THE RED FILE - Gerard Houllier

Peter Robonson described the appointment. "He brings to us coaching experience of the highest quality at both club and country level. He also possesses an unrivaled knowledge of technical excellence and innovation which has made him one of the most respected coaches in the World".

Roy Evans at the time was equally enthusiastic about the move: "I am delighted to have Gérard on board because we feel we can work together as a team...the decision was made fully with my blessing". Sadly bold experiments by their very nature can fail and by November 1998, it was clear to all that despite a good personal rapport between the joint managers, the players were growing confused and it showed on the pitch. On a wet and dark November Friday 13th , after an awful performance against Spurs in the League Cup, Roy Evans broke the news to the world that the partnership was to disband and that the last of the "Boot Room Boys" was to leave Anfield: "I didn't want to be a ghost on the wall of the Club I love." Evans explained at the press conference, "to be fair to the club, to be fair to Gérard and to the rest of the staff I think this was the only way it could be".

Houllier was saddened by the event which was of Evan's own choice: "Personally I would have preferred Roy to stay longer and if he had to leave, then he left the Club at the end of the year and even then stayed on in some role with us. I regret Roy's decision, but at the same time I understand it...It was difficult for the players in the long run, the players like to be able to refer to one manager. The concept was obviously extremely difficult for them".

Houllier, had certainly come to Anfield with a wealth of experience. The former French National Team Head Coach had most recently filled the role of National Technical Director of the French football Association and played an instrumental part in the French World Cup success during the summer of 1998.

Gérard began his managerial career aged 26 as player-coach at Le Touquet in 1973 before being employed as Youth Coach at Arras (1974-76), then moving on to Noeux Les Mines as Head Coach (1976-82) where he won two consecutive promotions to the French Second Division. He then managed Lens for three years between 1982 and 1985 (taking them to promotion and UEFA Cup qualification), before guiding Paris St.Germain (1985-88) to the French title in 1986.

A current member of the UEFA and FIFA Technical Committees, Gérard was Technical Director and assistant to the French national team, managed by Michel Platini from 1988-92 before becoming National Coach himself (1992-93). He resigned as National Coach, but retained his role as Technical Director, in 1993 following France's flukeish failure to qualify for the World Cup Finals. He was Head Coach of the French Team who were European Under-18 Champions in 1996, and took the U-20s to the quarter-finals of the World Championships the following year. Following France's victory in the 1998 World Cup Final he was nominated for a special medal to recognise his part in their triumph.

Initially Houllier's influence on the team was restrained, but in the Summer of 1999 he launched a daring and extensive programme of team-rebuilding. Steve McManaman was already scheduled to leave, but Paul Ince, David James, and Rob Jones were also told they were surplus to requirements and encouraged to move on.

Robbie Fowler, on the other hand, despite several ridiculous press campaigns which attempted to drive a wedge between him and the Club, was central to the new manager's plans, as was Jamie Redknapp. The latter was named as the new Club captain, the former as his deputy. Together with established players such as Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and Dominic Matteo, and youngsters such as David Thompson and Steven Gerrard, they were to form the local backbone of a new look Liverpool side. However, frustrated by a ridiculously over-inflated market in domestic players, which saw youngsters who had never played in the top flight being sold for upwards of six million pounds, Houllier was forced to look abroad to sign overseas players to strengthen his squad.

Six new players, Sander Westerveld, Sami Hyypiä, Stephane Henchoz, Erik Meijer and Titi Camara arrived during the summer while German international Dietmar Hamann joined soon after once Granada's purchase of a 9.9% stake in the club allowed more funds to be released for the manager to spend.

Houllier has been delighted with the way his new signings have settled and, while he continues to discourage talk about what the club may be capable of this season, there is little doubt he believes he has the talent at his disposal with the ability to fulfil the high expectations of the fans over the coming years. Furthermore, fans have been delighted by his popular re-appointment of Phil Thompson as his assistant. Together they have convincingly demanded a passion and commitment from their players that Shankly would have admired. Houllier has spoken openly about the this passion; "The moment your club goes through a difficult period is the moment to show whether you really care for the red shirt. In the end, it is the players who must assume the responsibility...it is the players who must say 'OK this is my life, my reputation on the line, and i have to do something about it'".

Peter Robinson in January 2000 also sees echoes of Shankly: "I find them very similar. While completely different as people - Gérard is an academic, whereas Bill I might term a football academic, they share many of the same attributes as managers. Those are single-mindedness, knowing exactly what they want on the field and an ability to comunicate well. Both too, would be adamant that footballers can only be successful through hard work and fitness".

With an endorsement like that, there is every reason for Reds fans to savour the developments over the coming years.

Gérard Houllier - Manager
Former clubs:	Le Touquet, Noeux Les Mines, Lens, Paris St.Germain, France