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

[hilts_coolerking]

As he says, he wanted to return but needs a few months to recuperate fully.  Unfortunately we can't afford that luxury so a parting of the ways is the best for both parties.  I'm not sure he will return to full time club management.  Surely it's not worth the risk for him?

[eastie]

Reportedly a £2.5 m pay off so that's not as bad as it could be, now the fun begins as we wait to see who will be our new leader- whoever it is let's hope they get the right man.

[Toronto Villa]

As he says, he wanted to return but needs a few months to recuperate fully.  Unfortunately we can't afford that luxury so a parting of the ways is the best for both parties.  I'm not sure he will return to full time club management.  Surely it's not worth the risk for him?

Maybe a gig back with the French FA? I don't think anyone will take the risk with him as a manager, here or abroad.

[Risso]

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

Other than at Man City in the FA Cup you mean?

[maidstonevillain]

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.

Thirded. Really was hoping he would get a chance at least another season to show what he could do. Feel a little bit down.

Best of luck Gerard.

[Jimbo]

Of the last three managers to vacate the Villa Park hotseat, he's the only one to leave with any dignity. All the best, Gerard. Au revoir.

[Greg N'Ash]

A shame all round really. I hope some of the shit-stirrers in the squad are proud of themselves. Now we've got to hope Randy appoints someone good and not the cheapest (Hughes)

[villajk]

Very best wishes for a full and quick recovery, Gerard.

[jonc73]

I was warming to him until the Man City game, which I'm still annoyed about, but a decent finish in the end.I liked his dealings in the transfer market too, Pires aside.The end of a year to forget, all the best GH

[eric woolban woolban]

Best wishes in your recuperation. Don't go back to managing though Gerard. A nice 'comfy' position upstairs awaits you somewhere.

I hoped you asked to let Gary Mac step aside too.

[hawkeye]

Closure

[richardhubbard]

Good luck GH, but he wont be missed

[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

Other than at Man City in the FA Cup you mean?

Like a lot of his decisions, he did what he thought was best and I and many others couldn't have disagreed more, but as I have said before, I don't believe it was done with any malice. Incompetance maybe, but not malice.

[Olneythelonely]

Good luck GH, but he wont be missed

By you maybe.

[Legion]

I'll miss him. As I've said before I'd have liked to have seen what he could have done with a full pre-season, his own players and his system. I think we'd have done really well given time.