Apr 21, 2011

Villa boss Houllier in hospital

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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been admitted to hospital, the club has confirmed.


The 63-year-old was taken to hospital in Birmingham overnight.


He has spoken to the club's chief executive Paul Faulkner and his condition is said to be comfortable.


Assistant manager Gary McAllister will take Thursday's training session. Houllier has thanked supporters for their concern.


He is expected to remain in hospital for a couple of days as a precaution and it is anticipated McAllister will take charge of the team on Saturday for their game against Stoke at Villa Park.


Mr Faulkner said Houllier sounded "positive" when he spoke to him.


"I've also received a lot of good wishes from fans and I would like to thank them for their kind thoughts in wishing Gerard a speedy recovery," he said.


"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."

'Healthier and fitter'

Houllier had major surgery after suffering heart-related problems in 2001, whilst manager of Liverpool FC.


He arrived at Villa Park in September to succeed Martin O'Neill.


When he took the position Houllier revealed he had consulted his heart surgeon before accepting the job.


He said he had returned to speak to Dr Abbas Rashid, the man who led the team who performed his 11-hour operation, and was given a clean bill of health.


"When you go into a job you know there will be pressure, that it will be hard work and you won't sleep every night," he said at the time.


"You need to make sure your body is ready. I have checked that. I am much healthier and fitter now than I was before."


Villa have been hovering around the relegation zone in recent weeks, although they have won their past two matches and the club previously said Houllier had their "total support" as he attempts to guide them to Premier League safety.


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