Wednesday, 1st June, 2011
Gerard Houllier has left his position as Aston Villa manager the Premier League club have announced.
Houllier, who had suffered a previous heart problem when in charge of Liverpool, was taken ill with a dissection of the descending aorta in April of this year, requiring assistant manager Gary McAllister to guide the team until the end of the season.
"The Club and Gerard have agreed amicably to this resolution and the search has begun for a new manager in order to prepare the team for the coming season", read a statement released by Aston Villa.
"I would like to thank Gerard for his considerable efforts over the past nine months and for the dedication, commitment and work ethic he has demonstrated as Villa manager", said the club’s chief executive Paul Faulkner.
"We regret the circumstances of Gerard’s departure and, naturally, we wish him well in his continued recovery.
"I know I speak for everyone associated with Aston Villa in expressing our hope that Gerard will return to full health as quickly as possible and we wish him all the best for the future."
Houllier himself expressed regret over the departure, but held out the possibility he may return to the game.
"I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season.
"My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on April 20. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football."
Villa will now start to search for a new manager, with Fulham boss Mark Hughes and former Liverpool man Rafael Benitez tipped as frontrunners.
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