RIP gentleman Gérard, the pioneer who made Melwood

A former Liverpool manager has passed away aged 73

At a relatively young age and only weeks after another legend Ray Clemence passed away, Liverpool fans received news about Gérard Houllier, who died aged 73.

A former teacher by background, Houllier was a pioneer for the Reds – Our first overseas manager and the first manager to win the unique treble of the League Cup, FA Cup and the UEFA Cup in 2001.

Houllier’s Reds operated in an era against the powerhouses of Manchester United and Arsenal who were winning all before them. Whilst the Premier League title eluded the Kopites, one cannot underestimate just how difficult it was for a team to be so dominant in multiple cup competitions in the same season.

In the days before Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Houllier gave us the indomitable Hyypia & Henchoz, he unearthed the ‘Miracle Man’ Steven Gerrard ably assisted by Jamie Carragher, witnessed three Danny Murphy winning goals against Manchester United and before James Milner made this an argument, made the best free transfer in our history with Gary McAllister.

We will never forget Houllier’s emotion when ‘Gary Mc’ tucked that injury-time free-kick away at Goodison Park.

Houllier was a pioneering modern manager whose work in the background laid the foundations for France’s World Cup glory in 1998. At Liverpool, he oversaw the development of Melwood. Whilst ultimately Houllier’s time with the Reds from 1998-2004 did not bring the Holy Grail of the Premier League title owing to some key signings not functioning, his team at its best was well organised with a solid defence, adaptable midfield and a well-balanced forward line.

The penalty shoot-out win in the 2001 League Cup final was the first silverware since the 1995 final. The victory in Cardiff was a massive confidence booster. The ‘Michael Owen FA Cup final’ was drama personified.

How the Reds emerged from that with the trophy is still a mystery after being pummelled by an Arsenal team which included Tony Adams and Thierry Henry. The UEFA Cup success in Dortmund was the icing on the cake. The extra-time ‘golden goal’ winner in a topsy turvy contest brings a sweat even now just thinking about it. The UEFA Super Cup, the 2003 League Cup and the FA Charity Shield completed Houllier’s CV.

Gérard Houllier’s love for Liverpool is unquestionable. Only weeks after serious heart surgery, the Boss made an unannounced presence at Anfield which inspired the team to beat Roma 2-0 in the Champions League on a highly emotional night.

Thank you for the memories Gérard Paul Francis Houllier.  It was you who let the Reds out – YNWA.

RIP.

Riaz Ravat is a member of Liverpool FC’s Equality & Diversity Fan Forum. He writes in a personal capacity.