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Hodgson leaves Liverpool by mutual consent

Roy Hodgson replaced Rafael Benitez in the summer © PA Photos

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Liverpool have announced that Roy Hodgson has left by mutual consent, with Kenny Dalglish put in charge until the end of the season.

Hodgson, who assumed the post in July, exits with Liverpool 12th in the table and having lost nine league games already this season. The final nail in his coffin was a 3-1 capitulation against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Wednesday.

Speculation about his future intensified when his scheduled press conference was abruptly cancelled on Friday.

Dalglish's first game in charge will be the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford. The 59-year-old Scot, who has not managed in the Premier League since 1998, was previously in charge at Anfield between 1985 and 1991. It is not known whether he is interested in taking on the role beyond the end of the season.

In a statement, Hodgson expressed regret that he would not be able to reshape the squad during the January transfer window. "Being asked to manage Liverpool was a great privilege," he said. "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."

Owner John Henry said: "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."

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