By Craig McWalter
April 5 2002

Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson have been jointly awarded the Premiership manager of the month award. It's the second time this season they've been given the honour.

During March the Reds won five league games out of five with wins over Fulham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Charlton.

The Barclaycard Awards Panel said: "Gerard Houllier's illness has been one of the most dramatic stories of this season and his reappearance at Anfield has clearly spurred the team on.

"Phil Thompson took over the role of manager at one of the world's biggest clubs in difficult circumstances and ensured Liverpool stuck to winning ways."

Gerard Houllier has said he would love to Keep Nicolas Anelka at Anfield but "it would have to be in the best interests of the everyone"