In defence of Roy.......

[Anubis]

And it's a narrow minded and parochial view. More people need to get out of Liverpool a bit more. Broaden their life experiences and world view. I remember being like that when I lived there, but I got out a bit. Royston Vasey with a different accent?

 

You moved to Royston Vasey and changed your accent? You're not Barbara Dixon, are you?

[mypost]

Agree with all that.

 

There's a distinctive trait of being non-English that Liverpool fans have always held dear. There was often the feeling that you belonged to Liverpool, or you belonged to English football - you couldn't have it two ways.

 

Confused after that.

 

LFC is not a club restricted to Liverpool these days. It's one of the biggest clubs in the world. Run and owned by foreigners, with foreign coach's, mainly foreign players and fans. I certainly don't want us to become a Scouse Athletic Bilbao, with success rate to match. We have to welcome staff and fans from all countries and all faiths to maintain our current standing in the world game.

[Section_31]

And it's a narrow minded and parochial view. More people need to get out of Liverpool a bit more. Broaden their life experiences and world view. I remember being like that when I lived there, but I got out a bit. Royston Vasey with a different accent?

 

I think you're confusing two separate issues there mate. I agree wholeheartedly that the city itself has a somewhat parochial outlook and that it holds it back.

 

But the club is something different. The club doesn't feel like an English club and that's no doubt down to a lot of things. The relatively small number of English players that played a role in its glory days, enjoying much stronger ties to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The disdain shown for the likes of Bob Paisley and his achievements by not granting him a knighthood, and the general feel that the rest of England was jealous and at best slow to give credit to the club where credit was due. I think Thatcher and Heysel, and obviously the Hillsborough disaster and the role of 'the establishment' only exacerbated those feelings.

 

I think all of these factors have conspired to make Liverpool FC as a club turn its back on the rest, and I think that happened a long time ago.

 

Roy is the only manager in the club's recent history that hasn't either come in from a foreign country, or wasn't promoted through the bootroom. He is effectively the only 'English football man' we've had at the helm since before Shanks arrived.

[stringvest]

I think you're confusing two separate issues there mate. I agree wholeheartedly that the city itself has a somewhat parochial outlook and that it holds it back.

 

But the club is something different. The club doesn't feel like an English club and that's no doubt down to a lot of things. The relatively small number of English players that played a role in its glory days, enjoying much stronger ties to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The disdain shown for the likes of Bob Paisley and his achievements by not granting him a knighthood, and the general feel that the rest of England was jealous and at best slow to give credit to the club where credit was due. I think Thatcher and Heysel, and obviously the Hillsborough disaster and the role of 'the establishment' only exacerbated those feelings.

 

I think all of these factors have conspired to make Liverpool FC as a club turn its back on the rest, and I think that happened a long time ago.

 

Roy is the only manager in the club's recent history that hasn't either come in from a foreign country, or wasn't promoted through the bootroom. He is effectively the only 'English football man' we've had at the helm since before Shanks arrived.

 

I understand all of that stuff - in fact I bought into all of it at some point and some of it is still valid - the overlooking of Paisley is nothing short of scandalous. A lot of it is just chippy though. The fact that a lot of the country was slow to give credit? I'm sure you understand that a lot of the country is slow to give credit to United, Arsenal, Chelsea etc as well - opposition supporters are never going to acknowledge the achievements of other teams. In fact, I'd say Liverpool achievements are acknowledged rather more fairly by the rest of the country than a lot of other teams.

 

I'm not sure that Hodgson's 'Englishness' has anything to do with his approval ratings. There's the results on the pitch, his murmurings off the pitch, the fact that some thought he was part of a conspiracy to remove Rafa, that he was appointed by Broughton and Purslow, that he didn't wave bits of paper with 'facts' written on them at Ferguson etc etc.

[Menc]

 

I'm not sure that Hodgson's 'Englishness' has anything to do with his approval ratings.

 

I think it has contributed in its own way. He’s extremely “English” in his outlook, one that he shares with all the big players at the LMA. If reports are accurate he was holding out for the England job even before arriving at the club, and since his arrival he’s very much treated it as “just another job” that he can discuss with his LMA colleagues at their meetings. He’s almost portrayed himself as “above” it all, including rivalries with other clubs (especially his mate’s), the fans, and the history of the club.

 

Since Shankly, however, Liverpool fans won’t accept being treated as “just another club”, we believe we and the club are special and we want our manager to act in a way that reflects that. It all sounds insignificant and arrogant when you put it down in words but it’s no different to how other big clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan, Inter, Manchester United etc would expect their manager to behave.

 

Ferguson may be a big player in the LMA but it’s simply because he can use it and his “friendships” with other managers to get what is best for his club. He’s the leader of the little club and you know he’d drop them all like stones if it suited him. Sadly, our manager is a follower and consequently won’t step out of line against Ferguson. That’s fine for a club like Fulham, or Sunderland, or Blackburn, or Stoke, but it’s not enough for a club like Liverpool that actually has ambitions of knocking Ferguson off his perch.

[Jarvinja Ilnow]

In Roy's own words:

 

Roy Hodgson argues for change of boss at Liverpool FC - Liverpool FC - Sport News - Daily Post North Wales

 

 

Roy Hodgson argues for change of boss at Liverpool FC

Jan 3 2011 By Ben Thornley

 

OF all the voices who have argued for a change of management at Anfield this season one man has consistently made the most compelling case – Roy Hodgson.

There has never have been a Liverpool boss as universally disliked by supporters as the Londoner.

But it’s not just the regressive tactics, awful signings (Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky) and pitiful away form (six defeats in nine games with a goal difference of -10) that has turned the Kop against him.

Liverpool supporters have become accustomed to their managers being equally skilled as orators, a trend begun by the great Bill Shankly. Even the quieter men among the club’s roll call of bosses like Bob Paisley could be relied upon for cutting sound bites.

Not Hodgson. Barely a press conference goes by without the former UAE coach embarrassing himself and the club, alienating a player or enraging fans.

Here is a collection of the worst efforts of his first – and hopefully only – six months in charge:

 

I preferred to put my weight behind David Ngog and Ryan Babel, who's never really been given a proper chance at centre-forward at the club. I'm hoping that between now and Christmas we'll have ample quality to see us through that period.

On not buying another striker

 

A club like Liverpool shouldn't have to rely on non-specialists like Dirk Kuyt or Ryan Babel ‘doing a job’ up front when they are primarily wide players.

Hodgson changes his mind a month later.

 

They'll be a formidable challenge – there's no question about that.

On Carling Cup opponents, struggling league Two side Northampton

 

I thought we did quite well when (Northampton) they took the lead in the extra time and we threw caution to the wind it gave us the equaliser.

Hodgson uses the words ‘throw caution to the wind’ about playing a League Two side. At Anfield.

 

That was as good as we have played all season..... To get a result here – against Everton – would have been Utopia.

After the wretched loss to Everton

 

I know Sir Alex (Ferguson) is not really a Liverpool man so I’m a bit concerned about my excellent relationship with him.

I sincerely hope he forgives me for moving north and hopefully we can have a glass of wine together, maybe in secret.

Hodgson endears himself to Liverpool fans everywhere

 

I prefer to talk about the game and talk about issues that interest me. Mr Ferguson is entitled to any opinion he wants to have but I'm not going to come here and say I agree or disagree.

Hodgson refuses to defend Fernando Torres against accusations of cheating

 

I understand (Frank) Rijkaard has just been sacked from Galatasaray – he must be a great manager to have been sacked by Galatasaray.

'Nice guy' Roy on the Champions League and La Liga winning manager

 

You would have to ask (Glen Johnson) 'do you think you're playing at top form and are you playing like the best right-back in the country for your club?' If he says yes, obviously we will have to agree to differ and if he says no, then you'd have to ask the question 'why not?

Showing his man-management skills

 

The protest does not help but it is something I have had to live with since I came to the club.

Criticising the fans’ protest against the club’s former owners

 

I was disappointed – and I've told him this – that he – Dalglish – applied for the job in the summer because I don't think that was ever really going to happen for him.

Putting Liverpool legend Dalglish in his place, a man who has won more trophies than Hodgson has Premier League away games in his entire time in England

 

I've been involved in some big derbies in my career and you know how much they mean to the fans.... I didn't like losing in those games, which I did quite often. I did poorly so it would be nice to change that.

Hodgson shows he’s the man for the big occasion before losing 3-2 to Manchester United.

 

He’s a quality player and we will be working hard on our tactics to make sure he doesn’t dominate the game.

No, not Lionel Messi, rather Fulham’s Danny Murphy, who was sent packing by Liverpool six years ago.

 

I think it would be a sad day for football and for Liverpool if someone who had been brought in with the pomp and circumstance, and the money it took them to release me from my previous contract, and being feted as one of England's best managers – if after eight games people are deciding this guy has got to go

Showing his modest side.

 

Are you from Denmark? (No, Norway replied the journalist) Ah, two countries I never want to work in again.

Insulting a Norweigian journalist and a large part of Liverpool’s fan base.

 

We have got a lot more expensive failures on our list than good players that we have brought in for next to nothing.

Having a dig at Champions League winning former Reds boss Rafa Benitez and his transfer record

 

What do you mean do my methods translate? They have translated from Halmstad to Malmo to Orebo to Neuchatel Xamax to the Swiss national team. So I find the question insulting. To suggest that, because I have moved from one club to another, that the methods which have stood me in good stead for 35 years and made me one of the most respected coaches in Europe don’t suddenly work, is very hard to believe.

Reeling off some of the massive clubs he’s managed. Not so much a who’s who of European football as a who are they?

 

Today was a famous victory

No, not Liverpool’s win in Istanbul but a 1-0 triumph over Bolton at the Reebok.

 

 

There aren't many quality left-backs around in the world, never mind in England – so to find an English one ( Paul Konchesky) who can go straight into the team without any adjustment problems is a big advantage.

Hodgson, who sold Roberto Carlos to Real Madrid while manager of Inter Milan, knows a good left back when he sees one.

 

 

Christian (Poulsen) is an all-round player. He is capable of scoring goals, a good passer of the ball and a good defender.

After paying £4.5m on the 30-year-old plodder.

 

He's not that bad on the ball.

After seeing him play.

 

It is very early for me to make very strong judgements about where his best position is.

Hodgson shows the depth of his research on £11.5m signing Raul Meireles, who has played his entire career in central midfield. Until he came to Anfield.

 

I don't understand questions about Liverpool and Fulham players being different types

Who said Hodgson doesn’t grasp how big a club Liverpool is?

 

I've had several bad experiences. Even at Halmstad in the 70s, in the year we won our second championship, it took until the second half of the season to win our first game away and that broke a record going back two seasons. We went over two seasons without winning an away game.

On his wretched away form throughout his career.

 

Fans make their frustrations felt every time we lose, but unfortunately they may have to do that a few more times, because I can't see us going through a season winning every game.

Roy promises the good times are going to roll again after the 2-0 defeat to Stoke

 

I don't know where the stories came from that Gerrard would be fit for Newcastle.

From your Head of Sports Medicine Dr Peter Brukner, Roy.

 

It's not as if he'll be playing with a bunch of also-rans. I'm not asking him to play in the reserves.

Asking Torres to play against Utrecht while also motivating his reserves

 

I thought it would be a nice game for him (Torres) and a chance for him to get his confidence back. But I also had a talk to our fitness people and they made me see sense that it wasn't the wisest thing to do.

Revealing who picks the team.

 

I think we will cross that bridge when we come to it... I am not naive to believe there won’t be any danger and we will never lose a player like Torres, I understand these things can happen

Issuing a stern hands-off Torres warning to pal Ferguson. Well, kind of.

 

When it was mooted the club wanted me for the job I made it clear to Kenny I wanted him on board and it wouldn’t be like it was with Benitez where he’d be here in name only. It wouldn’t be the case that Kenny would be never be allowed to step foot into Melwood.

Having another dig at the Spaniard, a claim which was exposed as a lie by the Champions League winning manager

 

He's not so much a player I can really take responsibility for. I'd have to share the responsibility for Joe, less so than for people like [Christian] Poulsen, [Raul] Meireles and [Paul] Konchesky, who are players I was quite happy to bring to the club.

Washing his hands of Joe Cole a week before the former Chelsea midfielder earns Liverpool a 2-1 victory over Bolton

 

Ever since I came here, the famous Anfield support hasn't really been there.There was the problem with the owners and Kenny being so popular and the job going to me, so I have had to live with that. I have to hope the fans will become supporters because we need support. We are not deliberately losing games.

Roy puts the final nail in his coffin

[Section_31]

That was as good as we have played all season..... To get a result here – against Everton – would have been Utopia.

 

After the wretched loss to Everton

 

I'm in physical pain laughing at that, it's genius. He is the football Alan Partridge.

[Antynwa]

I don't care how anyone tries to justify it.

 

'Hodgson for England' chants, and the public mocking of the manager is out of order.

[Iantn]

I don't care how anyone tries to justify it.

 

'Hodgson for England' chants, and the public mocking of the manager is out of order.

 

There hasn't been much that hasn't been outta order for a few years regarding our manager. Chants are just an in-game version of booing and are fuckin' wrong as.

[Byrnie]

I don't care how anyone tries to justify it.

 

'Hodgson for England' chants, and the public mocking of the manager is out of order.

 

Those pesky OOTs.

[Guest TesticleOReilly]

Those pesky OOTs.

 

No, no. It's now 'Those pesky Upper Centys'. We've moved from regional prejudice to stand prejudice.

[redsoxs]

I don't care how anyone tries to justify it.

 

'Hodgson for England' chants, and the public mocking of the manager is out of order.

 

pfft.

 

Next, you'll be saying the fans who pay £40+ a game don't have a right to complain about the awful football they've been seeing at Anfeild of late.

 

 

Thats not mentioning the poor fucks who attend the away games!!

Edited January 3, 2011 by redsoxs

[Antynwa]

pfft.

 

Next, you'll be saying the fans who pay £40+ a game don't have a right to complain about the awful football they've been seeing at Anfeild of late.

 

 

Thats not mentioning the poor fucks who attend the away games!!

 

Don't get me wrong, I can understand booing. I mean I have done it once or twice myself.

 

But it's public bear bating. You've got fans bringing banners into stadiums asking for the manager to be sacked, a few asking for the previous manager he's been mocked literally from day .

 

It's been a sad state of affairs, and it's the sort of shite we've mocked other clubs like Newcastle about before.

 

Whose our messiah? Kenny or Rushie?

[Iantn]

I can understand booing. I mean I have done it once or twice myself.

 

When?

[Antynwa]

When?

 

From the top of my head. Reading in the cup last year and when we lost 6-2 or (6-3) in the cup v Arsenal.

[Iantn]

From the top of my head. Reading in the cup last year and when we lost 6-2 or (6-3) in the cup v Arsenal.

 

Without sounding a twat here, I don't think you can make too much of a comment on what others do or don't do if you boo.

 

As I said earlier, non-positive chants are just in-game booing for me.

[chauncey]

From the top of my head. Reading in the cup last year and when we lost 6-2 or (6-3) in the cup v Arsenal.

 

Were you not at Northampton or Wolves? If so, why didn't you boo then?

 

Because you're a hypocrite perhaps?

[stringvest]

I have to say I don't remember any booing in that 6-3 Arsenal game. I think we all just shuffled off in embarrassment after witnessing us get bummed by a gang of kids. It was a weird night, that one.

[corro]

A few years ago the blue shite were getting smashed by tranmere in the fa cup 3-0 and as sad as it sounds i put city on to listen to the gobshites booing them off and thought it hilarious. There is fuck all wrong with reds arguing like fuck with each other but i have never seen the point in booing our own team. Ever. The best way is what happened saturday,just stay away. The owners will be more concerned with that than anything else

[ben48]

I think you're confusing two separate issues there mate. I agree wholeheartedly that the city itself has a somewhat parochial outlook and that it holds it back.

 

But the club is something different. The club doesn't feel like an English club and that's no doubt down to a lot of things. The relatively small number of English players that played a role in its glory days, enjoying much stronger ties to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The disdain shown for the likes of Bob Paisley and his achievements by not granting him a knighthood, and the general feel that the rest of England was jealous and at best slow to give credit to the club where credit was due. I think Thatcher and Heysel, and obviously the Hillsborough disaster and the role of 'the establishment' only exacerbated those feelings.

 

I think all of these factors have conspired to make Liverpool FC as a club turn its back on the rest, and I think that happened a long time ago.

 

Roy is the only manager in the club's recent history that hasn't either come in from a foreign country, or wasn't promoted through the bootroom. He is effectively the only 'English football man' we've had at the helm since before Shanks arrived.

That is spot on mate, its a different world, a separate place, there`s a warmth, and a humour found nowhere else, and until Hodgson grasps that then he has`nt a chance.

[stringvest]

That is spot on mate, its a different world, a separate place, there`s a warmth, and a humour found nowhere else, and until Hodgson grasps that then he has`nt a chance.

 

once there was, not any more.

[VladimirIlyich]

The chants of 'Hodgson for England' are a brilliant,scouse,non personal way of criticising a poor manager.

 

Booing is out of order,although with sky high ticket prices these days I can sort of understand certain people booing.

For example paying the best part of £100 to get to a game and seeing a top team rollover and not look arsed like against Wolves and Blackpool for example is more than frustrating.

[Tyler Durden]

I have to say I don't remember any booing in that 6-3 Arsenal game. I think we all just shuffled off in embarrassment after witnessing us get bummed by a gang of kids. It was a weird night, that one.

 

If I remember right we applauded them off

[VladimirIlyich]

If I remember right we applauded them off

 

Is right!

[Antynwa]

Were you not at Northampton or Wolves? If so, why didn't you boo then?

 

Because you're a hypocrite perhaps?

 

Coz I'm a steward.

 

Looks proper silly