Gerard Houllier

[Matt Collins]

Do people think there are signs that we're likely to move to more of a Chelsea style 4-3-3 next season? Did we play that way at Wigan? We sort if did v citeh

If we can keep young, I think we're set for a good year next season. I hope bannan delph and fonz still get game time. Presumably Bradley would be a replacement for NRC?

[eastie]

Yes , I think he does like the 4-3-3 system although that can quickly interchange to a 4-5-1 , I think houllier likes to vary tactics and formations and it's refreshing.

[citizenDJ]

I have to say I am very pleased and excited about his work in this transfer window. I know there is an element of risk where Bradley and Makoun are concerned, as Premier League 'virgins', but they certainly come with an impressive pedigree and reputation. Walker is all about potential, while Bent is about as proven a Premier League striker as it is possible to find.

It's all rather refreshing! Of course, the real business is in the playing, I know, but Houllier and Lerner have certainly conspired to make things interesting! I'm confident that we'll make our way steadily up the league table, and play some good stuff along the way.

If, while doing all this, Houllier has also managed to reduce the wage bill (has anyone worked out the 'numbers' for that?!), then that's impressive stuff.

So, a shaky start, a fine January (in transfers and games), and a bright future - I'm quite impressed!

[Monty]

I'm really glad things have turned around for him. Have to say, I didn't come on here for a while when it was really bad because the level of vitriol towards him from some quarters was so vicious it was almost uncomfortable. Never lost faith (though it was sorely tested!), but the proof will be in these 11 winnable games between February and May.

[Gazza1982]

Problem is, two unlucky defeats or a flukey own goal and we hover above the relegation zone again.The end of the season is where we ALL have to judge him. One vastly superior quality he has over MON is his dealings in the transfer market. Look how many huge money losing turkeys MON bought in his time, I dont see that with GH.
A favourable cup draw and a visit to Wembley would just brighten the atmosphere even more.
Buying Bent was as bold and positive a move as I've seen for a long time and we have a quality squad of players.
Come On !!!

[Archie]

I think that yesterday's game brought some positives and proved that GH is turning a  corner.
First of all, he  has made a sharp rotation, before and during the match, whereas in the previous games we happened to concede later goals to the opponents as he didn't use the subs.
Another important thing is that GH played 2 speed and attacking.minded full-backs, not 2 slow CB, as fullbacks.
Last but not least, Clark played in his proper role of CB. 

And so came the first comfortable win of the last three months, the first in which we controlled the play with composure and we didn't have the last 15 minutes of absolute panic.

[pauliewalnuts]

Another important thing is that GH played 2 speed and attacking.minded full-backs, not 2 slow CB, as fullbacks.

True, but did anyone else find Walker defensively quite frightening at times?

[Nev]

The biggest and most influential change appears to be the attitude of the players, from can't be arsed to never say die. Is this down to the manager or the players themselves? I suppose we will never know but ultimately the buck stops with the gaffer so if he was to blame a month ago, he deserves the credit now.

I get the feeling he is coming around to the idea that he has to "work the crowd" so to speak with regards to the fans. Maybe he has changed his approach with the players as well?

Either way, long may it continue.

[eastie]

Agree paulie, walker is very attack minded similar to dorigo when he first broke through but with experience I think walkers defensive game will improve - he's raw but very good and I hope we sign him.

[koreanmeatballs]

Whatever your opinions on Houllier, can whoever starts up this 'Houllier gives us a wave' chant, especially the fat bloke with the squeaky voice in K3 who was leading the 'sacked in the morning' chants please stop it, it must of happened 6 times yesterday.

One chant, one wave per game is sufficient.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Another important thing is that GH played 2 speed and attacking.minded full-backs, not 2 slow CB, as fullbacks.

True, but did anyone else find Walker defensively quite frightening at times?

Yes
He's raw though isn't he? Only young, he could improve

[Toronto Villa]

I think that's the risk with defenders who love to bomb forward. The other players have to know to cover, and does the player himself know when to go forward and when not to? It's all good and well being great offensively, but you can' be a liablity defensively. I think he's got a lot of talent. It just needs to be managed well to make him a better player in all facets of his game.

[Shrek]

Whatever your opinions on Houllier, can whoever starts up this 'Houllier gives us a wave' chant, especially the fat bloke with the squeaky voice in K3 who was leading the 'sacked in the morning' chants please stop it, it must of happened 6 times yesterday.

One chant, one wave per game is sufficient.

I sat there yesturday, there was a group of kids who were acting like divs, chanting stupid songs, luckily they moved second half.

I totally agree Nev, he got the blame when we were in a crisis, he should now have credit when the team have improved.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Another important thing is that GH played 2 speed and attacking.minded full-backs, not 2 slow CB, as fullbacks.

True, but did anyone else find Walker defensively quite frightening at times?

Glenn Johnson-esque.
Really reminded me of him at times.
I could imagine him making a decent winger.

[Ads]

He's a hell of a lot quicker than Johnson.