The England international joined Villa from Sunderland during the January transfer window in a deal which could cost as much as £24million. With Gerard Houllier in the hot-seat and World Cup winner Robert Pires among the playing staff, Bent is convinced he made the right decision. Bent feels he can only benefit from working alongside such distinguished figures, with Houllier having made an immediate impression on his game. "I've been lucky to play under some great managers but to play for Gerard Houllier, with everything he has achieved, is incredible," Bent said in The Sun. "He is a lot more technical than other bosses and knows the game really, really well. "When I first walked into the changing room and I met Pires I was a bit star-struck to be honest. He has been a top, top player for many years and to play with one of the Arsenal Invincibles is fantastic."
