Villa eyeing Moyes and Hughes as next boss
Published 23:01 17/05/11 By James Nursey
Aston Villa are closely monitoring David Moyes and Mark Hughes as the likelihood increases Gerard Houllier will not return as boss.
Houllier has not been back working at Villa since his latest heart scare last month as Gary McAllister remains in charge.
The Frenchman, 63, has avoided surgery but his wife Isabel is firmly against him returning to the pressures of full-time management.
Houllier has continued to take a keen interest in Villa and is working from home, advising McAllister.
But it is doubtful he can even attend Sunday’s Premier League game at home to former club Liverpool to observe in the stands.
The club are refusing to make a definitive decision on Houllier’s future or make any comment until after the season.
But with doubts remaining about the Frenchman's health, Villa owner Randy Lerner is keeping a close eye on both Everton boss Moyes and Fulham’s Hughes.
Moyes is getting frustrated at the lack of investment at Goodison, but while it would cost Villa around £3million in compensation to acquire him and his staff, it is believed Hughes' contract allows him to leave for nothing with summer.
Former Middlesbrough and England coach Steve McClaren is out of work and is also very keen on the post.
Villa need rebuilding this summer - Ashley Young is certain to be sold this summer, with Manchester United favourites for him - but underlined their potential with a superb 2-1 win against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
Defenders James Collins and Richard Dunne looked back to their best after an indifferent season in which Villa have conceded 59 goals, compared to 39 last term.
“I’ll admit there’s been a few wobbles," said Collins. “As a team and individually we know we’ve made errors that we didn’t last year, which we need to cut out.
“I think me and Richard have shown we still can do it, we are still good defenders. We enjoy playing with each other so we’re looking forward to next season.”
Villa were under the cosh for long periods against the Gunners, but Collins, Dunne, keeper Brad Friedel and full-backs Kyle Walker and Luke Young were resolute.
“I think it’s a sign of how well we can defend,” added Collins. “You saw it last season. I know we haven’t been at the levels we were last year but I think we showed signs of it again on Sunday.”
