Gerard Houllier arrived at the club in July 1998 to become joint-manager by Roy Evans' side, Houllier introduced himself to the players. Neil Ruddock wasn't impressed. Houllier came into the dressing room and he went to Fowler, 'Ahh, Robbie Fowler,' went to David James: 'hello, David', he comes to me and said: 'I'm sorry, what is your name?' I said: 'Have you been in a coma for 15 years?' Everyone laughed. He didn't get my sense of humour. I think it was about a week later I was gone.