Source: Daily_Mail
Roy Hodgson's Liverpool future still on a knife edge despite last-gasp win
Roy Hodgson remains a dead man walking despite Joe Cole's dramatic last-gasp winner against Bolton.[LNB]Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's American owners, are actively examining suitable candidates to replace the current manager after his failure to produce results on a consistent basis.[LNB] Out on his own: Roy Hodgson looks for inspiration from the skies during Liverpool's clash with Bolton. The empty seats were a common theme[LNB]The Liverpool boss was granted sometemporary respite at the weekend, as his side came from behind atAnfield to beat Bolton 2-1. But he remains in a vulnerable position andit might not necessarily be that Liverpool's next bad result will bethe tipping point - it could happen sooner.[LNB]FSG are even prepared to bring in a caretaker manager - raising the prospect of an emotional return for Kenny Dalglish - to see Liverpool through to the end of the season before appointing a young coach in the summer.[LNB] Captain Fantastic: Steven Gerrard was instrumental for Liverpool after coming on[LNB]Marseille's Didier Deschamps is onepotential candidate but it is understood that lack of experience couldcount against Andre Villas Boas, FC Porto's promising 33-year-oldcoach. He has also just signed a contract extension until 2013 withPorto. [LNB]If Hodgson looks isolated fromLiverpool's owners, he can still rely on the support of the dressingroom and Cole insisted the squad was right behind him. [LNB] Match-winner: Joe Cole gave his manager a mini-boost with his late intervention[LNB]Kop Shopping Liverpool's new owners are believed to be scouring Europe for a young manager who can rebuild the club. But who are the three men said to be in the frame? [LNB]Andre Villas BoasAge: 33Clubs: Porto (2010-), Academica (2009-10), British Virgin Islands (2000-01). Honours: Supertaca Candido de Oliveira (2009-10). Has beaten Mourinho's record 33-game undefeated run at Porto.[LNB]Jurgen KloppAge: 43Clubs: Borussia Dortmund (2008-), FSV Mainz 05 (2001-08). Honours: DFL Supercup (2008). Dortmund are currently 10 points clear of Klopp's former club, Mainz, at the top of the Bundesliga.[LNB]Didier DeschampsAge: 42Clubs: Marseille (2009-), Juventus (2006-07), Monaco (2001-05). Honours: Ligue 1 (2009-10), French League Cup (2009-10, 2002-03), French Super Cup (2010-2011), Serie B (2006-07). [LNB]The midfielder said: 'We are allresponsible - win, lose or draw. So it's on all of us. We are all rightbehind the manager. He's a gentleman and we want to do well for him andthe club. We showed that against Bolton with the fight and thetogetherness.'[LNB]Another man Hodgson was able to relyon was Steven Gerrard. There is no finer player to call on in a time ofcrisis than the Liverpool captain and Hodgson's ability to play thatcard on New Year's Day has - temporarily at least - kept him in a job.[LNB]Hodgson did not intend to play Gerrard,who is making his way back slowly from the hamstring problem hesustained playing for England in November, for 70 minutes againstBolton. But an injury to Raul Meireles so early proved to be a blessingin disguise.[LNB]As has been the case on countless occasions during the past decade, Gerrard delivered just when it was needed. Trailing to a thumping header from Kevin Davies, the lowest Anfield crowd in the Barclays Premier League for seven years - and the lowest on January 1 since 1983 - was on the brink of mutiny until Gerrard's arrival. [LNB]His sumptuous deliveries led to goals for Fernando Torres and Joe Cole but it was the force of will, the running and the leadership that was most impressive. [LNB]'When Gerrard wasn't on the pitch I was delighted,' admitted Bolton manager Owen Coyle. 'I actually said to him as he was coming on, 'Could you not stay off a wee bit longer?' because I know the quality he's got.' [LNB]Hodgson took great heart from his team's show of character on the back of their woeful performance against Wolves. He said: 'It was bad enough against Wolves when we played poorly. [LNB]'But then Bolton sneaked a goal which they hadn't really looked like scoring. I thought, 'Can it be even worse, that even when we look like winning comfortably we are going to lose 1-0?' But the mood in the dressing room was very good. [LNB]'People were determined and were totally in agreement with me that we were going to turn it around. We left it late but we got there.' [LNB] Torres discovers his touch at last[LNB] What's that, Sir Alex? Liverpool boss Hodgson looks like he can count on old friend Ferguson for supportLiverpool's late hero Cole insists the players are right behind HodgsonLiverpool 2 Bolton 1: Cole hits late winner - but is it too late for Hodgson?http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/teampages/liverpool.htmlJoe Cole keen to kick on after late Liverpool heroics against Bolton[LNB] Explore more:People: Kevin Davies, Kenny Dalglish, Fernando Torres, Joe Cole, Roy Hodgson, Owen Coyle, Steven Gerrard Places: Liverpool, Monaco, Monaco, United Kingdom, Europe
