Matt Clark
29 Mar 2004, 07:44 AM
Incredulous as I was to read the Observer article this weekend about Gerard Houllier, England manager and as unfounded as it turned out to be in the wake of SGE's decision to re-commit to us, it did get me thinking.
In the event that Houllier faces the end of the road come summertime, what can be done to find a solution that allows Liverpool to hire new blood without rendering a great disservice to the man that has done so much for this club and who retains such great affection and respect amongst most true fans?
Well how's this:
Rick Parry, FA bigwig that he is, secures the post of FA Technical Director that Howard Wilkinson vacated when he took his short and ill-advised trip to Wearside for Gerard Houllier.
Houllier and the club come to an amicable agreement, with the remainder of his contract paid up and the move presented as a progression to bigger and better things in a role ideally suited for Houllier's talents and temperament. No one, not even the most jaundiced Liverpool hater can deny that Houllier has a peerless record in the role of FA Technical Director. Bear in mind also that the English version of this post was exactly modelled on the French version, held at that time by the man himself. You couldn't get a better fit.
Houllier, therefore, gets to leave with his head held high and secure in the thanks and affection of the supporters. Liverpool get to appoint a man they consider capable of taking the foundations laid by Houllier forward (Mourhino the latest hot candidate) and England get a world-class developmental strategist in charge of their nation's footballing assets.
Job's a good 'un all round, surely?
In the event that Houllier faces the end of the road come summertime, what can be done to find a solution that allows Liverpool to hire new blood without rendering a great disservice to the man that has done so much for this club and who retains such great affection and respect amongst most true fans?
Well how's this:
Rick Parry, FA bigwig that he is, secures the post of FA Technical Director that Howard Wilkinson vacated when he took his short and ill-advised trip to Wearside for Gerard Houllier.
Houllier and the club come to an amicable agreement, with the remainder of his contract paid up and the move presented as a progression to bigger and better things in a role ideally suited for Houllier's talents and temperament. No one, not even the most jaundiced Liverpool hater can deny that Houllier has a peerless record in the role of FA Technical Director. Bear in mind also that the English version of this post was exactly modelled on the French version, held at that time by the man himself. You couldn't get a better fit.
Houllier, therefore, gets to leave with his head held high and secure in the thanks and affection of the supporters. Liverpool get to appoint a man they consider capable of taking the foundations laid by Houllier forward (Mourhino the latest hot candidate) and England get a world-class developmental strategist in charge of their nation's footballing assets.
Job's a good 'un all round, surely?