Source: Team_Talk
Hodgson can begin new era - Thompson
Phil Thompson believes the appointment of Roy Hodgson as manager will hopefully signal the beginning of a new era at Anfield.[LNB] The ex-Fulham boss was confirmed as Rafael Benitez's replacement on a three-year contract this morning after the finer details of his severance from Craven Cottage were finalised.[LNB]Thompson, a European Cup-winning captain with the Reds, now hopes new owners can also be found so the club can move forward after a period of stagnation under co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.[LNB]"We need the sale of the club sorted to enable us to really go forward," he said. "I just hope it won't be too long before that's done. With a new boss and new owners it really would be the dawn of a new era."[LNB]Thompson, who was assistant manager during Frenchman Gerard Houllier's reign, believes Hodgson will help bring stability to Liverpool.[LNB]"After having foreign managers in Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez, it seems there was a thought process of going back to British," he added.[LNB]"The club needs a steadying influence and Roy will provide that.[LNB]"He's done a fantastic job at Fulham and has a wealth of experience having managed all over Europe.[LNB]"This is one of those jobs Roy had hoped and prayed for and it's a fantastic opportunity for him."[LNB]Thompson admits Hodgson's appointment will probably not be wholeheartedly welcomed by fans but he urged everyone at the club and supporters to get behind the new boss.[LNB]"The big thing now is to get everyone on board comfortable with his ideas and visions for the football club. He has to unite everyone," he told the Liverpool Echo.[LNB]"All summer there have been rumours about players going, but he's only just arrived and he won't want anyone leaving.[LNB]"He's a shrewd talker and I'm sure he will find the right words and the right manner to speak to players and convince them to stay.[LNB]"He will want to build for the future around Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano.[LNB]"If - and it's a big if - players are sold then that cash has to be reinvested in the squad, and not go to the banks to pay off debt.[LNB]"No matter what you say about Rafa Benitez, he wasn't helped in that area. The board have to back Roy financially."
