Thommo rates Houllier as one of the best

"It is my firm belief that Gerard has been as good for this club as Shanks and Bob Paisley," said Thompson. "Shanks built something out of nothing, Bob took the club a step further, and Gerard has brought a great deal of stability and took us to new levels.

"Who could have envisaged Champions League football five years ago? Before Gerard came here, Manchester United used to beat us for fun. Everton were unbeaten against us for ages.

"The sort of rapid success we've enjoyed here does not go away in six weeks. Not much has gone right in those six weeks, but the title is nearer now than it's ever been. That's how positive we are."