Roy Hodgson Leaves Liverpool FC By Mutual Consent

Liverpool FC confirmed today that manager Roy Hodgson has left the club by mutual consent.

Hodgson, 63, had won only seven of their 20 Premier League games since he took over from Rafael Benitez in July 2010 with the club 12th in the table.

Hodgson refused to answer questions on his future at Anfield following Liverpool's 3-1 defeat by Blackburn on Wednesday, the club's third defeat in four Premier League games.

And when his press conference ahead of Liverpool's FA Cup third-round match against Manchester United on Sunday was cancelled on Friday, it fuelled further speculation that the former Fulham manager's tenure was drawing to a close.

Principal Owner John Henry commented: "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."

Club legend Kenny Dalglish will assume control of team matters for Sunday's third round FA Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford and for rest of the season.

Henry added: "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.

"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."

Chairman Tom Werner said: "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."

Hodgson said in a statement: "Being asked to manage Liverpool Football Club was a great privilege. Any manager would be honoured 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."

YESSSSSSSSS

very nice words from hodgson

yes this is great news.......also king kenny stepping in throughout the rest of this season

It has being coming...

Hodgson, nice words. You ain't a total twat after all

This is exactly what i said would happen and i cannot be any happier.

Hodgson simply had to go, 25 points from a possible 60 is a disgrace and IMO if Liverpool FC had any real balls, the Owners would have sacked him in October when we lost to Northampton and Blackpool, saying that i respect them for giving Roy a chance.

Dalgish until the end of the season is the perfect solution to get us out of this mess, it will give the owners time to pick the PERFECT long term manager. Im fulling expecting the players to get a "feel good factor" now, knowing your being managed by the greatest ever Liverpool player what better motivation or inspiration do you fu*kin need!!!

START OF A NEW ERA, LETS START BY SMASHING THE SCUM!!!

Samet wrote:very nice words from hodgson

Hes just pocketed 3 million for his troubles, lets face it...he had to be nice!

I do respect Roy for his words.

When I first saw news break I jumped out of my chair screaming 'YEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!' But on a serious note, it was in the best interest of both parties that we started afresh. Would not mind hearing the players' take on this. Suddenly I am more optimistic of beating the scum than I was this time yesterday. The crowd will be buzzing tomorrow now and that will help the players, had Roy remained the atmosphere would have been dense like it has been for a while now. And we have all said we would not trust him in this month's transfer window, we have now been spared the agony.

Super sub unsurprised at Hodgson departure

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/9350715.stm

omg cant believe this! best news ever, i'm just so excited for having king kenny manage the team!

But would still like to wish Roy all the best

Great news!!!! Finally something to smile about after a shyte season!! Lets hope king kenny could get the squad clicking....

Starting today.

Roy Hodgson receives a hefty £7.5m as severance pay despite managing Liverpool for only six months
9 Jan 2011

Liverpool are thought to have paid Roy Hodgson the remaining £7.5 million of his £3m-a-year contract with the club, owing to his dismissal.

The Reds' boss was recently shown the door after an underwhelming six-months at the helm of the Merseyside club, having never really been able to win over the fans while results on the pitch did him no favours at all.

The club have since brought in legendary player and manager Kenny Dalglish to take care of team affairs until a permanent replacement can be found in the summer.

But now The News of the World claims that the Merseysiders had to cough up £7.5m as severance when Hodgson was given the boot.

Dalglish's first game in charge during his second spell as boss will be against Manchester United today in the third round of the FA Cup.

already in dept then?

Not much though...

Ian Ayre:

"We reached an agreement with Roy and certainly that type of payment does not come into the same area of business as our transfer budget,"

Well the main thing is that he's gone for good