Gerard Houllier's hopes for Villa

Success won't come overnight, but new Villa manager Gerard Houllier wants silverware.

It proved a hurdle too high for Martin O'Neill - but reaching the Champions League remains the target for new Villa manager Gerard Houllier.

After two close flirtations with the top four in the last two seasons under O'Neill, Villa's hopes of competing against Europe's elite now rest on the shoulders of Frenchman Houllier, who was finally unveiled as the Northern Irishman's successor yesterday.

Like O'Neill with Celtic, Villa's new manager has experience of the competition from his days with Liverpool and Lyon.

But reaching what O'Neill used to refer to as the "holy grail" with Villa would be a far bigger achievement.

When O'Neill took charge four years ago it was the big four of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Houllier's old club Liverpool which stood in the claret and blues' way.

But now four has become six with Tottenham succeeding in breaking the monopoly last season and Manchester City having once again spent big bucks during the summer - including £18m plus Stephen Ireland on James Milner.

Houllier, 63, is refusing to promise overnight success - but he has urged all involved with the club to aim high.

"There is a vision for gradual improvement," he said. "We won't achieve things overnight but we want silverware. Everyone wants Champions League football or Europe and we are saying one step at a time.

"The owner has set no targets but in three years if we can get into the top four it will be excellent.

"You need an outstanding season and a bit of luck. Let's be fair, you can't promise the moon but you can aim for it. Then we will see.

"We are in the top four now. If we keep that position I will be very happy! I think the team will probably improve in the long run and if we are spared by injuries and also manage to get one or two players at the right time, then why not?

"But the aim is Europe, honours and silverware. We know where we want to go, we know it will take time, that's why I was passionate about getting back into management. I had offers from other countries but here I feel it is going to be something gradual and interesting.

"I am fully aware that the competition is harsher between 2004 and now because even Liverpool couldn't make it this time so that tells you the competition.

"That is why this is exciting. We have our own weapons, a culture, a philosophy, a vision, a history and a real determination to work hard and succeed.

"I am not looking upon this as unfinished business because I did win trophies in the Premier League before."

Houllier will not formally take charge for almost a fortnight until he sorts out the terms of his departure from his role as technical director with the French Football Federation.

The Frenchman will not attend Monday's away game with Stoke and will only oversee the home game with Bolton next weekend before taking charge of the Carling Cup clash with Blackburn if all goes to plan.

But the 63-year-old admits he has the hunger and appetite for a return to Premier League football six years after ending his successful spell with Liverpool.

Houllier said: "I take great pride in my appointment as manager of Aston Villa. It is a great honour for me.

"I met with Randy Lerner (club owner) and Paul Faulkner (chief executive) and was impressed by their enthusiasm, dynamism and honesty.

"They convinced me of their ambitions for the club, what they want to bring to the fans of the club, and I am now delighted to share their ambitions.

"I had a good job with the French Football Federation, and a safe one too, but the people here have made me feel I want to be part of this project at Aston Villa.

"Everybody knows my passion for English football and the Premier League, the best in the world, and that has not diminished since my time at Liverpool."

Houllier, however, is under no illusions that O'Neill will be a hard act to follow.

"It is always difficult to follow Martin O'Neill because he is a great manager and has always had success. But at the same time it is a challenge I like."

And as for those concerns over his health? "I know well that it takes a long time to grow young," he continued.

"Obviously I have taken all the precautions, checked everything and don't forget after my operation inLiverpool, I went back to Liverpool, won another trophy, finished fourth and then third and then went to Lyon and won two titles.

"I am even fitter than I was some years ago."

By Brendan McLoughlin