Houllier has the backing of club bosses

Houllier has come under fire from supporters who called for him to be sacked after the recent 1-0 home defeat by Wolves. That left Villa just one point above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

But Houllier is adamant a close bond remains between himself, Lerner and Faulkner.

Houllier, whose side visit Everton on Saturday, said: "I speak to Randy Lerner on a regular basis and I speak also to Paul Faulkner a minimum of once a day.

"We are very close and very tight together. We know what we are going through. It is important to be in a club where there is a strong belief and the trust is there.

"I think their support for me is just as strong. In fact, I am convinced of that."

Source: PA

Source: PA