Gerard Houlier New Villa Manager

8 Sep 2010

Gerard Houllier is this afternoon set to be unveiled as the new manager of Aston Villa – and his appointment couldn’t have come at a more important time.

Following Martin O’Neill’s shock resignation just five days before the start of the season, Villa have endured a shaky start to their Premiership campaign, and must regain some measure of stability if they’re to contend for a European spot.

Though caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald had managed to steer his team to recent victories against West Ham and Everton, fans still have reasons to be nervous – a shock 6-0 battering at Newcastle United only served to compound the misery of four days later, when they exited the Europa League in the exact same circumstances as the year before: a two-legged defeat in the pre-group stage to Rapid Vienna.

Heads may be down at Villa Park right now but if there’s one thing Houiller can bring to a new club, it’s a morale boost; his three French league titles form the foundations of what has been a solid managerial career. Liverpool fans will point to their team winning all three cup competitions in which they competed, during an historic 2000-01 season, as proof that Houiller can cut it in tournament football.

 As they’re not throwing money around, Villa could do with a decent cup run to boost the coffers and go for the next level of competition. Villa are 16-1 with Boylesports to achieve a cheeky top four finish, and 20-1 with 888Sport to win this year’s FA Cup; with an experienced battler like Houiller due to take the helm, this might be the best time to get in on the action. Avenging their Carling Cup final defeat earlier this year will be on fans’ minds too; they’re 18-1 with Paddy Power to go one better than last season. Only time will tell if Houllier can raise the spirits at Villa Park this season.