Villa boss drops hint on return date

Villa manager Gerard Houllier has dropped a strong hint that he plans to resume managerial duties after making his first public appearance since his heart problems.

The 63-year-old made a surprise visit to Villa Park with family and friends to watch a charity game involving shirt sponsors FxPro and the Acorns hospice.

Houllier signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans, telling them he was "feeling fine" and "hoped to be back soon."

The Frenchman has been resting at his Worcestershire home, having been initially admitted to hospital on April 21 suffering from a dissection of the lower aorta.

But Houllier has made good progress over the past month and appears confident he will be able to return to the dug-out, although it is understood he may be excused Villa's pre-season trip to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy.

A final decision on his return has yet to be made by the Villa board, who will listen to the advice of medical experts on whether he will be allowed to come back with a reduced workload.

Owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner are acutely aware of the need to avoid a repeat of last summer, which was characterised by uncertainty over Martin O'Neill's future and ultimately led to his departure five days before the season started.

But winger Marc Albrighton already has one eye on the new campaign, even though the Premier League season finished less than a week ago.

The 21-year=old is readying himself for England duty at the European under-21 Championships in Denmark with Villa team-mate Nathan Delfouneso.

Albrighton said: "The second-half of the season has been a little bit frustrating, not getting much opportunity to play.

"I've got the championships over the summer - that will be nice to go to.

"Then, next season, I'll hopefully get a good pre-season under my belt and start well again."