Exclusive: Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner talks to Mat Kendrick about Gerard Houllier saga

Dec 10 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

PAUL Faulkner has underlined Gerard Houllier’s commitment to the claret and blue cause as Villa strive to resolve the Liverpool fall-out once and for all.

Houllier set the record straight after his comments and behaviour on Monday reflected his affection for Anfield rather than his concern for Villa.

The Villa boss reaffirmed his dedication to his current club after his misjudged joke that he would prefer to lose to Liverpool than any other opponents.

And, in an exclusive interview with the Birmingham Mail, Villa’s chief executive Faulkner has appealed for supporters to draw a line under the episode.

He hopes fans will get behind the boss and the players when Villa bid to bounce back from four league and cup losses in tomorrow’s derby with Albion.

Faulkner insists Houllier’s decision to relocate to the West Midlands, his work ethic and his initial three-year plan prove where the boss’s loyalties now lie.