• Premier League

Houllier showing 'positive' signs - Thompson

ESPN staff
April 22, 2011
Gerard Houllier's side only recently pulled clear of the relegation battle © PA Photos
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Gerard Houllier is recovering well from a heart scare according to Phil Thompson, the man who deputised for the Frenchman at Liverpool when he required an emergency heart operation in 2001.

Houllier has been admitted to Queen Elizabeth II hospital in Birmingham after suffering chest pains and it is reported that he is unlikely to return to the dug-out for the remainder of the Premier League season.

He required five months out of the game when recovering from heart surgery in 2001 but Thompson, who has spoken with Villa club doctor Mark Waller, says Houllier's condition is not as serious as it was ten years ago.

"I've spoken to Doc Waller and he's told me that everything is fine and he's doing all right," Thompson told the Daily Mirror. "He's been making loads of calls on his mobile phone and after his family and football, his favourite thing is his phone. All the signs are positive.

"When he was ill before, in 2001, I always believed from day one when I was standing in for him [as Liverpool boss] that he would come back, and from what I'm told his illness this time is nothing as bad as what happened before, thankfully."

"Gerard has been extremely careful with his health," he added. "Every six months, he goes for his check-ups and everything has been good."

Striker Darren Bent added: "It was a big shock to all the players, but the main thing is his health and hopefully he is back soon. All of the players wish the gaffer a speedy recovery and if we can turn that into another win against Stoke, that will be one less thing for the manager to have to worry about."

Assistant Gary McAllister will take charge of the side for Saturday's game against Stoke, and winger Stewart Downing added: "Obviously, everyone at the club is concerned for the manager. It's never nice, an experience like this, especially for his family.

"But the news is that he's going to be all right and that's pleasing and reassuring. A good win against Stoke on Saturday will help him no doubt. In fact, the last couple of weeks have been good and I'm sure the gaffer will want us to continue in this vein.

"That's what Gary McAllister told us, that the gaffer wants us to carry on playing like we're playing and to win as many points as we can between now and the end of the season. Hopefully, a good result on Saturday will be the perfect boost for him.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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