Thommo expects Houllier return

Gerard Houllier will return to the Aston Villa dug-out according to Phil Thompson, despite his heart problems flaring up again.

The Villa boss, 63, is in Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth II medical centre for tests after being admitted on Wednesday night with chest pains.

Villa officials have told their manager to rest, and he is unlikely to be in charge of Villa again this season.

But his old Liverpool assistant Thompson, who was with Houllier in 2001 when he needed an emergency heart operation, reckons the Frenchman will return.

Thompson yesterday spoke to Villa club doctor Mark Waller, who also worked at Liverpool under Houllier.

"I've spoken to Doc Waller and he's told me that everything is fine and he's doing all right," said Thompson.

"He's been making loads of calls on his mobile phone and after his family and football, his favourite thing is his phone. All the signs are positive.

"When he was ill before, in 2001, I always believed from day one when I was standing in for him [as Liverpool boss] that he would come back, and from what I'm told his illness this time is nothing as bad as what happened before, thankfully.

"He's had some difficulties at Villa, as he had in his early days at Liverpool. I think everyone at Villa will come to trust him as a father figure."

Thompson was stunned to hear Houllier had been taken to hospital, as he says he has always looked after himself since his heart surgery.

"Gerard has been extremely careful with his health," he added. "Every six months, he goes for his check-ups and everything has been good."

Houllier's assistant, Gary McAllister is now in charge for tomorrow's visit by Stoke as Villa look to secure their top-flight status.

McAllister and Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner both went to visit Houllier yesterday as he underwent tests and is likely to be kept in several days.

Houllier had plenty of colour in his face and was laughing and joking and asking McAllister about training.

Villa's owner, Randy Lerner, is in America but is due at the Stoke game and plans to see Houllier over the weekend.

But the meeting is not to discuss Houllier's future and the club do not want to put pressure on the Frenchman while he recovers.

In the meantime, Villa's star-studded squad are anxious to ease Houllier's lingering relegation concerns.

"A good win against Stoke will help him no doubt and be the perfect boost for him," said England midfielder Stewart Downing. "Gary McAllister told us that the gaffer wants us to carry on playing like we're playing and to win as many points as we can between now and the end of the season."

Striker Darren Bent added: "It was a big shock to all the players, but the main thing is his health and hopefully he is back soon. All of the players wish the gaffer a speedy recovery and if we can turn that into another win against Stoke, that will be one less thing for the manager to have to worry about."

Faulkner said: "I spoke with him and he sounded very positive. I've also received a lot of good wishes from fans and I would like to thank them for their kind thoughts in wishing Gerard a speedy recovery."

Source: Daily Mirror

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