Gerard Houllier has made a secret return to work, finally ending speculation over his future.
The Liverpool manager quietly returned to Anfield yesterday, following a five-month absence, to resume control of the club as they enter the final straight of the season.
Houllier flew back into England early yesterday morning, and headed for the club's training ground, where he prepared to take back the reins held, in his absence, by assistant Phil Thompson.
The French coach has already begun taking charge of team affairs, and will have a major input into tonight's crucial Premiership clash with Newcastle.
He will address the players personally, and take charge of tactics for the matches, but, initially at least, he will not go to matches, and will not be back in a full-time capacity.
Instead, he will perform a part-time role, easing himself back into the hot seat by coming in for a two or three days a week to oversee proceedings.
Houllier has already played a significant part in recent games, speaking to players and selecting line-ups in conjunction with Thompson. Now he will take firmer control.
The treble-winning manager is even holding out a slight hope that he will be able to travel to Spain next week, for the crucial Champions League showdown with Barcelona, but admits his chances are limited.
What is definite, though, is that he is finally back, and from now until the end of the season he will increase his involvement until he is in sole charge again.
It is great news for the club, although they refuse, as yet, to publicly confirm that Houllier is back. Yesterday, his assistant boss Thompson would only say: "Gerard is very well." More than that, he has finally been given the all-clear by doctors to become involved again, after they declared themselves satisfied he is strong enough to stand up to the intense rigours of the job.
Houllier was struck down with a serious heart complaint during the game against Leeds on October 13.
He was rushed to hospital for an emergency, 12-hour life-saving operation.
Since then, he has persistently pledged to return, but was continually told by doctors to rest, and to keep away from the club.
His comeback was put on hold for three months. But at the club's training ground today he will give the team talk for tonight's game. Liverpool know that a win is crucial.
Thompson admits his side have to start converting more chances at home if they are to emerge from the curse of draws that has afflicted them at Anfield.
"We have only lost two at home, which is better than the other top teams, but we've drawn too many," he said.
"We are creating the chances. What we'd like is more goals - from all positions.
"It's a complete reversal from last season, when we won so many matches at home."
Thompson believes that the Anfield fans have a large part to play in Liverpool's push for their first Championship in 11 years. At times this season, they have become anxious as their team have failed to kill off the opposition - and that has put pressure on the players.
"To have them with us, in full voice through thick and thin, can bring us the title. That is how important they can be," said Thompson.
Liverpool will have Michael Owen back after resting him on Saturday, and Stephen Wright will continue for the suspended Jamie Carragher.