Gerard Houllier may be weighing up a move for the fitness coach who became infamous during the World Cup for a bust up with France Captain, Patrice Evra. Robert Duverne quit his post with the French national side after a fracas with Evra and a pitiful World Cup from the 1998 Champions. The incoming manager at Villa may look to offer the fiery Frenchman a new challenge in the Premier League.
Duverne recently took up the chance to join newly promoted Ligue 1 side Arles-Avignon as assistant manager. The coach has now quite his role at the club after losing all of their opening fixtures and a reunion with Houllier could be on the cards. The experienced 43 year old worked under the new Villa manager at Lyon, achieving back to back league titles.
Any appointment would fill the void left by former fitness coach Jimmy Henry who was one of the backroom staff to follow Martin O’Neill out of the exit door. It now seems possible that Duverne may join the club along with Gary McAllister before Houllier’s tenure begins after the Bolton game on Saturday. The new boss revealed;
“He is competent, and we are in contact,”
Should the Villa players be ready for a scrap at training or is this just the sort of appointment we need?