Blackpool boss Neil Critchley pays tribute to former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier

The Frenchman managed Liverpool from 1998 to 2004 and led them to five major trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2000/01.

Prior to Liverpool, Houllier managed Lens, Paris St-Germain and the French national team, and after leaving the Reds won two Ligue 1 titles at Lyon.

His last managerial job was at Aston Villa, but he left in 2011 after nine months, following heart problems.

Reacting to the news this morning, Critchley - who worked at Anfield for seven years - said: "He's held in high regard at Liverpool by lots of people.

"I only found out 10 minutes ago, so that's a real shame.

"I don't know him personally but I know a lot of people at Liverpool from the time at the club working under him and what they thought of him both as a coach and as a person.

"There will be quite a few people that will be very, very upset at hearing that news and it's just a shame a real good football man has died suddenly like that

"It's a real shame."

In a statement, Liverpool said they were "deeply saddened" by Houllier's death.

"We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier," the club said.

"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard's family and many friends."

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