The future of Houllier and McAllister?

[Ian.]

I can't believe he hasn't gone yet. The owners at Chelsea and West Ham are rightly criticised for numerous reasons but at least they dealt with the manager issue decisively and quickly.

While I would like the situation clarified as soon as possible, I actually like the fact that Lerner and the rest of the Board are treating Houllier like a human being rather than as a chattel or serving boy to be dismissed at the owner's whim or displeasure.

Spot on, how I've often moaned when I hear on the radio or seen on the internet how people behave and act in the world of football.

[Meanwood Villa]

I can't believe he hasn't gone yet. The owners at Chelsea and West Ham are rightly criticised for numerous reasons but at least they dealt with the manager issue decisively and quickly.

While I would like the situation clarified as soon as possible, I actually like the fact that Lerner and the rest of the Board are treating Houllier like a human being rather than as a chattel or serving boy to be dismissed at the owner's whim or displeasure.

That's another fair comment. Since Randy arrived we've taken pride in the fact that he does things properly. We can't then demand he acts like Gordon Gecko because it might suit us better. 

My concern as a confirmed Houllier sceptic is that the delay might mean he's being given another season. If he is, although I wouldn't like it, I'd rather the board came out and confirmed it so everyone knows where they stand.

[Dave Cooper please]

Why do I get this uneasy feeling while reading this thread that some people would actually prefer it if Hotlips was more seriously ill than he appears to be just so he doesn't come back? As mentioned above, it was a heart defect with the aorta, not a stress related heart attack, if the doctors deem him fit, and his family don't persuade him otherwise, he'll be back.

If you are worried about his ticker how about getting behind him, that would be better for his health surely?

[MoetVillan]

The fact that he wants to be the manager after a serious illness speaks volumes for him, certainly against the grain of recent rumours about Downing and Young.  I look forward to cheering him on later in the summer, and hope we can at least sing or chant for him. 

[Marlon From Bearwood]

The frustrating thing for me is that last August when MON walked, there were very very few decent candidates for the job, ie most people saw GH as best of a bad bunch.

That's now changed. Right now there are a number of very attractive options; managers who I think would be tempted to have a crack at the Villa job. Off the top of my head - Ancellotti, Rijkaard, Jol, Benitez, Van Gaal, have all become available since.

I fear that if GH carries on, and things don't improve, we'll be back to square one in 6-12 months with no decent managers available again.

[Rigadon]

Don't know about others but while (of course) I don't want him to be ill, I'd be happier if he didn't come back as manager and I'm surprised so many people are willing to give him another season after the season we've just had.  I like Houllier, he comes across well when he speaks and everybody seems to rate him within the game but he has been a disaster for Villa so far.

There appears to be a larger pool of available managers (Moyes, Hughes, dare I say Ancelotti) than there was last time we were recruiting so this could be an opportunity missed if we aren't careful.

If he stays and we go on to do something worth cheering about I will eat my words gladly.  I just don't see it happening.

[Risso]

The fact that he wants to be the manager after a serious illness speaks volumes for him, certainly against the grain of recent rumours about Downing and Young.  I look forward to cheering him on later in the summer, and hope we can at least sing or chant for him. 

I don't think it's very different at all really, they all just want to earn millions of pounds.  Young and Downing want to earn even more millions at bigger clubs.  Houllier wants to carry on earning millions at Villa because nobody else is going to pay him that much.

[Rigadon]

Beat me to it Marlon.

[Mister E]

I'd be happier if he didn't come back as manager

I don't think he will: he'll play in a withdrawn role, supplying the ammunition for GMac who will be in the forward line.
I don't think it's the right formation but there you go.

[Rigadon]

I'd be happier if he didn't come back as manager

I don't think he will: he'll play in a withdrawn role, supplying the ammunition for GMac who will be in the forward line.
I don't think it's the right formation but there you go.

Dear God no.

[villa `cross the mersey]

The fact that he wants to be the manager after a serious illness speaks volumes for him, certainly against the grain of recent rumours about Downing and Young.  I look forward to cheering him on later in the summer, and hope we can at least sing or chant for him. 

I don't think it's very different at all really, they all just want to earn millions of pounds.  Young and Downing want to earn even more millions at bigger clubs.  Houllier wants to carry on earning millions at Villa because nobody else is going to pay him that much.

Blimey Risso you have become somewhat cynical of late - are you going through the change ?

[cheltenhamlion]

There are better gaffer's available, he isn't a young man, isn't in the rudest health and, most importantly, I don't want to lose another season because of managerial instability should he bve taken ill again. Entirely selfish on my part admittedly, but that's the way I see it.

[barrysleftfoot]

  I was told today, by somebody who works with Villa at boardroom level, that GH will be going, and Curbishley and McLaren are amongst those being considered.

[maidstonevillain]

  I was told today, by somebody who works with Villa at boardroom level, that GH will be going, and Curbishley and McLaren are amongst those being considered.

Please recover quickly GH

[Small Rodent]

  I was told today, by somebody who works with Villa at boardroom level, that GH will be going, and Curbishley and McLaren are amongst those being considered.

Please recover quickly GH

Absolutely!