Former Aston Villa and Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier dies aged 73

The Frenchman managed Villa between 2010 and 2011 before health problems forced him to step down. He had previously enjoyed success with Liverpool between 1998 and 2004.

Houllier also had spells in charge of PSG, the French national team and a number of other clubs across the channel, including Lyon.

He claimed a number of honours with Liverpool, including the FA Cup, two League Cups, one Charity Shield and the UEFA Cup. He also had successes in Ligue 1 with PSG and Lyon.

Houllier joined Villa following Martin O'Neill's resignation, bringing the likes of Robert Pires, Kyle Walker and Darren Bent to the club.

He eventually left the club by mutual consent in June 2011 following health concerns which stopped him attending games from mid-April - the club finished ninth in the Premier League that season.

Following his departure, he went on to work with Red Bull as head of global football, holding responsibilities with RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls.

Former Aston Villa midfielder and current club ambassador Ian Taylor tweeted his condolences following the news:

"So sorry to hear of Gerard Houllier’s passing away. Deepest condolences to all of his friends and family." he said.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said he was 'devastated' by the news.

"Absolutely devastated by the news about Gerard Houllier, I was in touch with him only last month to arrange him coming to Liverpool. Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got @LFC back winning trophies. RIP Boss. Broken heart" he tweeted.

Liverpool also tweeted following the news, stating: "We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard’s family and many friends. Rest in peace, Gerard Houllier 1947-2020."

Villa tweeted a similar message, expressing the club's sadness following the news:

"All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gérard Houllier, our manager during the 2010/11 season. Our thoughts are with Gérard's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time." they said.

Former Villa striker Darren Bent also tweeted his condolences, saying that he 'could not speak highly enough' of the Frenchman.

"R.I.P Boss, You will be missed, could not speak highly enough of you, not just as a manager but as a person as well. Taught me to see things Differently. Condolences to the Houllier family." he Tweeted

Ashley Young also tweeted a message, having worked under Houllier at Villa Park.

"RIP Gerard, Thank you for improving me. Condolences to your family. Great man not just manager." he said.

Aston Villa have confirmed that they will hold a minute's applause in memory of Houllier ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Burnley this week.

Meanwhile, Villa chief Christian Purslow hailed the Frenchman as a 'top coach'.

"Not only was Gerard a top coach who successfully managed at the highest level for many years, he was also a kind and caring person who was always generous with his time." Purslow said.

"I had the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions and he would always talk about football with a great sense of pride and passion.

"His loss will be felt by everybody here at Aston Villa and throughout the football community.

"My deepest condolences go to his family and friends at this time."