New Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has penned as three-year deal at Villa Park and believes winger Ashley Young will soon follow suit and pledge his future to the club (Villa 6/4 to beat Wolves).
Houllier has replaced Martin O’Neill in the Aston Villa hot-seat after the Irishman quit his position just five days before the start of the Premiership season, following a difference of opinion with owner Randy Lerner.
Houllier spent six years in charge of Liverpool between 1998 and 2004 before moving back to his homeland to coach Lyon for a couple of seasons.
He then became technical director for France before deciding to move back to the Premiership with the Villans, penning a deal to remain at the club until 2013.
The 63-year-old failed to guide Liverpool to the Premiership title but did mange to secure the Uefa Cup and Uefa Super Cup in 2001, while also claiming both the FA and League Cups in the same year.
And it may well be that his ability to put together cup runs was a factor in Lerner opting to employ the French veteran.
Villa have seven points from their first five matches and face West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, looking to build on last weekend’s 3-1 success over Blackburn Rovers.
One of Houllier’s first tasks will be to persuade Young to pen a long-term deal at the club to prevent one of the bigger clubs luring their prized asset away from the Midlands.
And the former Paris St-Germain boss is confident that the 25-year-old will sign a new contract sooner rather than later, after discussions about the role that he needs to play in the team as a whole.
“Am I hopeful Ashley will sign a new contract? Yes. It’s going on well,” he said.
“The discussions are positive. We had a chat and all I told Ashley is that I thought he could be a leader not only in terms of quality but in terms of effort.
“He can be a star but a star as a team player. His input must not be only making goals and scoring goals. It’s his work-rate and his attitude that can improve the rest of the team.”
Houllier’s appointment has not been met with universal approval by the Villa fans, with many wary of the style of football he might play.
But victory over Wolves on Sunday will go a long way to winning over his doubters and moving his new club up into a European spot in the table (Villa 5/2 to finish in the top six).
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