McAllister assures Villa he can cover for Houllier
Published 23:01 24/04/11 By James Nursey
Gary McAllister has assured Aston Villa officials they can rely on him as caretaker while Gerard Houllier recovers from illness.
The Villa boss, 63, was admitted to hospital last week after suffering chest pains and has a history of heart problems.
His assistant McAllister, 46, has stepped up to run the team and was in charge for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke.
The Scot, who has managed Coventry City and Leeds United, said: “I’m a professional man. I’m the No.2 and when the manager is not here, I’ve got to go in.
“I’m fortunate that I’ve managed another big city club in Leeds, and managed not far away at Coventry.
“That bit of experience has helped. Of course, I don’t choose it to be this way. I’d rather be No.2.
“I trust Gerard and Gerard trusts me, that is the big thing.”
McAllister insists he expects Houllier to return to Villa Park once he gets the green light from doctors.
He added: “I know the type of man he is. I know what Gerard wants, what he loves, where he wants to be – and it’s on the training ground with players every day.”
Villa said yesterday that Houllier remained “comfortable”, but there were no details on how long the Frenchman would remain in hospital.
