• Premier League

Doctor urges Houllier to retire

ESPN staff
April 29, 2011
Gerard Houllier is recovering at home after being released from hospital © Getty Images
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Gerard Houllier is determined to remain in charge of Aston Villa, despite being advised to retire by a leading cardiologist.

Houllier was released from hospital earlier this week and his No. 2 Gary McAllister has revealed the Frenchman is already making plans for next season.

It is clear that Houllier feels his latest health scare, which comes 10 years after he had heart surgery while in charge of Liverpool, is nothing serious.

"He loves his job and wants to be back involved," McAllister said. "There is a plan to move forward which is already there. We are down the line now on a few things on who might want to come here."

Houllier has been warned that he is risking his life by continuing his career in football management.

"My own assessment, without knowing Gerard Houllier or having seen him, is quite frankly he's had one brush with the Grim Reaper already," Harley Street cardiologist Dr Duncan Dymond said. "Now he's had a serious warning and to put himself through this again with the stresses and strains of being a manager, I think he should call it a day.

"Stressful times can elevate blood pressure and bring on a heart attack. That's why Gerard Houllier would be well advised not to do this any more."

Reacting to the comments, McAllister said: "We're appreciative of the guy's concern but he doesn't know the case. Gerard's been advised that given time and rest, he'll be fine. I know I'm not writing him off."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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