By Dan Harrison

Gerard Houllier revealed that Aston Villa's "culture, philosophy, vision and history" attracted him to the club - and he described the job as an "irresistible" opportunity.

The 63-year-old, who was officially unveiled as Villa's new manager on Friday afternoon, is excited by the challenge of trying to compete in the upper echelons of the Barclays Premier League.

Houllier admits the "enthusiasm, dynamism, honesty and ambition" of chairman Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner helped sell the club to him.

And the Frenchman is relishing a return to day-to-day management, insisting his passion for English football is still as great as when he left Liverpool six years ago.

"I take great pride in my appointment at Aston Villa," he said. "It's a great honour for me.

"One of the reasons is thanks to the chairman and Paul. I have to admit that I was impressed by their enthusiasm, dynamism and their honesty - that convinced me.

"Their ambition also impressed me. The ambition for the club and for what they want to bring to the fans of this club.

"Now I am delighted to share that ambition with them and the fans.

"Also there is my passion for English football and the Premier League which to me is the best league in the world and probably the most covered.

"It has not diminished since my time at Liverpool. After Liverpool and after Lyon I had several offers and this offer from Aston Villa came very late and I must say it was practically a strong proposition and almost irresistible because Aston Villa is a football club with a history, with a record, with a squad.

"All I can say is that I am pleased, proud, hungry and healthy."

While Houllier shares Villa's long-term ambition of challenging for the top four in the Premier League, he insists it will take gradual progress to achieve this.

Achieving European qualification for a fourth straight season is the Frenchman's first target.

And he will be doing his utmost to ensure the squad is focussed on giving their all.

"Of course everybody is mentioning Champions League or Europe - I would say let's take it one step at a time," he added.

"Let's have the progress - what we want is to make sure we get the best out of the squad we have and with the appetite desire to win things together.

"The top four or five have taken a stride and we are below. That is why we finished in that position so that is why we need to improve that position.

"To improve that position sometimes you need some more time so the first thing is it is a new era in terms of training, in terms of habits, in terms of everything.

"Playing and being a player is too short to spoil. They need to really get focussed and give their best for the club and their career.

"I am fully aware that the competition is harsher between 2004 and now because even Liverpool couldn't make it [to fourth place] this time, so that tells you the competition.

"That is why this is exciting. We have our own weapons - a culture, a philosophy, a vision, a history and a real determination to work hard and succeed."

Houllier will not be present for Monday night's trip to Stoke City, as he must complete his duties as the French Football Federation's technical director.

However, he hopes to attend the home clash against Bolton Wanderers next Saturday before taking the reins the following week.

In the interim, Kevin MacDonald will continue to take charge of the first team, before returning to his role as reserve team boss.

The Frenchman paid tribute to MacDonald and hopes to enjoy a close working relationship with him.

"Unfortunately I won't be at the Stoke game because I am employed by the FFF," he added.

"According to French law, the FFF could say you have got to stay another three months.

"I am negotiating with the chairman to leave far earlier and I hope to maybe be there for the Bolton game or right after the Bolton game.

"I'll attend the Bolton game and maybe we start from there.

"I have got several commitments which the chairman asked me to do and particularly a very important meeting with the Championship managers.

"Kevin will keep the preparation for the team. I spoke to him this morning and we had a very good, amicable conversation.

"He won't stay as an assistant manager - he prefers to go back to his role as reserve team manager.

"He has done a good job there, I trust him and I'm sure our relationship will be as good as it can be."