• Premier League

Hodgson sees light at the end of the tunnel

Roy Hodgson was delighted to see Liverpool climb out of the relegation zone © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Hodgson surprised by Comolli appointment - Henry
  
• News: Joe Cole doubtful for Chelsea due to hamstring blow
  
• News: Torres sets up Reds winner after Newcastle rout
  

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has expressed his relief at steering the Reds out of the relegation zone before new owner John W Henry arrives to see the club play at Anfield for the first time.

Liverpool's 1-0 win away to Bolton on Sunday lifted them up to 12th on the congested Premier League ladder, giving Hodgson some welcome breathing space ahead of Chelsea's visit to Anfield next Sunday, which will be Henry's first home game at his new club having watched Liverpool lose the Merseyside derby to Everton at Goodison Park just after New England Sports Ventures' takeover.

Hodgson said he maintains daily contact with Henry but the American's visit will bring about their first face-to-face meeting and in-depth planning surrounding the club's future direction.

"I am delighted to be doing it on the back of a victory because a defeat would have dragged our mood down," Hodgson said. "It will be so nice to meet the new owners when we are not in the relegation zone.We live in a world of euphoria or tragedy and you try to steer an even keel between the two. But you can't stop yourself being optimistic or depressed. We have contact on an almost daily basis because he is very interested in how to move the club forward. For me as manager, that is music to my ears."

"We hope it might be a springboard, we've had three very good results now. We have been defending so much better in that time and I believe we have the players here who will score goals. I've always felt that but the criticism was we were leaking too many. There is a lot more work to do. It's a rebuilding job but there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Maxi Rodriguez's late strike gave Liverpool their second consecutive win and Hodgson's first triumph on the road in more than year spanning his time at Liverpool and former club Fulham.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.