Houllier to miss Stoke clash

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is expected to remain in hospital for several days and will miss Saturday’s clash with Stoke City.

The Frenchman, who has a history of heart problems, was admitted to hospital on Wednesday evening where he is in a comfortable condition and is currently undergoing further tests.

Houllier required life-saving emergency surgery in October 2001 while at the helm of Liverpool after complaining of chest pains during half time of the Premier League clash with Leeds at Anfield.

An 11-hour procedure was required to repair an aortic dissection but he made a full recovery and was able to return to his duties with the Merseyside giants in March 2002.

Houllier’s assistant Gary McAllister will take charge of team affairs in the absence of the 63-year-old, starting with the Premier League clash against Stoke at Villa Park this weekend.

Comfortable

“The club can confirm that Gerard Houllier was admitted to hospital last night. He is in a comfortable condition.”
Aston Villa statement Quotes of the week

A statement on the club’s official website read: “The club can confirm that Gerard Houllier was admitted to hospital last night. He is in a comfortable condition and he wishes to convey his appreciation to Aston Villa supporters for their concern and good wishes.

“The manager spoke to chief executive Paul Faulkner this morning and he is currently undergoing tests. It is anticipated that he will remain in hospital for several days.

“Assistant manager Gary McAllister has taken training this morning and he will be in charge of the team for the game against Stoke on Saturday at Villa Park.

“The club’s thoughts at this time are with Gerard and his family.”

Villa chief executive Faulkner, who is planning to visit Houllier on Thursday, confirmed owner Randy Lerner had sent a get-well message to their manager, who was in good spirits despite being admitted to hospital.

Positive

“I spoke with him this morning, as did Gary before he took training, and he sounded very positive.”
Paul Faulkner Quotes of the week

Faulkner added: “On behalf of the football club, Mr Lerner and I wish to convey our best wishes to Gerard. I spoke with him this morning, as did Gary before he took training, and he sounded very positive.

“I’ve also receive d a lot of good wishes from fans and I would like to thank them for their kind thoughts in wishing Gerard a speedy recovery.

“I will see him this afternoon, along with Gary, and we will pass on the fans’ messages. I know they will mean a lot to him.

“We would ask everybody to respect his privacy and that of his family at this time.”

Houllier was appointed as Martin O’Neill’s replacement in September and has endured a difficult campaign, but the club now appear certain to be playing Premier League football again next season after back-to-back victories over Newcastle and West Ham.