Houl be the next Socceroos coach?

The FourFourTwo network stretches far and wide these days with 17 editions across 5 continents and a whole host of web sites, podcasts and even TV shows such with FourFourTwo TV airing twice a week on Astro in Malaysia. As it so happens, the host and executive producer of the show is an Aussie, Jason Dasey, who likes to keep a close eye on what's happening back here so we are in contact on a regular basis.

Jason recently conducted a wide ranging interview with Gerard Houllier whilst he was in Malaysia taking part in an AFC coaching workshop.  Being an Asian TV show, Jason steered the conversation towards how Houllier thought the AFC nations would fare in South Africa.

"I've followed the results of Japan, the two Koreas, North Korea and Australia. The team I know better is Australia. I think to play a tournament you need experience and I think maybe the players can complete the games physically there's no problem. I think Australia will do well" was Houllier's response.

Being an Aussie, Jason saw the chance to press Houllier further pointing out that Pim Verbeek's contract expires with Australia's exit from the World Cup in South Africa. Houllier continued, "I like Australia. I like the people in charge. I like the people leading the football there. Who knows? Two years ago I had a word to the chairman of the FFA. We'll see in the future. But to be fair, never and always are two words you can't use in football."

It's clear Houllier is indeed still in close contact with the FFA given he is headlining their National Coaching Conference in Brisbane in March and it's fair to assume he will be attending the Socceroos game against Indonesia with the other conference attendees.

Would it also be fair to assume that behind closed doors there may be a sounding out as to Mr Houllier's availability from July onwards with the Asian Cup looming just six months later. I'll leave the final word to Mr Houllier himself when asked what job would appeal to him next "I'd probably be more tempted by the national team coach than a club team coach."

It would be a departure from the distinctly Dutch direction the FFA have been taking over the last few years but few could question Houllier's credentials....certainly enough for me to head off to see what odds I can get!

Watch this space.....