Saturday, July 03, 2010

Ian Rush: Sceptics Must Give Roy Hodgson A Chance To Prove Himself At Liverpool

Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush believes that the Reds' hierarchy has made a wise decision in appointing Roy Hodgson as the new manager at Anfield.

The appointment has received a lukewarm reaction from some quarters, with many pointing out Hodgson's lack of genuine success at the very highest level.

Rush dismisses such suggestions though.

"I know Roy quite well and it's a good appointment," the former Wales international told The Liverpool Echo.

"When he was manager of Finland I spent some time over there and when I was doing my UEFA Pro badge in Wales he came down to do two days with us.

"I've also met him at various UEFA meetings over the years and I've always been really impressed with what he has to say.

"Tactically, he's very astute, he's highly respected across Europe and if you look at his CV he's been everywhere.

"He's proved himself at club and international level and has managed big clubs like Inter Milan.

"Roy was being talked about as the next England manager so it's good to see Liverpool move quickly to get him before the FA make any decision about Fabio Capello."

Rush believes that Hodgson's fine record at Fulham in the last two seasons is reason enough to trust the man at Anfield.

"He did a fantastic job at Fulham turning them from a club in danger of going down to one which reached the final of the Europa League," the Welshman added.

"They had one of their best seasons ever and that was down to Roy's organizational skills. He exceeded expectations.

"Now he's got a better squad to work with at Liverpool so let's see what he can do.

"I think Liverpool or Manchester United are the only two clubs Roy would have left Fulham for so it just goes to show what a massive name the club is.

"Roy's target has to be to get the club back in the Champions League next season; that's where we belong.

"I'm sure he will sit down with all the key players in the near future.

"Roy has to sell his plans to them and show them the way forward."

No comments: