Reports: No Villa return for Houllier

Gerard Houllier is unlikely to return as Aston Villa manager despite positive test results on his heart, according to reports in the UK.

The Frenchman has a history of heart problems and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham last Wednesday after suffering from chest pains.

The 63-year-old’s place on the touchline has been taken by assistant Gary McAllister, but Aston Villa revealed on their website on Tuesday that Houllier – who underwent open heart surgery in 2001 – should return home soon.

McAllister will manage the side for the remainder of the season, though several reports in the UK claim Houllier is unlikely to return to management at Villa at all.

The club’s statement did not address Houllier’s future at the English Premier League outfit, though the news was good on the former Liverpool manager’s health.

“Gerard was admitted to hospital on Wednesday last week after complaining of chest pain. The cause of his chest pain was a dissection of the descending aorta,” club doctor Mark Weller said.

“All the tests have confirmed that his heart is working perfectly.”

“We are extremely encouraged by Gerard’s improvement over the past six days and we now anticipate that he will be discharged from the coronary care unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital within the next three to four days.”

Houllier said he was grateful for his treatment in hospital, as well as the wave of support he had received from the football community.

“I am extremely touched by all the messages I have received and by the reaction of people throughout the world of football. It has been overwhelming,” he said.

“I’m especially grateful to the Villa fans for their genuine concern and encouragement and to the fans of clubs up and down the country. There has been a groundswell of goodwill and I appreciate this so much.”

“I’m grateful to my players for their texts and messages and, of course, for their efforts in extending our recent unbeaten run on Saturday against Stoke and also to Gary McAllister and the rest of my staff – the team behind the team – for stepping in and taking the reins at this time. I’m grateful, too, to my managerial colleagues who have taken the time to get in touch with me.”

“You need to know that the care I have received at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been first class and I am in the debt of the medical staff whose expertise and human touch has helped me through these past six days.”

“My condition is improving and extremely encouraging.”