Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa's Stewart Downing unfazed by Gerard Houllier exit talk
ShareStewart Downing has praised the contribution of Gerard Houllier but insists Aston Villa will not influence decisions regarding his own future.[LNB]Villa are expected to make a formal announcement on the future of manager Houllier in the next 24 hours after he underwent medical tests before the weekend.[LNB]Reports today have suggested the former Liverpool boss will part company with Villa because of concerns over his health after his recent heart problems.[LNB] Talking the talk: Downing is happy with life at Villa Park[LNB]However, Downing said: "If he (Houllier) doesn't continue, then good luck to him and I wish him well.I'll be sorry to see him go if that is the case. He was good to me. I had no problems with him. He came in at a tough time.[LNB]'He did quite well with the team. I've enjoyed working with him. If he stays, brilliant, if he goes, I wish him all the best.[LNB]'His illness is a shame for him and stopping him from doing what he wants to do.'[LNB]Villa have already been linked with the likes of David Moyes, Mark Hughes and Steve McClaren as possible successors should Houllier's reign be at an end.[LNB]Downing continued: 'I'm sure Randy Lerner (club owner) and Paul Faulkner (chief executive) will get the right man if there is a change.[LNB] Hot property: A number of clubs have shown an interest in the winger[LNB] 'I'm sure they will come out with (what is) the best outcome for the club.'[LNB]Downing has two years remaining on his current contract and has been linked with a move to Liverpool.[LNB]When asked if Houllier's future would influence any decision on his own future, Downing said: "Not really. I've enjoyed working with Martin O'Neill, Gary McAllister, Kevin MacDonald and Gerard Houllier.[LNB]'If the manager stays or goes, it doesn't influence my decision (on the future).'[LNB]Houllier, who underwent heart surgery when Liverpool manager a decade ago, was forced to miss the final month of last season while recuperating from his latest setback.[LNB] Net result: Downing bagged eight goals for Villa this term[LNB]Caretaker boss McAllister has been adamant Houllier would return to his post and the 63-year-old has played his part in drawing up Villa's plans for next season.[LNB]But it is understood Villa officials are concerned whether it would be fair to Houllier or the club to risk any further health setbacks via a return to the dugout.[LNB]Houllier has struggled to win over the Villa fans despite a revival in the second half of the season which culminated in a ninth-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB] Young puts off United transfer talk to concentrate on Euro 2012 qualifierVilla to begin search for new boss as health problems end Houllier's reignBusy summer ahead at Old Trafford as Man United chief Gill promises spreeAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Martin O'Neill, David Moyes, Mark Hughes, Stewart Downing, Gerard Houllier, Gary McAllister, Steve McClaren Places: Liverpool
