Dalglish takes charge of Liverpool after Hodgson exit

Kenny Dalglish has been brought in to take temporary charge of Liverpool after Roy Hodgson left the club by mutual consent following six difficult months at Anfield.

Dalglish will take charge of the Reds for Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. The 59-year-old, who enjoyed six fruitful years in charge of Liverpool from 1985 to 1991, will then remain in control of first team affairs until the end of the season.

Liverpool’s American owner John W Henry thanked Hodgson for his contributions to the club. “We are grateful for Roy’s efforts over the past six months,” said Henry in a statement.

“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.”

Henry continued: “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.”

Hodgson had remained largely muted since Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat against Blackburn at Ewood Park earlier in the week and further confusion reigned when a scheduled press conference was cancelled ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup match.

“Being asked to manage Liverpool Football Club was a great privilege,” said Hodgson in a statement on the club’s website. “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.”