Aston Villa: Gerard Houllier and John Carew call an uneasy truce
Nov 9 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
GERARD Houllier and John Carew have reached a grudging truce – but the controversial targetman could be sold in January if Villa receive an acceptable offer.
It came as Villa last night confirmed the appointment of former Charlton, Newcastle and Real Madrid talent-spotter Jeff Vetere as the club’s new Europe-savvy chief scout.
Carew escaped without a fine and will still be considered for selection when he recovers from injury despite his scathing attack on Houllier in a Norwegian newspaper.
But the striker is unlikely to be offered an extension to his contract which expires at the end of the season and Villa would accept £2 million for the 31-year-old in January.
Houllier summoned Carew to the manager’s office at Bodymoor Heath yesterday to reprimand the former fans’ favourite following their furious weekend row.
The Villa boss made it clear that he was in charge and Carew was told in no uncertain terms to stop moaning and to show commitment to the club that pays his wages.
Houllier decided against punishing Carew financially and has left the door open for a first team return when the player overcomes a torn calf, possibly in early December.
