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Liverpool chairman pleased with Rodgers progression

Tom Werner says the club is loving in the right direction under Brendan Rodgers © Getty Images

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Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has declared that manager Brendan Rodgers has made "remarkable progress" in his first season at the club.

Rodgers, who replaced Kenny Dalglish last June, led the team to seventh place in the Premier League, one place higher than in 2012.

He ended the campaign without a trophy and failed to secure European qualification, but persuaded striker Luis Suarez to sign a long-term contract and embarked on a significant squad rebuilding programme.

Rodgers allowed Charlie Adam, Craig Bellamy and Joe Cole to leave - with Andy Carroll and Sebastian Coates likely to follow - while bringing in Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, and giving chances to young players such as Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom and Jordon Ibe.

Not all of Rodgers' signings have made an immediate impact, with the jury still out on Fabio Borini and Joe Allen, but Werner says that Boston-based owners Fenway Sports Group are delighted with the impact the manager has made.

The chairman told the Liverpool Echo: "I think Brendan has made remarkable progress. He's a great strategist and has shown strong leadership as he has led the team through this season.

"Obviously there is disappointment that we didn't finish higher in the table but the team has certainly improved as the season has gone on.

"To see the new additions in January, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, perform so well has been very positive to see. We scored a lot more goals than last season. The 38 away league goals was the club's highest number in a league season since 1990.

"The club is definitely moving in the right direction under Brendan. Our intention is to strengthen the squad further this summer and as owners we're very optimistic and excited about the future."

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