Aston Villa received good news when they learned Gerard Houllier needed no surgery. The Frenchman, with a history of heart problems was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday for chest pains. In his absence, Gary McAllister, the assistant coach will guide Villa through to the rest of the season.
It has been a vexing time for Villans as the season resembles a thrashing eel. Hard to get a hand on. As high as 3rd and as low as 18th in a wildly fluctuating run. On paper, a very good side. On the pitch they’ve been underwhelming especially away.
Houllier’s delicate health may mean Randy Lerner will spend the summer looking for a new manager. Martin Jol is available and so is former Villa manager Martin O’Neill, who has expressed a desire to return to coaching. Rafa Benitez with his wings clipped, may also want to come back to the Premier League.
O’ Neill was not able to guide the club to the top echelon but his seasons were the models of stability. Which is what Villans might crave after this rollercoaster.