Houllier 'set to leave Villa'

Gerard Houllier is set to stand down as manager of Aston Villa following his latest health scare, press reports have said. "Houllier and Villa have reluctantly decided the 63-year-old should vacate his position with immediate effect following his recent heart scare," the Birmingham Mail reported. The Frenchman, who underwent heart surgery when Liverpool manager a decade ago, missed the final month of last season with the latest setback. Caretaker boss Gary McAllister has said he was confident Houllier would return to his post and the 63-year-old has played his part in drawing up Villa's plans for next season. But Villa insisted medical tests conducted on the manager before the weekend would determine his future. The results have been studied by Villa owner Randy Lerner and medical staff and an official announcement was expected soon.