Aston Villa manager Gérard Houllier does not always have a magical touch with Frenchmen, it seems. Rennes 'keeper Nicolas Douchez apparently refused a transfer to Villa Park in January, according to L'Equipe. The goalkeeper's contract with the Ligue 1 side runs out in June, although it remains uncertain whether he will stay at Rennes or look elsewhere.
Had Houllier managed to land Douchez, it would have been a fantastic coup for the Villa: not only would the club have another Frenchman to add to their ranks, but they would have had another nearly - bald goalkeeper. Granted, his name's not Brad and he has a bit of scruff on top, but with a razor blade and a legal name change, Douchez would have fit right in. Unfortunately, Houllier just did not work hard enough to bring him across the Atlantic.
Although, really, I'm almost relieved. I'm not sure I could endure ten years of douchbag jokes.