Houllier backs new Villa boss McLeish
Former Villa manager Gerard Houllier has urged the club's fans to give his successor Alex McLeish the chance to prove he is the right man for the job.
Former Villa manager Gerard Houllier has urged the club's fans to give his successor Alex McLeish the chance to prove he is the right man for the job.
Ex-Birmingham boss McLeish has upset sections of Villa supporters by making the move across the city to replace Houllier.
But Houllier, who was forced to quit because of health reasons three weeks ago, believes McLeish should be given the opportunity to show his credentials.
He said: "I think Gabby Agbonlahor said some comments about giving him a chance – and I agree.
"He's football through and through and I think he's a good signing for the club. I've known him a long time and he's a nice person and a straightforward guy.
"I think Alex is strong enough. He's got the personnel to win football matches."
McLeish will give a fresh chance to players such as Stephen Ireland, Stephen Warnock and Habib Beye, who had little opportunity to play under Houllier.
He said: "There will be a clean slate for not only the young players but also the players already here.
"That includes those who perhaps were probably in the doldrums, those not playing at their best. Maybe we can give them a spark by coming in.
"It's a clean slate for everybody."
Carlos Cuellar also fell out of favour under Houllier andGlasgow Rangers are interested on bringing the defender back to Ibrox.
The Scottish giants sold the 29-year-old to Villa for £8million four years ago and he has made 104 appearances, but played just three times after the 3-1 win over Blackburn in January.
But McLeish isn't ready to cash in on the Spaniard and will seek talks with him.
The Villa boss needs to rebuild the team with the £16million sale of Ashley Young to Manchester United imminent and is hoping to hijack Liverpool's £9million deal for Blackpool playmaker Charlie Adam.