A decision on Gerard Houllier’s Villa future is a step closer today after the club concluded an “amicable” resolution to their dispute with ex-boss Martin O’Neill.

Some of British football’s biggest names joined hundreds of mourners to pay tribute to former Express & Star sports journalist Ray Matts.

West Bromwich Albion have begun the search for a replacement to manager Roberto Di Matteo, following the Italian’s sacking.

Martin O’Neill was today poised for a dramatic return to football as manager of West Ham.

Former Villa boss Martin O’Neill has been linked with a shock return to management with Saudi club Al Hilal.

Villa intend on staging a meeting of the Supporters Consultation Group before Saturday’s Premier League match against Bolton.

New Villa manager Gerard Houllier will not be in the dugout for Monday’s trip to Stoke.

Villa expect to announce the appointment of Gerard Houllier on Thursday as the Frenchman today edged closer to becoming their new manager.

Villa are poised to offer Gerard Houllier a shock return to England after the Frenchman emerged as the leading candidate to replace Martin O’Neill.

Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald felt his “calculated gamble” was vindicated after seeing his inexperienced Villa team avoid a Moscow-style fiasco.