol or Moyes next summer.

Cool with that.

[PaulWinch again]

If GH does well then I'll want him to stay.