Gerard Houllier rewrites the rules: Aston Villa stars rebel over new code of conduct

24 March 2011 20:36
EXCLUSIVEGerard Houllier has risked further internal strife at Aston Villa by tightening the club's disciplinary code. [LNB]With a large section of fans in revolt and Villa slumping dangerously close to the relegation zone, the Frenchman has rewritten parts of Villa's PFA-approved rulebook.[LNB]At least two of his players are believed to be seeking advice before signing up to the new regime. [LNB] Under pressure: Gerard Houllier is facing increasing calls to walk away from Aston Villa[LNB]It is just two weeks since defenders James Collins and Richard Dunne were at the centre of a booze-fuelled fracas at a health spa. [LNB]Sportsmail understands that one of the new rules bans the use of mobile phones in the dressing room. Other changes are more general as Houllier, 63, makes a desperate attempt to wrest back control after a wretched few weeks. [LNB]Since his arrival, Villa have recorded only six Barclays Premier League wins in 25 games, leaving them just one point above the bottom three. [LNB] Sign of the times: The Villa faithful unfurled a banner before the defeat to Wolves[LNB]Houllier, though, has received a vote of confidence from chief executive Paul Faulkner, who said that Villa had nothing to gain by sacking the manager. [LNB]However, resistance to the rulebook changes may only further dent morale at a time when the club and supporters appear to be split on how to proceed over the rest of the season. [LNB]A club spokesman said: 'These were alterations to the standard rule-book that the manager wanted to make. It is not a new code of conduct. These amendments have been presented to the players.' [LNB]Houllier's position has not been helped by reports that centre halves Collins and Dunne were fit for last Saturday's defeat by Wolves, although neither of them played.[LNB] Raring to go: James Collins (second right) shares a joke with his Wales team-mates[LNB] Collins, with Wales for the Euro 2012 qualifier against England on Saturday, said: 'There was no question of me being able to play because I wasn't fit enough.[LNB]'But I got a good few days' training up there and now have a week here so hopefully the calf stands up to it and I am available now. [LNB]'The whole episode wasn't great. It's not something I really want to go into. At the moment, it is good to get away and focus on one thing and that is getting three points for Wales this weekend.' [LNB] Bent defends under-fire Houllier as striker insists: The boss know bestLerner's right-hand man urges Villa to 'kick the c**p' out of relegation rivalsHoullier told fans will not be ignored as Villa Park crowd vents anger at bossI do know what I'm doing! Defiant Houllier hits back at Villa fansAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Richard Dunne, Gerard Houllier Places: United Kingdom, Wales

Source: Daily_Mail