MATTHEW Etherington is warning his Stoke colleagues to beware the Gerard Houllier factor when City resume their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa on Monday, writes Martin Spinks.

The 63-year-old Frenchman is due to make his debut as Villa boss at next week's televised clash after being appointed as Martin O'Neill's successor last night.

And Etherington cautions: "It was always going to be a tough game, but now it will be even tougher.

"They will be looking to impress him and it usually makes for a more difficult game when a new manager comes in. They will also be starting afresh, a new page if you like, now that they have a new manager."

Etherington admits to being surprised that the former Liverpool manager was approached to return to the Premier League after a six-year absence.

"It seems like a strange one, to be honest, but he has done well previously in England. They are obviously going for some experience to carry on after Martin O'Neill."

Stoke tackle Villa on Monday still seeking their first point after three successive defeats, their worst start to a season since the 1986/87 campaign.

But Etherington insists: "I don't think anybody here is worried. It's not been the best of starts, but it has been tough.

"Like the manager said, and I think everyone else agrees, the season starts on Monday night.

"We've got home games to come now against Villa and West Ham, then a tough trip to Newcastle and then another home game against Blackburn, so we've got to be looking to kick-start our season now."

Etherington has already enjoyed several days' training with Stoke's new signings and can't wait to start supplying the ammunition for a forward line packed with options.

"They've managed to bring in some quality players," said City's reigning player-of-the-year, "which is good for the team, good for the club, good for the manager and good for the fans."