Hodgson exits as Liverpool call on Dalglish
Roy Hodgson has left Liverpool Football Club by mutual consent, it was announced today. Kenny Dalglish replaces him as manager until the end of the season.
Kenny Dalglish will take control of team matters for tomorrow’s FA third found tie against Manchester United and will remain in place until the end of the season.
In a statement on the Liverpool FC website, principal owner John Henry said: “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.”
Hodgson added: “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.”
Hodgson, who was last season voted manager of the year for his achievements at Fulham, joined Liverpool in the summer of 2010, replacing Spaniard Rafael Benitez.
Both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position. John Henry, Liverpool owner
But the club has suffered nine defeats this season and currently stands 12th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone.
Hodgson recently apologised to Liverpool fans after comments he made following a home defeat to Wolves. He said he “had never had the famous Anfield support” since becoming manager.
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Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson believes Hodgson’s departure is in part the result of the fact that fans had turned against him.
“What we’ve seen at Liverpool in the last month has been unprecedented, unparalleled, in the way the fans have turned,” he said.
Liverpool have suffered a turbulent 2010-11 season, both on and off the pitch. In October the club was bought by new England Sports Ventures, the US owners of baseball team Boston Red Sox, after an acrimonious legal battle with previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
At the time of the takeover, Hodgson commented: “If the takeover is complete, players can get on with playing football without fear.” It was thought Hodgson would be given money to spend in the January transfer market to strengthen the team.
The club’s caretaker manager, Kenny Dalglish, has already managed the club once and is some Liverpool supporters’ choice to be Hodgson’s permanent replacement.