The only way Mourinho or Hiddink were coming to Anfield this summer was in the boot of a car clutching a ransom note

By Brian Reade

Published 23:01 02/07/10

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Every Kopite underwhelmed by Roy Hodgson’s appointment should realise that, under Gillett, he was the best a man could get.

With a debt reaching Greek proportions, the cowboys offering Luncheon Vouchers for a transfer budget, and the few world-class players seeking Champions League football, the only way Mourinho or Hiddink were coming to Anfield this summer was in the boot of a car clutching a ransom note.

Kenny Dalglish would have been a choice based solely on sentiment and Manuel Pellegrini would have needed at least a season to settle.

Had someone told me a year ago that a Chelsea-supporting chairman would dump Benitez and replace him with a 62-year-old Fulham boss once sacked by Blackburn, I’d have referred them to a mental hospital.

But over that year Anfield became a madhouse itself. Listening to Hodgson exude experience, honesty and a hunger to succeed at Thursday’s press conference, he may be the man to restore sanity. I wish him luck and a bit of advice.

Keep hold of either Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard, demand every penny from summer sales, play attacking football, make the top four and bring some integrity back to Anfield, and you’ll be loved.

Turn up on the steps of St George’s Hall at the Spirit Of Shankly’s Independence Day rally with a “Yanks Out” placard and you’ll be an instant idol.

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