This weeks worst kept secret in English football has finally been revealed. Gerard Houllier is the new Aston Villa manager.
It is an appointment that has divided opinion in the claret & blue ranks, with Randy Lerners' right hand man, General Charles Krulak, defending the decision before it had actually been made public. "Whatever anyone thinks of him, he deserves respect from the fans of this club," said the General on a fans message board.
And to that extent I don't think anybody can disagree.
Some fans didn't want Kevin MacDonald becuse of his lack of experience. Well Houllier has that in bucket loads.
Some fans didn't want Curbishley because he hadn't won anything of note. UEFA CUP, League Cup, Charity Shiled, Super Cup, FA Cup, French League and cup. Yes, Houllier checks that box.
Most fans didn't want Sven Goran Eriksson because of the huge amount of bagage he would have come with. Last time I checked I didn't see Gerard Houllier entertaining a fake sheik, wining and dining an endless line of women, or putting himself in the frame for every 'big job' that came along. Three out three for Gerard then.
Out of the others linked with the job Maradona was a none starter, Koeman has no English experience and Alex McCleish was never going to cross the divide; and I doubt Randy Lerner ever seriously considered it.
Since his last managerial post at Lyon, Houllier has been working for the French Football Federation, travelling the world, taking in game after game, player after player. The scouting network which Holte Enders have lambasted over the past few years will undoubtedly be reformed from top to bottom. A bit of foreign flair to compliment the British graft and guile can only be a good thing in B6.
The only thing the club is yet to resolve is the coaching structure at the club. Kevin MacDonald is without doubt a talented coach, and possibly a future manager. Houllier would do far worse than have him as his assistant.
So when General Krulak demands that Villa supporters respect Gerard Houllier this is the least they should do. The Frenchman will bring dedication, planning, desire and above all enthusiasm to the job that most fans would do for free. He deserves the support of the fans from the off. The job is tough and it wont be easy but if anyone can improve on what Martin O'Neill did in his four years at the helm then Houllier can.
The King is dead. Long live the King!
UTV!
P.S. Villa fans, if that doesn't convince you, maybe the memory of Houlliers' Liverpool reducing Trevor Francis and Andy Johnson to tears in the League Cup Final in 2001 will!
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