Gerard Houllier takes charge at Villa

New manager Gerard Houllier takes control at Villa today with the message from the claret and blue dressing room - 'we are hungry to get started.'

Houllier met the Villa players for the first time after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bolton and has finalised his backroom team, with Gary McAllister his assistant, club legend Gordan Cowans promoted to first-team coach, Rafa Gonzalez first-team goalkeeping coach and his French compatriot Robert Duverne coach-fitness coach.

His reign will begin with Wednesday's Carling Cup showdown with Blackburn at Villa Park before a derby clash at Wolves on Sunday - and midfielder Stephen Ireland can't wait to get going under Houllier.

Ireland said: "Everyone is looking forward to the future now. Hopefully it is going to be positive. I can't see it being anything but positive.

"I'm sure his appointment is going to be a good decision. Everyone is hungry in the changing room, everyone wants to achieve something this year.

"We need to kick on now."

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who played under Houllier at Liverpool, hopes the new boss can take Villa forward.

He said: "Gerard had a lot of work to do at Liverpool and he did very well indeed.

"Liverpool were falling behind Arsenal and Manchester United not just on the field but off the field with the youth setup, with the merchandising and with the global brand, in a sense.

"I think that was one of the reasons they brought him in because that is what his background and pedigree was - to revamp the whole infrastructure of the football club.

"I am very hopeful he can take this club forward. He's very astute and very professional.

"He always get the best out of his clubs."

Outgoing caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald, who will return to managing the reserves, believes the Frenchman has assembled an excellent backroom team.

He said: "It looks very, very good. I know Gary from having played with him and talked to him. I know Gordon very well and Rafa, who I have worked with for a couple of years. Mr Houllier has a great reputation.

"With the players we've got let's hope we push on further."