Villa chief backing Houllier

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    Struggling Villa continue to get behind under-pressure boss

    Last updated: 22nd March 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

    Villa chief backing Houllier

    Houllier: Under pressure

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    Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has publicly reiterated his support for under-fire manager Gerard Houllier.

    Poor results have left Villa just a point clear of the Premier League relegation zone, with supporters directing their frustrations at the French boss.

    The club slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against Wolves on Saturday, prompting fans to chant ‘Houllier out’ and ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ after the final whistle.

    But Faulkner has echoed the club’s stance that the manager’s position is not under threat by insisting Houllier is the right man for the task ahead.

    He said: “Our best chance of staying up is with Gerard.”

    Villa director General Charles Krulak, meanwhile, has urged the team to ‘kick the c**p’ out of their opponents as they bid to avoid relegation.

    The non-executive director, a confidante of Villa owner Randy Lerner and a Vietnam war veteran, posted a heartfelt message on supporters’ forum Villa Talk in an attempt to rally the fans.

    Battle

    The American said: “When my Marines put on their uniforms and the emblem of the Corps and went into battle and things got tough, they did not fight for their Commander, they fought for their brothers-in-arms, the men wearing their uniform and emblem.

    “When a player puts on a kit and wears the club badge, I would expect the same. We have very good lads who know how to play with passion. We have all seen them do it and have cheered them on. They are professionals who have given 110 per cent in many games.

    “What we need now is to quit pointing fingers and everyone look at the Claret and Blue of our kit and the badge they are wearing and go out and kick the c**p out of the next teams we play until the end of the season!”

    Winger Stewart Downing says he and his Villa team-mates are aware they are now facing a tough relegation scrap this season.

    “We have got a job on our hands now,” England international Downing said in the Daily Star. “We have got to get some good results.

    “Wolves did a good job on us but sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say you weren’t good enough on the day.”

    Barclays Prem Relegation 10/11 Relegation: Aston Villa 7/1

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