Liverpool sure know how to draw out a deal. As if the impending transfer of Serbian international Milan Jovanovic hasn’t gone on long enough, we’ve now had to endure the deal to bring Roy Hodgson to Anfield for the best part of 2 months. It’s been on, it’s been off, it’s been confirmed, it’s been denied. But now, with great pride and satisfaction, I can confirm that Roy Hodgson will be named as Rafael Benitez’s successor this week, or even by the end of today according to Liverpool FC.
Hodgson completed a wonderful three years at Craven Cottage by guiding Fulham into the Europa League final last season, ahead of European giants Juventus, reigning champions Shakhtar Donetsk and German champions Wolfsburg. He also established Fulham as a mighty tough Premier League side, finishing a record 7th place in the 2008/09 season before securing a mid-table slot last campaign, a superb effort considering the amount of games they had to play both domestically and in the continent.
The 62-year old topped a shortlist that also involved ex-Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini, Galatasaray’s Frank Rijkaard and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, whose job it was, along with Managing Director Christian Purslow, to hunt down and appoint the right man for the job. Dalglish is now involved in the youth development side of the club, but was a strong favourite to be put in charge, prior to Hodgson’s arrival.
Mike Kelly, goalkeeping coach and Hodgson’s no.2 at Fulham, is expected to join up with the man who has managed the likes of Inter Milan, Bristol City and United Arab Emirates in his very successful career.
So, what do we think Liverpool fans? Is this the right move for the club? Is Roy Hodgson the man to take Liverpool back into the Champions League and get them challenging for honours again? Let me know what you think.
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Great manager? You must be joking !!!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I don't believe at any stage I referred to him as 'great'. Great is a very overused word and very few people are true greats.
ReplyDeleteWhat I did say is that he has a very impressive resume, and performed near-miracles with Fulham during the three years he spent there. To take a very mediocre group of players to 7th in the Premier League, and then past the likes of Juventus, Shakhtar and Wolfsburg into the Europa League final was a superb achievement. I believe he was the right choice, and until he proves me wrong, I will continue to believe that.
Thanks for reading.