Gerard Houllier, Gary McAllister and Robert Duverne could form Villa's new-look management team by Monday
Sep 16 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
GERARD Houllier’s Aston Villa revolution is almost up and running with the new manager, assistant Gary McAllister and coach Robert Duverne set to be in position by Monday.
Houllier’s official start date was finally confirmed by the club yesterday after the former France technical director secured his release from the French Football Federation.
Villa’s new boss is optimistic of being joined by his former Liverpool on-pitch general McAllister and his ex-Lyon compatriot Duverne by the start of next week.
Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bolton will be caretaker Kevin MacDonald’s last in charge with Houllier watching from the Trinity Road directors’ box.
Houllier and his new backroom team will then take training for the first time on Monday ahead of their dugout debut for next Wednesday’s Carling Cup tie against Blackburn at Villa Park.
“Gerard Houllier will take charge of the team after the Bolton game,” said a club statement. “He will be in charge for the Carling Cup game against Blackburn Rovers next Wednesday.”
Duverne is close to joining Villa after quitting his post as assistant manager at newly-promoted French Ligue 1 club Arles-Avignon.
The 43-year-old worked alongside Houllier during his successful spell at Lyon from 2005-07, which included back-to-back title wins.
Duverne, who played as an amateur for Saint-Victor Cessie, has spent most of his 20 years as a conditioning coach at Lyon.
However, his most recent role before his short time at Arles-Avignon was with the France national team at the World Cup.
Duverne was caught up in controversy during Les Bleus’ first-round failure in South Africa after clashing with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
