Gerard Houllier

[Clampy]

Gerry turned it round and i'm loving it that hes in charge

Love how he doesn't take any shit from the players, and is able to attract quality players to the club

Not afraid to play kids and plays brave tactics, i can't wait to see us play under him after he has a summer to really make the team his

Really happy for him, just a shame some fans decided to tell him he was going to get sacked in the morning without giving him a proper chance, although i'm sure he has thick enough skin to get over it.

Despite all that, there's no way we should be down where we are. The criticism he got was understandable and in some cases justified, we have been shockingly bad at times this season. Let's hope we've turned the corner.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Think a lot of people who wanted him out,can now see all the things he has had to overcome. He has been on the ball in the window and now we will see the best from him now he is earning everyone`s respect .....PS Except Holloway-Bruce ha ...

[Chris Smith]

Injuries clearly had an impact but it also appears that he's managed to show them he's the boss. All of those negative stories of player unrest and unhappiness with his methods have dried up and the improved team spirit has been reflected in performances.

[pauliewalnuts]

If he could salvage something from the Ireland situation that would be brilliant.

[Chris Smith]

If he could salvage something from the Ireland situation that would be brilliant.

I won't hold my breath.

[Colhint]

If he could salvage something from the Ireland situation that would be brilliant.

Bugger me all I want him to do is win matches not resolve the economies of other countries

[Edvard Remberg]

If he could salvage something from the Ireland situation that would be brilliant.

Bugger me all I want him to do is win matches not resolve the economies of other countries

Liked this one hehe

[ozzjim]

If he could salvage something from the Ireland situation that would be brilliant.

I won't hold my breath.

I get the impression there is only one man who can resolve those issues, and he has chosen not to thus far.

[Scott Nielsen]

Injuries clearly had an impact but it also appears that he's managed to show them he's the boss. All of those negative stories of player unrest and unhappiness with his methods have dried up and the improved team spirit has been reflected in performances.

This is it, I think. What better way to show he's calling the shots than by spending some 30m on new players. Must have shown some of the more intransigent players that he's here to stay and they better buck up if they want to play a part.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Interesting comments from GH:

"You can't prepare for a game if someone is pulling a face - it drains the energy. And there was a time when the players playing were moaning and whining.

"We probably have the best job in the world so when you see unhappy people not doing basic things, like being focused and ready, you get angry."

Houllier is pleased with his team's improvement since the turn of the year, adding: "We were probably at our lowest when we played there.

"But in five games since the start of year, we've won two, one away in the FA Cup and one against Manchester City, who are one of the best sides.

"We've drawn two, at Chelsea and Birmingham, coming from behind. I think a couple of months ago it would have been the other way around.

"We have lost to Sunderland, when we were down to 10 men.

"The team is physically and mentally stronger - that is an important aspect. There's a major change there.

"But we have to stay humble. Players must combine ambition and humility - that's the cocktail to win."

New signing Jean Makoun, who is set to make his debut at the DW Stadium, has the right temperament for Houllier.

The manager said: "He'll be travelling, he's always happy, not a moody, moaning kind of player."

The central midfielder, signed from Lyon, may even start the match. Villa also welcome back Emile Heskey from suspension, while Kyle Walker returns from a back injury.

However, Stephen Ireland remains sidelined with a knee injury and defender Stephen Warnock, who has been linked with Liverpool, is still training with the reserves and will not feature.

"When you play five games in 14 days you need freshness in some areas...a team isn't 11 players and 11 sulking, everyone's got to know we all contribute."

[Rudy Can't Fail]

If he could salvage something from the Ireland situation that would be brilliant.

I won't hold my breath.

Me neither but whilst Ireland is out with his knee injury, it wouldn't hurt to make sure he's there to watch the games so he can see how hard the players work for each other. Why should he be the exception? If he could add hard work to his game, he'd be one hell of a player.

[Jimbo]

I do wish he'd shut up. Okay, Gerard, you might just have turned a corner with these players, but please keep it under your hat instead of pissing them off again by telling the world about 'moody, moaning' players - unless, of course, you were only talking about Warnock and Carew. Either way, accentuate the positive.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I know what you mean, Jimbo. Last weeks "is it because I is French?" had me cringing. He can't help himself. Admittedly he at the end of the press conference said he was joking, but the red tops missed out that line and had headlines of Houllier accusing Bruce of being racist.

I'm sure he's a lovely bloke but he does tend to put his foot in his mouth at least once a week. He should let the football do his talking.

[Markerton]

I must admit, when Houllier took over I was willing to give him a chance. Then we started losing game, after game, after game, and I was starting to lose hope.

There was always a thought in my mind: He may have missed the transfer window, but he's still got the same players as last season (minus Milner, of course), it's still the same team that finished 6th.

However, now that he's managed to get Darren Bent, I think every Aston Villa fan in the country is looking that little bit more forward to his regime. It takes a lot for a player like Bent to be persuaded, especially to a club that are doing considerably worse than his current club.



Now, I'm just looking forward to the rest of the season. I'm looking forward to seeing what our squad can pull from the remaining games, and if Houllier can really get them motivated enough to get a top half finish.

Next season is also on my mind ... and I'm looking damn-well forward to it!

[Warren Aspinall]

If he could salvage something from the Ireland situation that would be brilliant.

Bugger me all I want him to do is win matches not resolve the economies of other countries

Brilliant