Houllier has today been meeting with French Football Federation president Fernand Duchaussoy to resign as his country's technical director. The former Liverpool boss will return to England tomorrow when he will meet the Villa players for the first time and hold a press conference. But Villa are hoping to release a statement in the next few hours rubber-stamping Houllier's appointment. It has been common knowledge since early in the week that Houllier would succeed Martin O'Neill as manager barring any unforeseen hiccups. He has been searching for a new assistant manager since his former Anfield number two Phil Thompson opted to stay as a pundit with Sky Sports. Gary McAllister and Dietmar Hamann - who both played under Houllier for the Reds - have been linked with the role. Houllier's first match in charge will be Monday's Premier League clash at Stoke.
