CITY TO THAI UP HOULLIER DEAL
EXCLUSIVE
By Simon Mullock 13/05/2007
GERARD HOULLIER is the top manager being targeted by Manchester City's prospective new owner.
Ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to begin the process of completing his £130million takeover of the club inside the next 10 days.
Shinawatra is unlikely to officially take control until the end of June - days before the first-team squad report back for pre-season training.
But Sunday Mirror Sport understands the 57-year-old will become the major influence in how the club is run as soon as his offer is given the full backing of the board.
Shinawatra's plans include an approach to Lyon coach Houllier to replace Stuart Pearce.
Pearce looks certain to be sacked following a poor season - and chairman John Wardle may take the decision as early as this week.
That would open the door for Houllier, who is keen on a return to the Premiership after guiding Lyon to two titles in two years.
Houllier has a clause in his deal with the French club allowing him to move back to England.
Many fans hoped Sam Allardyce would be the man Wardle turned to, but he looks destined for Newcastle.
And while he has strong support inside the current City regime, Shinawatra is looking for a big continental name to lead his efforts to revive the fortunes of a club who have now gone 31 years without winning a top trophy.
CLICKY - Sunday Mirror
EXCLUSIVE
By Simon Mullock 13/05/2007
GERARD HOULLIER is the top manager being targeted by Manchester City's prospective new owner.
Ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to begin the process of completing his £130million takeover of the club inside the next 10 days.
Shinawatra is unlikely to officially take control until the end of June - days before the first-team squad report back for pre-season training.
But Sunday Mirror Sport understands the 57-year-old will become the major influence in how the club is run as soon as his offer is given the full backing of the board.
Shinawatra's plans include an approach to Lyon coach Houllier to replace Stuart Pearce.
Pearce looks certain to be sacked following a poor season - and chairman John Wardle may take the decision as early as this week.
That would open the door for Houllier, who is keen on a return to the Premiership after guiding Lyon to two titles in two years.
Houllier has a clause in his deal with the French club allowing him to move back to England.
Many fans hoped Sam Allardyce would be the man Wardle turned to, but he looks destined for Newcastle.
And while he has strong support inside the current City regime, Shinawatra is looking for a big continental name to lead his efforts to revive the fortunes of a club who have now gone 31 years without winning a top trophy.
CLICKY - Sunday Mirror
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