Why Hodgson and Dalglish are the dream ticket for Liverpool

By David Maddock

Published 18:04 29/06/10

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IN this column last week, I argued that Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson were the two candidates who possessed the qualities Liverpool most require in their next manager.

I believe that if Dalglish, an eternal legend amongst the Anfield faithful, comes out and puts himself forward for the job, then he would be perfect to unify a divided club, and rally support amongst disillusioned fans.

But he hasn’t done that, and with pre-season about to start, then there is only one other candidate who possesses the calm authority, tactical knowledge and massive experience required to turn around a club that was described by its own players as a sinking ship.

That man is Hodgson. He is dignified, authoritative, intelligent, and most important of all, he is a man who knows how to work with the tools he has been given to get the best out of a situation.

Liverpool to unveil Hodgson this week

Many Liverpool fans don’t seem too impressed that they could get the Fulham manager as their next boss, largely because of his record. But closer examination of that record shows an genuine tactical ability in Europe, huge experience of the Premier League, and an ability to turn a ailing club around.

He did it at Inter Milan, a club on the verge of relegation and virtual meltdown when he took over. Two years later they were in the top three and the UEFA Cup final, despite an oppressively tight budget and none of the big name stars that were to follow later at the San Siro.

Massimo Moratti credits Hodgson as being the architect of the modern Inter, the man who set them on the path to their current position as the best team in Europe.

Perhaps he can do the same for Liverpool. His calmness and dignity can help keep big players at the club, help steady the ship and set things up for the future, just as he did at Inter.

It seems Dalglish recognises that, which is why he has not officially put his hat in the ring for the Liverpool job. It is certainly true that it was King Kenny who initially recommended Hodgson, who he regards as a close friend.

Many fans will feel saddened if Kenny doesn’t come back with Liverpool, and I will be amongst them. But here’s a thought. Dalglish and Hodgson are close friends, so what is to prevent them from working together?

Kenny is already working for Liverpool as an ambassador, and with the man he recommended in charge, I can easily envisage a situation where he is given an expanded role, and where Hodgson draws on his unrivalled knowledge of all things Liverpool.

To me, in the current situation with hopeless owners, massive debt and anger amongst the fans, that would be the perfect solution. And maybe, just maybe, the pair could turn Anfield fortunes around, just as Hodgson did at Inter.

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