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

[Nev]

We could all have said Bent would be a good buy, I have been saying it since he was at Ipswich, but the manner in which it was executed was exemplary.

Try telling Oliver Holt, who now looks a prize prick after all his bitching and moaning.

[cheltenhamlion]

Oliver Holt is a ******. Everything he said at that time was to try and back up his great pal MON being hard done by.

[gervilla]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_6964536,00.html

Houllier speaks .

[usav]

Key parts:

"I almost died. The doctors advised me to not resume before late in August or early in September. So it was a problem.

"The officials were also scared my comeback could be postponed again at that time. I can understand that. The risk exists.

"They are still traumatised with what happened last year, when Martin O'Neill left five days before the start of the season. So they didn't want such a possibility to happen again.

"I am on form again and I have recovered well. Last week, I went back to the training ground for the first time, and on a human level it is a real pain to have to make such a decision."

Houllier added: "Coaching is my job, my life, my passion.

"Maybe I will go on living in Birmingham for six months or one year, to have a good rest. I am in the countryside and very close to hospital and that is the perfect place."

I wish him all the best.

[Rigadon]

As do I.  A decent chap.

[citizenDJ]

I honestly underestimated just how poorly he was. I didn't realise he had 'almost died', so it only reaffirms the wisdom of the decision. I hope he's back on top form soon.

[Toronto Villa]

Key parts:

"I almost died. The doctors advised me to not resume before late in August or early in September. So it was a problem.

"The officials were also scared my comeback could be postponed again at that time. I can understand that. The risk exists.

"They are still traumatised with what happened last year, when Martin O'Neill left five days before the start of the season. So they didn't want such a possibility to happen again.

"I am on form again and I have recovered well. Last week, I went back to the training ground for the first time, and on a human level it is a real pain to have to make such a decision."

Houllier added: "Coaching is my job, my life, my passion.

"Maybe I will go on living in Birmingham for six months or one year, to have a good rest. I am in the countryside and very close to hospital and that is the perfect place."

I wish him all the best.

That's quite a bit different to the spin some were putting on his comments on the day he left. I think he is genuinely very disappointed that his health has forced both parties into this decision. I'm sure Randy/Faulkner were very patient through all of this, and sympathetic. Business is business, and anyone who thinks at that level, he was walking away with nothing is naive. The club seems to have settled this amicably, and it doesn't appear from those comments that he feels pushed. As difficult as it is, he understands the situation, from his and the clubs perspective.

[not3bad]

"Aston Villa's Treatment of Gerard Houllier Was Nothing Short of Scandalous"

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/06/03/aston-villa-gerard-houllier/?

"Now he joins the ranks of managers jettisoned on owners' whims in Chris Hughton at Newcastle, Sam Allardyce at Blackburn and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea when they were doing sound jobs but became victims of ill-informed opinions and judgements.

We thought a bit better of Aston Villa, given Randy Lerner's seemingly enlightened attitudes previously, but after the departure of, and financial settlement with, Martin O'Neill, to be followed by the casting aside of Houllier, they appear to be in the same gutter as the majority in the Premier League."

[Rudy Can't Fail]

It does seem different TV but that could be the reality sinking in now. It's obvious the bloke lives for football and I'm sure he'd have loved a clear run at next season. He's a gent and if he does stick around Brum for the next 12 months, I really hope he gets himself down Villa Park to see a game or two. I imagine he'll be more than welcome.

[Toronto Villa]

It does seem different TV but that could be the reality sinking in now. It's obvious the bloke lives for football and I'm sure he'd have loved a clear run at next season. He's a gent and if he does stick around Brum for the next 12 months, I really hope he gets himself down Villa Park to see a game or two. I imagine he'll be more than welcome.

I'm sure ones emotions at the time and a day or two later once he's had time to reflect would be a little more sedate. However, I genuinely don't think he would have been bitter at the way he ended, just very disappointed all round. A piece of him at the time would naturally have wanted the club to give him more time, and I'm sure he fought his case. In the end the right decision was made, and emotions aside I think he knows it too.

I'm glad he's thinking about sticking around the area. He'd be brilliant to have aound the club, even in an advisory capacity. Hasn't Sir Graham occasionally provided advice to the club? Maybe GH can do likewise.

[Dave Cooper please]

"Aston Villa's Treatment of Gerard Houllier Was Nothing Short of Scandalous"

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/06/03/aston-villa-gerard-houllier/?

"Now he joins the ranks of managers jettisoned on owners' whims in Chris Hughton at Newcastle, Sam Allardyce at Blackburn and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea when they were doing sound jobs but became victims of ill-informed opinions and judgements.

We thought a bit better of Aston Villa, given Randy Lerner's seemingly enlightened attitudes previously, but after the departure of, and financial settlement with, Martin O'Neill, to be followed by the casting aside of Houllier, they appear to be in the same gutter as the majority in the Premier League."

Had to look who had written such uninformed bollocks.

Ian Ridley - 'nuff said.

[LeeB]

"Aston Villa's Treatment of Gerard Houllier Was Nothing Short of Scandalous"

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/06/03/aston-villa-gerard-houllier/?

"Now he joins the ranks of managers jettisoned on owners' whims in Chris Hughton at Newcastle, Sam Allardyce at Blackburn and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea when they were doing sound jobs but became victims of ill-informed opinions and judgements.

We thought a bit better of Aston Villa, given Randy Lerner's seemingly enlightened attitudes previously, but after the departure of, and financial settlement with, Martin O'Neill, to be followed by the casting aside of Houllier, they appear to be in the same gutter as the majority in the Premier League."

Had to look who had written such uninformed bollocks.

Ian Ridley - 'nuff said.

Ian "I Know Tony Adams, me" Ridley?

[garyshawsknee]

Even after the terrible defeats at City and Liverpool when I couldn't stand the site of GH,I did feel a bit sad with the news that he's gone. I know its all ifs and buts,but I feel he wouldve vastly improved the squad over the summer,got rid of the deadwood and we wouldve improved as a team,and be easier on the eye.

 There's not much he doesn't know about the game,and he's wealth of experience could've shaped the future of the the club for a while,like a poor mans Wenger.

 He's a decent guy,and I wish him all the best,especially concerning his health,for the future.

 

[Dave Cooper please]

Ian "I Know Tony Adams, me" Ridley?

That's the twat.

[eamonn]

I had no idea it was that serious. I think it's hard to find fault with any of Villa's conduct over this matter. Feel sorry for GHou but it really is the best decision for everyone concerned.