Houllier set for Thompson link-up

Published: 07 Sep 2010 - 10:30:15

Rss feed

Gerard Houllier is poised to be reunited with his former Liverpool assistant Phil Thompson when confirmed as Aston Villa's new manager in the next 24 hours.Thompson has worked as a pundit with Sky Sports for the past six years since leaving Anfield, where he formed a successful partnership with Houllier.But the former Reds captain is being lined up to work alongside Houllier, who will be confirmed as Villa boss once he has informed France of his decision to quit as their technical director.Thompson will bring a massive bank of experience to Villa based on three decades on the playing and managerial staff at Liverpool.He won three European Cups and seven league titles as a player and latterly as captain in addition to 42 England caps.Thompson then worked alongside Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Houllier in the Anfield dug-out after hanging up his boots at only 31. The 56-year-old also had a spell as caretaker boss when Houllier had to undergo heart surgery.