Houllier - Give McLeish a chance

[Rip Van We Go Again]

sportinglife.com

Gerard Houllier has urged Aston Villa fans to give his successor Alex McLeish the chance to prove he is the right man for the managerial job.

Former Birmingham boss McLeish has upset some sections of Villa supporters by making the move across the city to replace Houllier.

But Houllier, who was forced to quit because of health reasons three weeks ago, believes McLeish should be given the opportunity to show his credentials.

He said: "I think Gabby Agbonlahor (Villa striker) said some comments about giving him (McLeish) a chance - and I agree.

"He's football through and through and I think he's a good signing for the club.

"I've known him a long time and he's a nice person and a straightforward guy.

"I think Alex is strong enough. He's got the personnel to win football matches."

McLeish will give a fresh chance to players such as Stephen Ireland, Stephen Warnock and Habib Beye, who had little opportunity to play under Houllier.

He said: "There will be a clean slate for not only the young players but also the players already here.

"That includes those who perhaps were probably in the doldrums, those not playing at their best.

"Maybe we can give them a spark by coming in. It's a clean slate for everybody."

[garyfouroaks]

Stephen ireland and Habib beye in the side - top four here we come.......

[Lambert and Payne]

Not sure about ireland, willing to give warnock a try, beye can fuck off

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

McLeish getting Ireland playing would be a bigger achievment than when Clough kept Kenny Burns out of trouble and got him performing. 

[supertom]

Ireland has so much potential. If we can get him playing, then the void left by Ash Young might not be so vast. I have nothing against prick footballers if they do the business on the pitch, but Ireland seems to want to piss his talent into the wind. A bit like flash dan David Bentley, he doesn't work hard enough. Happy to count his cash and play with his toys.

Warnock played well in the first half of his first season. If he can get back to that form, then we've one less position to worry about. Good left backs are hard to find at the moment. Beye is just bobbins, and old now. I'd quite like to see Lichaj given a chance at right back. I think he can make the grade. Luke Young is reliable on the whole.

Dunney will hopefully recapture his best form. I think McLeish is more his sort of manager.

[PeterWithesShin]

All we are saying, is give McLeish a chance.

[cdbearsfan]

Nice words by Gerard. He didn't have to say anything, but did.

[Pete3206]

hear, hear

[darren woolley]

He is right let's all give Alex a chance.

[Phil from the upper holte]

How many people need to say the same thing?

Agbonlahor, Morley, Houllier, Who's next?

[Rip Van We Go Again]

It's worth pointing out that Houllier made these comments on board his brand new 24ct solid gold yacht.

God knows where he got the money from for it.

[Duncan Shaw]

OK, me.
I think we should give him a chance!

[Phil from the upper holte]

Hmm I wonder Fletch..

[Greg N'Ash]

Classy from GH i think, and Gary Mac seems to have helped the new boss as well.. Can't help feeling they were two decent men let down by circumstances and lack of professionalism from some players.

Ah well..........

[Ger Regan]

Agree completely greg. I think I need a lie down.