Monday, May 24, 2004
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Liverpool Football Club today announced they have parted company with manager Gerard Houllier. In an emotinal final interview with the website, Houllier insists he hopes the Reds can go on to win the title.
Sitting next to Rick Parry, Houllier spoke passionately about his time at the club, thanked the players and supporters for all their backing and insisted that while he'd have rather stayed as manager, he leaves Anfield on good terms with everyone. "I have four special memories that I take away with me. Michael Owen scoring the winner against Arsenal with his left foot, Gary McAllister being handed the Man of the Match award against Alaves, the mosaic when I was recovering from heart surgery and Steven Gerrard taking his daughter around the pitch on the last day of the season. "I arrived here six years ago as a Liverpool supporter and I leave as an even bigger supporter. I may have left Liverpool, but Liverpool will not leave me. I will return to watch the team as a fan." Chief Executive Rick Parry commented: "After considerable thought and discussion the Board have decided to part company with the Manager and Gerard has accepted this with typical good grace. "We always said we would review our position at the end of the season and that is what we have now done. Although we have reached the Champions League, that is a minimum standard and not a goal. For a variety of reasons the Board decided that change was necessary if we were to realistically challenge for the title next season. "But this is not a day for anger, recrimination or speculation. It is a day for dignity and respect and I want to publicly thank Gerard for his considerable achievements during his time in charge at the club. "We all have very fond memories of the historic treble and the other trophies won. But there were many other special occasions and I personally will never forget the reception given to Gerard after he returned from illness for the Champions League game against Roma. We had many good times together. "Gerard changed things off the pitch too, bringing back both our pride and self-respect and instilling discipline and professionalism throughout the club. "Whatever has happened today, he will always be a friend of the club and welcome at Anfield. "Now we start the search for a new manager - today is the end of a chapter and tomorrow the start of another." |
