Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier leaves hospital after heart scare

EPL : Gerard Houllier (Aston Villa vs Chelsea) – (Gettyimages)

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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been discharged from hospital after spending a week in the coronary care unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Houllier, who was under observation after complaining of chest pains last week, was allowed to leave the unit on Thursday evening, a club statement has confirmed.

The statement reads: “The club is happy to confirm that Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier was discharged from the coronary care unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital this evening.”

Assistant manager Gary McAllister, who has taken temporary charge at Villa Park since Houllier’s illness, has admitted that he is unsure whether Houllier will return as boss.

“Can Houllier return to management? That’s the big question down the line,” he told reporters.

“That will be after he speaks to friends, family and people he respects but, most importantly, the doctors. There’s no rush to be made on that decision.”

The 46-year-old also indicated that life at the club is continuing as normal despite Houllier’s absence.

He said: “Of course, it would be better if Gerard was here, but everything is in place to move on.

“Whether it be attracting new players, or players coming to the end of their contract, a lot of decisions have already been made.”