Phil Thompson: Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier appears to be doing fine

EPL : Gerard Houllier, Aston Villa v Newcastle United

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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier‘s former assistant Phil Thompson has revealed that he has had contact with the Frenchman’s doctor, and insists that he is doing well considering that he is in a hospital.

The former Reds boss had to be hospitalised on Wednesday due to illness, which sparked memories of his days at Anfield when he had to undergo emergency surgery.

Back in 2001, Houllier fell ill at half-time during a game between Liverpool and Leeds United, and had to be rushed to a hospital where he underwent an operation that kept him out of active managerial duties for five months.

At the time, Thompson took charge of the Merseyside club on a temporary basis and helped guide the club to a second-place finish in the Premier League.

Now, however, it is believed that the boss’ current condition is not as serious as it was in 2001, as the Liverpool legend revealed that he has spoken to Villa club doctor Mark Waller about Houllier.

“I’ve spoken to Doc Waller and he’s told me that everything is fine and he’s doing all right,” Thompson said, according to The Mirror.

“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.”