Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier dies aged 73

Carlsberg Feature - Anfield - 8/8/02 (L-R) Michael Owen and Manager Gerard Houllier, at the 10 year anniversary of the contract between Carlsberg and Liverpool F.C. The anniversary coincides with the announcement of a new 3 year deal making it the longest and biggest sponsorship in the club's history Mandatory Credit: [Action Images, Michael Regan Digital]

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/category/428/premier-league">Liverpool Houllier guided the Reds to the treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001, beating Alaves 5-4 in the latter final cap off a remarkable season, and he is remembered as one of the most successful bosses in the club's illustrious history.

The Frenchman had joined the Reds initially as a joint-manager alongside Roy Evans in the summer of 1998, but when that partnership was swiftly ended he took over the reins on a permanent basis.

As well as that treble success in 2001, Houllier also guided Liverpool to the League Cup again in 2003 and is credited with nurturing the careers of the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen.

The club wrote on their Twitter account: "We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier.

"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard’s family and many friends. Rest in peace, Gerard Houllier 1947-2020."

BOLTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Gerard Houllier the manager of Aston Villa looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa at the Reebok Stadium on March 5, 2011 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Owen wrote on Instagram: "Heartbroken to hear the news that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, has passed away. A great manager and such a genuinely caring man."

Carragher said: Absolutely devastated by the news about Gerard Houllier, I was in touch with him only last month to arrange for him to come to Liverpool. Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got @LFC back winning trophies. RIP Boss."

Reds legend Ian Rush wrote: "Devastated at the passing of Gérard Houllier. A true gentleman of the game, always put others first."

Gary Lineker tweeted: "Oh no! Gerard Houllier has passed away. One of football’s smartest, warmest and loveliest people."

Everton tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the family of former France, Liverpool, PSG and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier, as well as those close to him on Merseyside. RIP Gerard."