Gerard Houllier believes Aston Villa fans should give Alex McLeish a chance as club’s manager

EPL ; Alex McLeish – Gerard Houllier, Birmingham City v Aston Villa(Getty Images)

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Gerard Houllier believes new Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish deserves a chance to prove himself at the club.

The 63-year-old Frenchman was forced to quit his managerial position at the Villa Park due to health problems.

Many fans are appalled at club owner Randy Lerner’s decision to hire the manager of arch-rivals Birmingham City, but Houllier believes hiring McLeish was a good decision.

He told reporters: “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.”

McLeish knows that a fan backlash is a high possibility if the Scot is unable to start the new season successfully. 

But Houllier doesn’t view his move across the city as too daunting an obstacle for the former Rangers manager and thinks the new Villa Park boss could rejuvenate players who perhaps weren’t in favour under him.

“I think Alex is strong enough. He’s got the personnel to win football matches,” 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 he can give them a spark by coming in – it’s a clean slate for everybody.”

Houllier was manager at Liverpool for six years until 2004 and has also managed Lens, Paris St Germain and France during his career.