Gerard Houllier admits full-time career as a manager may be over due to health

Former Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier admits to feeling a sense of "unfinished business" after his departure from the club, but admits his health issues might prevent him returning to management.

Houllier ended his nine-month spell in charge at Villa Park after missing the end of the season following chest pains.

Having experienced heart problems during his time with Liverpool, he accepts he may have to follow doctors' advice if they counsel against a return to the dugout but would have liked to continue at the midlands club when fit again.

"We had a case of unfinished business (at Villa)," he told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

"There was an option of leaving the team to Gary McAllister, who was my assistant, and I would come back in September but the chairman and owner wanted to go another route and I have to respect that. We left on good terms, no acrimony.

"At the moment I just want to make sure I get fit again and then we'll see. But I will follow the doctors' advice and if the advice is not to get back into management I won't.

"The strong advice was not to go back to business until the end of September but they are happy with the recovery."

Houllier, who worked as the technical director of the French Football Federation before taking over at Villa, has suggested if full-time management is beyond him he would consider a less hands-on role within the game.

"I will still definitely be linked with football," he said.

"It is my life, it is my oxygen and if I have to be involved in another way then I will."

Meanwhile, Carlton Cole insists he remains as committed as ever to West Ham and is happy to spearhead their promotion challenge from the npower Championship - unless told otherwise by the club's hierarchy.

The striker's proposed move to Stoke fell through on Friday after the Hammers had already accepted an undisclosed bid for his services from the Barclays Premier League club.

The exact reason as to why the deal collapsed is not known although West Ham released a statement suggesting the England international was unable to agree personal terms, at the same time dismissing reports of an injury as well as speculation his wage demands were too high.

And as Cole once again prepares to pull on a claret and blue shirt for Wednesday's friendly at FC Copenhagen, he insists he is ready for what will be a demanding season in the Championship - should the club's board decide not to cash in on his services.

"I am as committed to West Ham as always," he told the club's official website, www.whufc.com. "I am a West Ham player and have no knowledge that is going to be any different. Unless I am told something different, I am a West Ham player and will be doing my all for the team. There has been a lot of things reported and that it was a done deal that I was moving to another club, but that is not the case and I want our fans to know, unless I am told anything different, I am as committed as ever to the team and getting the club back in the Premier League."

Cole, 27, joined West Ham from Chelsea in July 2006 and has scored 42 goals in 165 appearances.