Aston Villa confirmed the appointment of Gerard Houllier as manager on Wednesday.
Houllier, who succeeds Martin O’Neill, has agreed to a three-year deal. The 63-year-old, who left Liverpool six years ago, had been working as technical director for the French Football Federation.
“I am very happy and proud to join this great and historic club,” Houllier said. “It was a very difficult decision for me to leave the FFF.
“But I could not turn down the opportunity to manage a club whose approach, both on and off the pitch, I have long admired.
“Aston Villa is one of England’s biggest clubs and has an amazing set of fans.
“This is a tremendous challenge and one I am very much looking forward to taking on.” It is not clear who will work as Houllier’s assistant, after Phil Thompson, his number two at Anfield, rejected the chance to join him at Villa Park.
