Houllier to leave club by 'mutual consent'

Gerard Houllier will stand down as Villa boss by mutual consent this week after medical reports revealed it was too risky for him to return to duty.

Houllier and Villa have reluctantly decided the 63-year-old should vacate his position with immediate effect following his recent heart scare.

Chairman Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner took the decision in conjunction with Houllier after listening to doctors' advice.

It was felt it was not fair for Houllier or the club to risk aggravating the Frenchman's heart condition with a high-pressure return to the dugout. Houllier's doctors and Villa's medical experts examined his test results over the weekend following his latest hospital appointment last Thursday.

Houllier has two-thirds of his £8 million three-year contract to run. A severance package has been discussed and Villa are expected to make an official announcement tomorrow.

He took over from caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald last September following Martin O'Neill's shock eve-of-season resignation.

Source: Birmingham Mail

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