Official: Houllier takes over at "Aston Villa" helm © EuroFootball.com

The new head coach of Birmingham, Gerard Houllier, has been officially appointed.

The 63-year-old specialist left his position as technical director of the French Football Federation and after a six-year break he returns to work at one of the Premier League clubs in England.

The Frenchman will replace Kevin MacDonald, who temporarily coached the team after Martin O'Neil left.

Houllier has coached the Liverpool team, with which he won three trophies in 2001 - the national league, FA Cup, and UEFA Cup. Later, he led Lyon for two seasons, and before that he worked at PSG and Lens clubs.