Source: Daily_Mail
Gerard Houllier orders his Aston Villa commuters to get moving
Gerard Houllier will insist on future signings moving closer to Villa Park after suggesting that those who refuse to live in the Midlands lack commitment.[LNB]The Aston Villa boss flagged up Stephen Ireland's decision to commute from Cheshire as one of the principal reasons behind the midfielder's failure to settle following his £8million move from Manchester City in the summer.[LNB]Houllier has accepted that the playmaker wants to leave during the January transfer window although few will be able or willing to match his £65,000-a-week wages.[LNB] From a distance: Stephen Ireland's failure to settle at Aston Villa is due in part to the fact that he lives in Cheshire, said Gerrard Houllier [LNB]But when he was quizzed about Ireland's lack of form, he hinted thatcommuting was a problem, saying: 'Obviously, he doesn't live inBirmingham.' [LNB]When asked directly, Houllier added: 'This is a matter for me to address but later on.[LNB]'I only came here in September. It's only now that I'm discovering a few things.' [LNB]Villa's boss also indicated that there have been a few gripes fromplayers about the lack of time off another clear indication thattravelling is an issue.[LNB]The general expectation from clubs in English football is thatplayers live within a 25-mile radius of their ground, but Houllierinherited a squad that had been allowed to spread further afield.[LNB]Exception: Robert Pires has been allowed to commute from the capital[LNB]Luke Young is based in south London and Stephen Warnock has remainedin the North-West following his switch from Blackburn last season.[LNB]Houllier has allowed Robert Pires to travel in from the capital. [LNB]What's more, the former Arsenal man is chauffeured to and from Villa'sBodymoor Heath training base.[LNB]Both at his former club, Liverpool, and now at Villa Park, Houllierhas been consistent in peddling the message that sacrifices have to bemade if players want to reach the top.[LNB]And if it makes life more uncomfortable for his squad, it seems thatany sympathy from the manager's office will be in short supply.[LNB]'We are changing things here,' he said. [LNB]'People whinge and moan butthey have a fantastic job. They are paid high wages to play and enjoyfootball.[LNB]'They will have three days off this week because we have a hecticschedule over Christmas and the new year. But sometimes they forget allof that.[LNB]'OK, they've got talent. They are at a good club. They are paid to play and enjoy their football. So, what's wrong? [LNB]'I'm not going to give more days off than I was doing. I know that some would like more days off.[LNB]'They have to realise they are at a good club with good facilities and they are paid to get fit.' [LNB]Saturday's postponement of the trip to Wigan will not have beengreeted with angst in Houllier's dressing room as the delay affordsseveral of his players additional time to recover their fitness.[LNB]Club captain Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker are expected toreturn during the holiday period after lengthy spells out of action.[LNB] Houllier tells unsettled midfielder Ireland he can quit Aston Villa... for £8mAston Villa boost as forgotten man Delph nears full fitnessFrom Villarreal to Villa... Houllier eyes prolific Spanish teen sensation GuilleASTON VILLA FC
