Warnock frustrated during Houllier reign

Defender Stephen Warnock has hit out at Gerard Houllier’s Aston Villa reign, venting his frustration over being sidelined at the club.

Warnock was made to train with the reserves during Houllier’s brief spell in charge and expressed his relief at returning to the first team set-up following the French manager’s departure.

“It was frustrating and I never want it to happen again,” Warnock told The Sun.

“That’s why I’m so hungry to do well now.”

Warnock has played in all eight of Villa’s Premier League games so far this season under new manager Alex McLeish.

The former Blackburn Rovers left-back credited reserve team coach Kevin MacDonald, who temporarily took charge of first-team affairs before Houllier’s arrival, with keeping his spirits up during the challenging period.

“It was very difficult but I was lucky to have coach Kevin MacDonald with me when I was training with the reserves,” he said.

“He kept me on top of my game and made sure my head was right.”