Gerard Houllier says Gordon Cowans is crucial to morale at Aston Villa.
Houllier said he was delighted Alex McLeish kept Cowans on as first team coach, but disappointed assistant boss Gary McAllister has parted company with the club.
"Gordon is good for team morale," he told the Birmingham Mail. "He's been at the top level, it's somebody you can lean on and somebody whose knowledge and experience and feeling for things make him an invaluable asset.
"He's got a good attitude, he's a very loyal person.
"I think Gary could go on to become a manager again. It was a learning experience for him as well. I just regret that he was not given the chance, but that's the club's decision."
