Official - Houllier leaves by mutual consent (p.28)

[eastie]

Best wishes Gerard- seems to be gathering pace this Benitez link.

[VillaZogmariner]

We are in for a battering in the media, he has declared himself fit and we have sacked him is what I'm reading between the lines.

Ive mixed feelings now, abit of a sour taste.

Pretty much my feelings too.

[Olneythelonely]

we have already embarked upon the process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager.

[Toronto Villa]

We are in for a battering in the media, he has declared himself fit and we have sacked him is what I'm reading between the lines.

Ive mixed feelings now, abit of a sour taste.

he said his health had considerably improved which isn't the same as declaring himself fit, or indeed the club sharing the same view as it relates to the demands of the PL. If people do want to look at it from that stance, then consider the club having the balls to pull the trigger in their (our) long term interests rather than his.

[charleeco7]

I read it that he wanted to stay but needed longer to recover and we didn't want the issue around his health, to carry on. I was looking forward to see if he could turn us around but think it's the correct decision.

All the best GH.

[Mike Jeffries]

Not sure how it could have been handled any better really? Some of the press may spin it against the club, but that statement is about the best I had hoped for, given the circumstances.

Good luck in the future Mr H.

[Ger Regan]

All the best Gerard. Hopefully you make a full recovery.
Genuinely disappointed, as I think he could have done an excellent job in building a proper squad that could have challenged for honours. Not to be unfortunately.

[Legion]

All the best Gerard. Hopefully you make a full recovery.
Genuinely disappointed, as I think he could have done an excellent job in building a proper squad that could have challenged for honours. Not to be unfortunately.

Same here.

[citizenDJ]

A shame, as I was interested to see if he could turn it round, but I think for the best. Regardless of how you might view his managerial ability, he has struck me as a really nice guy throughout and I wish him all the best.

[TheEgo]

Reads like a man, who needs to say he has a future in the game in order to believe it himself. I for one, hope he makes a full recovery and at some point if it helps keep him alive and well (some people literally live to work) back in the dugout.  Good luck Mr Houllier, you are a man of honour and class.

[Matt C]

The club for me have handled this as well as they could and have acted sensitively but decisively - now onto the next big call which we need to get right.

[KevinGage]

Finishing 9th on the back of what we had to endure both in pre season and injury wise probably merited another crack at it. I was also curious as to what names he might bring in.

But we just couldn't chance it with his health - even if he was adamant he wanted to come back. If there is any truth in the rumours that he agreed to go at the end of the season in the aftermath of the Wolves defeat -which I've heard in a few places- but then changed his mind recently to angle after a better payout, I might have a smidgen less sympathy for him.

All in all, £7 million for a less than spectacular 8 months work is good going.

[holtepaul]

Best wishes GH - no malice !, you go with my thanks.

However, one quick last favour before you leave Bodymoor.

Can you take down the car parking sign which says "GMAC" please.

[gervilla]

I wish GH a full recovery and best of luck for the future but I'm not sorry to see the end of his reign.

[Nev]

The total opposite of the departure of DOL who I would've gratefully kicked all the way up Witton Lane, GH never came across as anything but professional, and while I don't think he did a good job, it wasn't for the want of trying and for that alone I hope he is welcomed back to Villa Park in the future as a visitor and afforded the respect that is due to an ex-manager of Aston Villa.