Houllier relishing the challenge at Villa

Gerard Houllier is relishing the "tremendous challenge" ahead of him after being confirmed as Aston Villa's new manager.

Houllier has quit his role as technical director with the French Football Federation to become Martin O'Neill's successor and will take charge of Villa for the first time in Monday's Barclays Premier League clash at Stoke.

Houllier is returning to the Premier League after a six-year absence since parting company with Liverpool.

He suffered health problems during his latter days at Anfield but is clearly ready for the task of building on the success brought to Villa by O'Neill.

Houllier said: "It was a very difficult decision for me to leave the FFF but I could not turn down the opportunity to manage a club I have long admired."