Aston Villa have confirmed that Gerard Houllier's job is safe despite a dismal run of results.
Villa board remain behind under-fire French boss
Aston Villa have confirmed that Gerard Houllier's job is safe despite a dismal run of results.
Villa slipped into the Premier League drop zone following Wednesday night's home defeat to Sunderland, with many supporters calling for manager Houllier's head.
The Midlands outfit have failed to win any of their last four games, having suffered a total of 10 defeats so far this term, while reports have emerged of dissent in the club's dressing room.
However, Houllier claimed after the Black Cats defeat that he had the full backing of club owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner.
And the Villa board stated on Thursday that Houllier's position is not under threat, and the Frenchman will be given time to turn things around at the helm of the club.
Support
Houllier said after Wednesday's defeat: "I spoke to Paul Faulkner and he was very supportive.
"I don't doubt Randy Lerner's firm support and determination. We are in this together for better or worse."
Former Liverpool boss Houllier, who took over in late September following Martin O'Neill's departure just before the season, has guided Villa to just five wins in his 19 games in charge.
The manager will hope for some relief from Villa's league woes when the club travel to Sheffield United in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
