Gerard Houllier has been confirmed as the new manager of Aston Villa. The Frenchman, who was previously in charge of Liverpool has resigned from his job as technical director of the French Football Federation to return to England with Villa.
Houllier said: "I am very happy and proud to join this great and historic club.
"It was a very difficult decision for me to leave the FFF but I could not turn down the opportunity to manage a club whose approach, both on and off the pitch, I have long admired.
"Aston Villa is one of England's biggest clubs and has an amazing set of fans. This is a tremendous challenge and one I am very much looking forward to taking on."
Houllier's first game in charge will be at Stoke on Monday.
