Football: Houllier steps down as manager

Gerard Houllier has stepped down as Aston Villa manager citing health problems.

LONDON: Gerard Houllier has stepped down as Aston Villa manager after relinquishing control for the last five games of the season due to health problems. Houllier, 63, was confined to a hospital bed for eight days in April a decade after undergoing open heart surgery. “The club can confirm that by mutual consent Houllier has stepped down as manager of Aston Villa with immediate effect,” said a statement on the club website. Houllier, who took over Aston Villa last September after the departure of Martin O’Neill, said he was disappointed that he would not have the opportunity to manage the club next season. Houllier guided Liverpool to the League Cup the year he required heart surgery after falling ill at a match.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2011.