Roy Hodgson Out as Liverpool Manager, Kenny Dalglish to Take Over as Caretaker

by

Jan 8, 2011

Roy Hodgson left Liverpool FC by mutual consent Saturday, with club owner John Henry commenting, “We are grateful for Roy’s efforts over the past six months, but both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position as team manager. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Hodgson had been the subject of intense media pressure after never fully settling in Anfield following his arrival six month ago, and that pressure had grown far worse with the club’s recent string of poor results — culminating this past wednesday with a 3-1 loss at EWood Park.

The former Fulham man was gracious about having been given the opporunity to manage Liverpool at all, according to LFCTV.

 “Being asked to manage Liverpool Football Club was a great privilege. Any manager would be honored to manage a club with such an incredible history, such embedded tradition and such an amazing set of fans. Liverpool is one of the great clubs in world football.

“I have, however, found the last few months some of the most challenging of my career. I am very sad not to have been able to put my stamp on the squad, to be given the time to bring new players into the club in this transfer window and to have been able to be part of the rebuilding process at Liverpool. The club has some great, world-class players, with whom it has been a pleasure to work and I wish the entire squad well for the rest of the season.

“I thank those with whom I have built up a close working relationship at the club for their loyalty and support during very testing times, and finally of course to the Liverpool fans, your passion and dedication to the club will see Liverpool at the top of the game once more.”

Hodgson had come to Liverpool fresh of leading Fulham to the Europa League final, and had even been considered the league’s best manager by his peers before his difficult tenure at Anfield.

His future had appeared futher up in the air after the cancellation of his pre-match news conference for Liverpool’s FA Cup third round match with Manchester United, but now, the speculation has come to fruition.

As had been rumored likely, former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish will take over until the end of the year.

“We are delighted that Kenny Dalglish has agreed to step in and manage the team for Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Old Trafford and for the remainder of the season,” Henry remarked.

“Kenny was not just a legendary footballer, he was the third of our three most successful managers — three giants. We are extraordinarily fortunate and grateful that he has decided to step in during the middle of this season,” Henry continued.

Chairman Tom Werner echoed his sentiment.

“No one who cares for this great club has been happy with the way this season has unfolded and we have examined options and considered at length what is best for us going forward. Kenny will bring considerable experience to the position and provide management and leadership for the rest of the season,” he said.

Hogson leaves Anfield after just 20 league games with Liverpool. He was 7-4-9.

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