Why Cole and Gerrard are proof that Hodgson was perfect appointment for Liverpool

By David Maddock

Published 14:07 20/07/10

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In the space of 24 encouraging hours, Roy Hodgson has illustrated perfectly why he is the right man to lead Liverpool at this turbulent point in their history.

What Hodgson has, and what Liverpool so desperately need right now, is football nous. The signing of Joe Cole proves exactly that.

These are almost unique times at Anfield. The tradition of this famous and fair club has always been that their special fans get behind new managers, to offer patient and unqualified support.

Yet there is a certain section that seems happy to betray this Liverpool philosophy. There have been people almost queuing up to condemn his appointment and to condemn anyone who dares to offer a positive thought about him or the team right now.

They are not auspicious circumstances with which to begin what is, let’s not lose sight of the fact, a difficult job of rebuilding a side that had imploded and was on its knees.

From his first press conference, Hodgson navigated these difficult waters with a seasoned hand. He came across well to all but the most blindly critical supporter. Crucially, he came across well to those members of his squad who were thinking of leaving.

But it needed more than clever, measured words. Hodgson needed a statement of intent, a sign that he could deliver on those words, not just to the fans who long for some good news from Anfield, but to the players who want to see some light at the end of a dark tunnel.

In an instant, the signing of Cole did that. There was no song and dance about it, no big build up, no prolonged pursuit after leaks through favoured channels. Just a massive signing with massive impact, delivered with minimum fuss.

Cole is a quality player, of that there is no doubt. Yet his talent is only the half of it. Persuading a player like that to leave Chelsea for Anfield, ahead of the likes of Arsenal, shows that the manager has standing.

It was no surprise then, when Steven Gerrard almost immediately came out and pledged his future to Liverpool, insisting he was excited about the season ahead. He was part of the process of bringing Cole to the club, and when it happened, he must have started to believe that – despite all the warnings of doom – there could be some hope after all. The point won't have been lost on the manager.

What Hodgson has is a broad knowledge and broad experience. He is not a glamorous name, not a media darling like Mourinho or Capello (before this summer), but he knows football, and knows how to react in the most trying of circumstances.

His miracle in saving Fulham from relegation in the weeks after his arrival at Craven Cottage proves just that. So does his miracle in getting the same club to the Europa League final. His work in his first few weeks at Anfield prove that too. The signing of Cole accentuates it.

Many Liverpool fans wanted a more glamorous name, but then no doubt some did when Bill Shankly left, and probably when his successor Bob Paisley left too.

I mention that, because to me, Hodgson possesses some of the qualities of Paisley and of his successor Joe Fagan in particular. They were football men who to this day have never quite received the wider acclaim they deserve, because they were not interested in the limelight.  

Hodgson is a throwback to their time in the honest way he conducts himself. He is also a manager, like them, who is prepared to get on with his job without creating waves.

In these modern, money-driven times, it will be impossible for him to even dream of emulating those two Anfield greats. But if he can at least reproduce the dignity they brought to the job then it will be an important step forward for Liverpool in these most desperate of times.

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