I was fully expecting to see Liverpool announce their new manager today. While some of you will see the delay as as good thing, I feel quite the opposite. I'm sure that many of you believe that the delay is related to a possible takeover attempt, sadly I don't believe that is the case. Nor do I believe that we're attempting to sign a 'big name'. Something's just not right but I can't put my finger on it.
The last I heard was that the club's legal team were down in London meeting Hodgson. Since then, nothing. It's gone completely dead. I was told that Hodgson had accepted terms to become the next manager but no announcement has followed. A delay could of course be related to a compensation figure with Fulham but I'm not convinced. Clearly his appointment is subject to some sticking points but from which side, I don't know.
The press believe the delay is related to assurances that Hodgson will have money to spend. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if Hodgson has been told that several first team players will be sold this summer and that's why the contract hasn't been rubberstamped.
Liverpool will of course want you to think that they've scoured Europe and beyond in trying to find the man to take the club forward before appointing Ruud Gullitt as manager. In fairness, I wouldn't rule out someone else other than Roy coming in. I'm told that Christian Purslow, the club's managing director, favours another man over Hodgson but that a decision was needed over the weekend, hence why I thought we'd see something today.
Some Reds are even suggesting Fabio Capello could be that man but seriously, does anyone really believe that? I can't see us pulling that off or appointing anyone in his league.
With pre-season nearly upon us something is going to have to happen and fast. If the players report back and Christian Purslow has failed to deliver us a manager for when the non-World Cup players return, then I see that as a massive FAIL.
My sources maintain that Hodgson has agreed to take the job, well if that's the case, why has the announcement not followed? We should have just given it to Dalglish in the first place. But if they did that, they wouldn't have had a 'yes man' in place who will stand aside while Tom Hicks oversees the departures of several Liverpool players to service the club's debt.
With England having crashed out of the World Cup we should start to see some developments now and not just on the managerial front. I'm thinking Steven Gerrard. Real Madrid are desperately trying to recruit him. His agent has a contract offer ready for him to sign and a property lined up for him to move into.
However, closer to home, major work is currently underway at Blythe Hall. But will it remain empty for a few more years while Steven tests himself in La Liga or will he see out his career at Anfield?
So, there are 3 major issues that need to be addressed and quick. The new manager, Steven and Fernando. Inter have cooled on Mascherano which basically means they won't pay the asking price. If they don't return Mascherano will be hoping that Barcelona do. As for a takeover, I don't see anything happening on that front any time soon.
Before signing off I just thought I'd let you know that I'm also writing articles on a new blog of mine called TransferWhispers.com. It's only a small site where I can air my opinions about non-Liverpool stuff but you're welcome to pop over to see what I'm running my mouth about.
YNWA
Duncan Oldham
KopTalk Editor
