Let me get the honesty out the way. I don’t know with any certainty that what I am going to suggest is synonymous with the view of the board. It is a bit of knowledge, and a bit of guesswork. So, to that end, this is more of an article to gauge the reaction of the idea, than me suggesting it is going to happen.
As we are all aware, Gerard Houllier left his role as Aston Villa manager last week. In doing so, he was essentially forced to admit that he couldn’t cut it as a manager because of his health issues. The fact he wasn’t jumping around on the touchline for fear of a relapse was something that I had mentioned for many months over at TVB when I used to write for them. At the time it was shouted down, and I was told that people who have heart problems run marathons after. Yes, some do. Houllier didn’t, and couldn’t. That was known fact to some of us way before his relapse, and is documented in my comments on the aforementioned blog.
Anyway, the termination of Houllier’s contract was a sad time for Randy. People who know the club know that Gerard will be staying in Birmingham to recuperate, taking the sensible option to be located near to doctors who can monitor his progress. What I am going to suggest though would involve a, perhaps controversial, plan involving Gerard being back at the club.
“Wait I minute,” I hear you say “we don’t want Houllier back as manager.”
Well that is where I am going to lead on to. This idea doesn’t involve him coming back as manager. It involves him being involved with the club in a different role. Some might call this a director of football, whilst in other rationalities it could be view as a talent scout. Depending on which manager gets installed (to that end nobody really has any solid idea – those who claim they do are lying), the role may vary.
Option 1 – Director of Football
The first option involves what a lot of people might call a director of football set up. In this role, Gerard Houllier would have a more active role at the club, offering mentoring to a young manager. Think someone on the lines of Roberto Martinez. It means that Martinez wouldn’t be thrust so quickly into the pressures of going from Wigan to Villa, but would mean he has the support of a successful manager who can assist him by spending time scouting as well as offering advice and options regarding coaching and other options. Ultimately, Martinez would pick the team, but Houllier would help when needed.
Option 2 – Head of External Development
The second option revolves around the installation of a more experienced manager at the club. This strategy, to that end, would involve someone like Moyes or Hughes – a manager of that ilk. In this sort of role, Gerard would take a more advisory role, spending his time travelling around Europe scouting top quality players for the club. Not just the stars of the top teams, but the cream of the youth too. To this end, it would offer a solid foundation for the club, whilst allowing Moyes to get on with the management of the club unhindered.
These are just a few ideas as I don’t think we’ve seen the end of Gerard’s involvement just yet. I personally think Gerard would be a fantastic asset to our club in either of those roles, and it would mean he can stay in football without the pressure that is associated with the first team.
This is all postulation though, so I’d be glad to hear your thoughts. I know the club reads this site, so your opinions will show the club your view of the situation.
The Author
