Parry offers Houllier support

Houllier, who has refuted speculation linking him with a move to French club Monaco, has come under fire from critics in the stands, as well as the media, after a run of just two wins in sixteen league games. Early exits in both the Champions League and the FA Cup have added to the concern that the Frenchman has taken the club as far as he can.

Parry feels that after years of steady progress Houllier should be allowed a chance to overcome the problems which have become increasingly apparent in the current Liverpool side.

Parry said: "Gerard's record over the past four years speaks for itself. There has been steady progress and this has been the first real setback - but you have setbacks in business.

"Finishing second last season left us just one place to go. The only way of improving was to pick up the title. That won't be the case this year but we'll redouble our efforts to do it next time."