Initially, it looked as if Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier's hospitalization was not overly serious, but it not looks as if the 63-year-old will not return to the dugout this season. Houllier was hospitalized overnight with chest pains and because he has a history of heart trouble, it raised more alarm than normal. While initial reports were that Houllier's condition was "very positive", no definitive prognosis has been made so he will remain in the hospital for further tests. In Houllier's absence, assistant Gary McAllister will take over the managerial duties for the rest of the season.
Gerard Houllier Will Not Manage Aston Villa Again This Season
McAllister has managed Coventry City and Leeds so he is not without managerial experience and he has already taken the reigns, having run training on Thursday. Gordan Cowens will join McAllister in the technical area to provide assistance, but the club does not have any plans to bring in additional assistance.
After training on Thursday, McAllister and chief executive Paul Faulkner visited Houllier in the hospital where they found him in good spirits. Houllier also had no problem discussing the morning’s training session with McAllister and issued some instructions ahead of Saturday’s match against Stoke.
This is not Houllier’s first bout with heart problems. In 2001, the Freshman was taken to the hospital with chest pains and immediately went into an 11-hour surgery to repair an aortic valve. With that prior history of heart trouble, Houllier got himself a full medical prior to accepting the Aston Villa post last September. That medical turned up no problems, but now back in the hospital with chest pains, the doctors plan on checking for any potential problems before releasing him.
Villa have begun to work themselves out of the relegation battle in recent weeks and now up to 10th, seven points clear of the drop zone, they appear to have staved off any relegation threat. The question now is the future of the club. Houllier is out for the remainder of the season and whether he can or wants to return next season is in doubt. Owner Randy Lerner will be in Birmingham for Saturday’s match against Stoke and will visit Houllier, but the club does not plan on making any decisions about the future until they have a definitive medical report from Houllier’s doctors.
See More:
