Gerard Houllier: Handbook claims are 'laughable'

Gerard Houllier today broke his silence over claims that Villa's players have revolted on changes to a player handbook branding the reports 'laughable' and 'rubbish'.

Gerard Houllier today broke his silence over claims that Villa's players have revolted on changes to a player handbook branding the reports 'laughable' and 'rubbish'.

It was speculated recently that up to eight claret and blue stars were considering their futures at Villa Park following alleged modifications to the PFA-approved handbook, including chan-ges on the use of mobile pho-nes at the training ground.

But Houllier has now poured cold water on rumours of discontent among his squad relating to the issue and insisted sections of the media have created a story out of nothing.

"If you want my thoughts, there is a lot of rubbish that has been written," said Houllier. "We never ever mentioned the rule book. We never mentioned the phones or anything and don't forget we come in at the middle of the season but we never mentioned that.

"In fairness to the players they do not spend a lot of time on their phones, they are good here. I've read that I was banning players from speaking. It's laughable."

The Frenchman also said that, despite Villa's position, morale in his squad was good and made fun of the exaggerated nature of stories which have come out recently.

"Why don't you write they can't smile? Maybe in two weeks' time put that they can't breathe!" joked Houllier.