Source: Team_Talk
Etherington wary of Houllier effect
Matthew Etherington has told his Stoke team-mates to prepare for the Gerard Houllier factor ahead of the forthcoming game with Aston Villa.[LNB] The new Villa chief returns to the Premier League football in front of the Sky Sports cameras next week after a six-year hiatus.[LNB]It was supposed to be the Potters, who signed Eidur Gudjohnsen, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson on transfer deadline day, who would benefit from new additions heading into Monday's clash.[LNB]But after Houllier was appointed as Martin O'Neill's successor late on Wednesday evening, Etherington is cautious of the effect the 63-year-old Frenchman will have at the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]He told The Sentinel: "It was always going to be a tough game, but now it will be even tougher.[LNB]"They will be looking to impress him and it usually makes for a more difficult game when a new manager comes in. They will also be starting afresh, a new page if you like, now that they have a new manager."[LNB]Etherington admits to being surprised that the former Liverpool manager was the number one candidate to take over the Midlands giants.[LNB] "It seems like a strange one, to be honest, but he has done well previously in England. They are obviously going for some experience to carry on after Martin O'Neill."[LNB]Stoke tackle Villa on Monday still seeking their first point after three successive defeats, their worst start to a season since the 1986/87 campaign.[LNB]But Etherington insists: "I don't think anybody here is worried. It's not been the best of starts, but it has been tough.[LNB]"Like the manager said, and I think everyone else agrees, the season starts on Monday night.[LNB]"We've got home games to come now against Villa and West Ham, then a tough trip to Newcastle and then another home game against Blackburn, so we've got to be looking to kick-start our season now."[LNB]Etherington has already enjoyed several days' training with Stoke's new signings and can't wait to start supplying the ammunition for a forward line packed with options.[LNB]"They've managed to bring in some quality players," said City's reigning player-of-the-year, "which is good for the team, good for the club, good for the manager and good for the fans."
