Confirmed: Gérard Houllier appointed manager of Aston Villa

Love of my life and my not so secret mistress, Aston Villa Football Club, have appointed Gérard Houllier as manager.

The news wont be a surprise to you but we can now confirm it.

There is no news at the moment on who his assistant will be but we are fully expecting more news from the club tomorrow, along with interviews, AVTV exclusives and pictures.

At the end of the day, this is a good appointment so far and if Kevin MacDonald is confirmed as his assistant I think it will be a close to perfect one as we can get as it would suggest we are trying to do it the Aston Villa way and that is what we have to do.

Gerard Houllier
I am very happy and proud to join this great and historic club.

It was a very difficult decision for me to leave the French Football Federation but I could not turn down the opportunity to manage a club whose approach, both on and off the pitch, I have long admired.

Aston Villa is one of England's biggest clubs and has an amazing set of fans. This is a tremendous challenge and one I am very much looking forward to taking on.

All we have to say to this is welcome Mr Houllier and good luck. We all want you to succeed and despite what you might be told, you will have 100% support.

The support was never in question and for any that doubted it, shame on you. Do you know nothing about football supporters?