Villa poised to name Houllier

Aston Villa are expected to announce former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier as Martin O'Neill's successor on Monday.

The 63 year-old had taken the weekend to ensure that his family - understandably worried that his history of heart problems could resurface with a return to front-line management - were happy with his decision to accept the role offered to him last week.

It is likely that Kevin MacDonald, presently caretaker manager, will assume duties as first team coach, provided he has not been left disenchanted by the board's failure to contact him in the immediate days following his own interview for the managerial role.

The reaction of supporters to Houllier's appointment, meanwhile, is set to be mixed. Some of the less enthusiastic remarks have provoked Randy Lerner's confident, General Charles Krulak, into firing a warning shot at those who have voiced their doubts in cyberspace.

"Any manager worth their salt is going to do some due diligence on the club, and that would probably include reading up on the fans and the type of support they might receive," Krulak said.

"Take Mr H [Houllier]. What ever anyone thinks of him, he deserves respect from the fans. He has a fine record with multiple clubs and deserves better for the amount of effort he has put into his chosen career than to be ridiculed. We are bigger than that."

Krulak also chided impatient supporters. "Those who believe that all we need to do is walk into a manager's office and throw a wad of money at him and he will come with us just have zero idea of what it takes," he said.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.