Houllier looking to hire Frenchman

(GSM) – New Aston Villa manager Gérard Houllier is reportedly eager to appoint former Liverpool staff member Patrice Bergues at Villa Park.

Bergues was one of Houllier’s backroom staff members at Liverpool, Olympique Lyon and Lens and it looks likely that the pair will reunite at Aston Villa.

Meanwhile Phil Thompson, Houllier’s number two at Anfield, has rebuffed the Frenchman’s attempts to lure him to Villa Park.

Thompson does not think it is the right time for him to take-up the demanding work as a staff member at a Premier League club and despite his interest in Houllier’s work ethic and managerial expertise, Thompson has opted to stay next to his family and remain in his role as a pundit with Sky Sports.

Thompson said: “Had circumstances been different, I would have been delighted to accept the chance to work with Gerard Houllier and Patrice Bergues once again at Aston Villa.”

He added: “But I had to weigh up the pros and cons and while it was hugely flattering and enticing to be asked, I had no choice but to turn the offer down.

“With Gerard, you are signing up to 12-hour days. You have to be totally committed.

“I would throw myself at such a challenge again but at the same time I do not want to uproot my wife and two boys and I’m not someone who could live away from them through the week.”

Meanwhile Kevin MacDonald’s fate is still unknown as the Villa hierarchy has yet to decide whether or not the former caretaker manager has a future among the club’s first-team staff.