Houllier confirmed as new manager. Press Conference p22

[Rip Van We Go Again]

The world's best producer (Trevor Horn) produced Belle and the Sebastian.
I bought the CD, you can't fucking tell.

[JJ-AV]

Just want to say, I hope Houllier signs Adel Tarrabt. Bit of a wanker, but what a player.

That boy is gonna be world class if he keeps his head right.

Just realised I'm calling him 'boy' when he's two months younger than me!

[olaftab]

I think if anyone else uses the phrase "7th to 12th place" I''m going to start taking hostages.

A couple of things don't go exactly how they should - because they just SHOULD - and suddenly we're doomed. 

Missed this earlier. That is it D Woodhall  you have offended  me enough today I am going to burn  both of your books I own ...hmmm OK just one of them ...at mid day tomorrow. SSN have been informed  you just watch!

[dave.woodhall]

I think if anyone else uses the phrase "7th to 12th place" I''m going to start taking hostages.

A couple of things don't go exactly how they should - because they just SHOULD - and suddenly we're doomed. 

Missed this earlier. That is it D Woodhall  you have offended  me enough today I am going to burn  both of your books I own ...hmmm OK just one of them ...at mid day tomorrow. SSN have been informed  you just watch!

As long as you buy then again, I'm happy with that.

Hang on. Both? That means there's some you haven't got. I love a challenge. 

[olaftab]

You need to sort out  your distribution network. I have  the two I have seen on bookshelves

[pauliewalnuts]

You need to sort out  your distribution network. I have  the two I have seen on bookshelves

Borders in town always used to have loads. I bet he was wailing and weeping on the day they closed.

[dave.woodhall]

You need to sort out  your distribution network. I have  the two I have seen on bookshelves

Borders in town always used to have loads. I bet he was wailing and weeping on the day they closed.

Not really - they didn't owe me anything.

http://www.heroespublishing.co.uk/Shop/shop.html

[pauliewalnuts]

You need to sort out  your distribution network. I have  the two I have seen on bookshelves

Borders in town always used to have loads. I bet he was wailing and weeping on the day they closed.

Not really - they didn't owe me anything.

http://www.heroespublishing.co.uk/Shop/shop.html

"**AVAILABLE FROM 14th SEPTEMBER 2007**"

Dear oh dear, Dave.

[hilts_coolerking]

Interesting piece in today's Observer about Houllier, in particular his reputation in France:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/sep/12/gerard-houllier-aston-villa

[PaulWinch again]

I think that backs up my opinion that we have got a very good manager and his wealth of experience is going to help us a lot.

[KevinGage]

I hope that's the case.

But if he's seen as part of the problem in France (which seems to be the perception as it was he who championed Domenech and stuck behind him after a woeful 2008) that might impact on the players we sign.

I have a horrible feeling that he might be viewed as a Graham Taylor- type figure over there. Let me clarify: I know his most recent role was as technical director and GT never occupied that role for his country.  But there might be a parallel in so far as GT is widely respected amongst officials and suits in the game here but -lets be honest- he is often portrayed as a joke figure amongst ex players and supporters (supporters of clubs he didn't manage anyway).

It's a somewhat unfortunate reputation and a reputation that most Villa and Watford fans don't buy into. But the perception is out there all the same.

We all witnessed the scorn and outright ridicule senior French players had for Domenech and other FFA officials this summer. Maybe that was just a few rotten apples, their very own Baby Bentley generation asserting their authority.

But it could be that the mistrust and lack of respect runs deep and Houllier -who was instrumental in first selecting Domenech, then backing him despite 2008 and the farce v Ireland- is seen as part of the problem.

Part of his appeal was his contacts in the game, his broad knowledge base and the possibility of exploring foreign transfer markets - the French one being an obvious one.
If there is a reticence on the part of French players to join us because of Houllier it already limits the pool we can select from and effectively invalidates one of his supposed plus points.

I guess we'll have a clearer idea about that this time next year, when he will have had two transfer windows to start moulding the side and leaving his imprint on it.

[Rancid custard]

I wonder how donkey feels about being re-teamed with his old boss?

I'm surprised he hasn't come out and said something.

Of course, I am worried that Heskey will be a regular starter now...

[Dante Lavelli]

I hope that's the case.

But if he's seen as part of the problem in France (which seems to be the perception as it was he who championed Domenech and stuck behind him after a woeful 2008) that might impact on the players we sign.

They were discussing the Houllier appointment on the Guardian's Podcast (v good generally) and one of their pundits (? guests ?) said that there is a theory in France that Houllier "championed" Domenench because he thought he'd be sacked and then Houllier could replace him at the last moment because - by that point - there would be no other candidates available.

Impossible to prove, however the gist of what they were saying was that he can be a bit manipulative.

I'm choosing to ignore it but an interesting angle nonetheless. 

[bob]

I beleive he has quite a track record for being manipulative.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Maybe, just maybe the reason Houllier has been sold the job is the (reported) £8m three year contract - nice little retirement fund that.

Sorry but cynicism comes with age !!