Source: PA
Houllier up to speed - McDonald
New Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has wasted no time in playing catch-up, despite criticism this week regarding the time taken for the Frenchman to settle into the hot seat.
Following his appointment last week the initial belief was Houllier would be in charge for the Barclays Premier League visit of Bolton. However, due to complications in extricating himself from his old contract with the French Football Federation, Houllier will watch the clash with the Trotters from the Villa Park stands.
Instead, caretaker-manager Kevin MacDonald will take the reins one last time before handing them over to Houllier whose first game at the helm will be Wednesday's Carling Cup tie with Blackburn.
"We've been in daily contact," MacDonald said.
"We've actually spoken two or three times a day about a variety of things. We talked about the defeat on Monday (at Stoke), and in particular the players because obviously he's trying to get up to speed with them very, very quickly.
"I even spoke to him late last night after the reserves' victory over Manchester United, so he is aware of everything that's going on at the football club."
