Houllier taken to hospital

Houllier: Villa manager in hospital after being taken ill on Wednesday night

Sky Sports News understands Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is in a comfortable condition in hospital after being taken ill on Wednesday night.

The Frenchman, who has been in charge at Villa Park since September, will remain in hospital for the time being and is hoping to be released soon.

Former Liverpool boss Houllier was forced to undergo life-saving emergency heart surgery in October 2001 after complaining of chest pains at half-time of the Anfield outfit's Premier League game with Leeds.

The 63-year-old made a fully recovery from an 11-hour procedure to repair an aortic dissection and returned to the dug-out in March 2002.

Houllier has endured a difficult campaign back in Premier League management with Villa sliding into a relegation battle, although recent victories over Newcastle and West Ham have seen the Midlands club reach the 40-point mark.

Villa are due to play host to Stoke at home in the Premier League on Saturday and it remains to be seen whether Houllier will be able to sit in the dugout for the weekend clash, with assistant boss Gary McAllister standing by.

The veteran tactician left Liverpool in May 2004 and had a two-year spell in charge of Ligue 1 outfit Lyon from 2005-2007 before taking a role with the French Football Federation prior to being tempted back into English football.

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Villa boss Houllier in hospital

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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