Gerard Houllier - RIP

[Risso]

I think it's a bit unlikely it would have worked out had he stayed, even if he had been fit enough.  Lerner's interest and ability to support the team was on the wane and as we've seen you really need a committed and engaged (not to mention minted) owner to have a chance, whoever the manager is.

[PeterWithe]

Lerner bought him Darren Bent at that stage didn't he?

[Richard E]

Lerner bought him Darren Bent at that stage didn't he?

And Jean Makoun II, don't forget!

[Risso]

Lerner bought him Darren Bent at that stage didn't he?

He did.  That looked like an emergency signing to stave off relegation though rather than any long term strategy for success. The year after was when it was really evident that we were on the start of the downward spiral.  We sold all the mainstays of the O'Neill years in Young, Milner and Downing etc.

[tony scott]

Sad will always wonder what he might have achieved with us.

[Risso]

Lerner bought him Darren Bent at that stage didn't he?

And Jean Makoun II, don't forget!

Jean II Makoun to be more precise!

[PaulWinch again]

RIP Gerard.

[manic-road]

RIP Gerard, always came across as a decent bloke.

[eamonn]

Lerner bought him Darren Bent at that stage didn't he?

And Jean Makoun II, don't forget!

I shan't forget Jean's jumper at his unveiling. Magnificent.

On a serious note, I remember seeing Houllier at the Emirates when we lost 2-1 there under Lambert and he looked absolutely shocking. Gaunt, slow and frail. I wondered if the operation he had which ended his spell with us, had taken its toll, and that was 7 years ago.

[PeterWithe]

Lerner bought him Darren Bent at that stage didn't he?

He did.  That looked like an emergency signing to stave off relegation though rather than any long term strategy for success. The year after was when it was really evident that we were on the start of the downward spiral.  We sold all the mainstays of the O'Neill years in Young, Milner and Downing etc.

Although at the time there were plently that thought replacing them with Albrighton, Ireland and N'Zogbia looked pretty decent business. Although hindsight proved me, err they, very, very wrong. I'd say it was a season or so later that Lerner's lack of interest became evident.

[Richard E]

Lerner bought him Darren Bent at that stage didn't he?

And Jean Makoun II, don't forget!

Jean II Makoun to be more precise!

Yes, it was, wasn't it?

[dave shelley]

RIP Gerard, one of life's decent individuals.  I too felt that we were improving when he was taken ill.  Many thanks Gerard and condolences to your family and friends.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Sad news indeed - I can confirm that he was a thoroughly decent guy - a close friend of mine is an eminent heart surgeon on Merseyside and was part of the team that operated on Gerard when he was taken ill whilst managing Liverpool. He was obviously extremely grateful to the team that saved his life, but went the extra mile to make sure he thanked them all personally. RIP Gerard     
Just spoken with an ex work colleague who's partner is the LFC official photographer - they were in Paris in the summer celebrating her 50th birthday - Gerard got wind of them being in France and treated them to a slap up meal in Paris - my buddy said he was a lovely fella and His partner was devastated at the news of his passing ...one of football's decent guys

[Three Spires Villa]

Very very sad

[Toronto Villa]

Very saddened by this. He had plenty of detractors but I honestly felt had he stayed healthy we have turned the corner much faster and built from there. Players who offered nothing would have gone. The players we were immediately linked with were in many cases up and coming talent. I would have enjoyed having one or two very decent French players. And certainly when I watch Toronto’s Michael Bradley play I certainly wished we’d given him more of a chance.

2020 continues to be a very challenging year. RIP Gerard.