When this site and a number of other Liverpool FC fan sites ran a poll to find out the thoughts of fans about the future of Roy Hodgson it wasn’t a surprise to see the “winner” of the poll was “sack Roy immediately”.
What was surprising was how few supporters felt the club should at least wait. Reasons for waiting crop up from time to time in conversation and are often well argued. Yet just 3% of supporters in the poll said no to sacking Roy on the spot.
The sample was pretty significant, almost 5000 votes were received, and an overwhelming majority – 95% – of supporters were in favour of Roy being told to gather his belongings and get into a car to be chauffeured away from Melwood as soon as possible. 2% were undecided.
What must also be pointed out is that the 3% who voted “no” weren’t necessarily voting in favour of keeping Roy on a long-term basis.
Very few supporters seem to be fully supportive of Roy; it’s a position rarely heard in conversations between supporters. It could be argued that those in support of Hodgson would feel a little uncomfortable about standing out and backing the manager against such overwhelming opposition – this poll gave them the opportunity to quietly show that support. Nobody was looking over their shoulder as they put their mark in the box for the poll; it gave fans a chance to ignore any kind of peer pressure and go with what they truly felt was right.
But many of those who say, in conversations, that they don’t want Roy sacked on the spot are not saying they want him here next season. They still want him sacked – just not at this exact moment.
Their concerns about an immediate departure relate to concerns about what happens between the sacking and the appointment of a replacement. Some don’t feel comfortable with the idea of Kenny Dalglish – for example – coming in as an interim manager. Some worry that a quick sacking could lead to a hasty appointment and another manager coming in and failing to meet fans’ expectations. There are also concerns that transfer deals in the January window might not be in keeping with what the ultimate replacement would have liked.
It’s difficult to discuss this manager without the last manager being brought into the conversation by way of comparison. That’s fine, or at least it would be were it not for the way the conversation then descends into an argument instead of a debate.
But when those doing all the shouting and stamping of feet are sent into opposite corners of the room in disgrace we find those left in the middle of the room, still with wildly varying opinions on Benítez, are pretty much in agreement that Roy is far worse than the last manager.
This doesn’t mean it’s right to call for Benítez to be brought back; those who regret calling for his head can see the difference between keeping him on last summer and bringing him back now, as can many of those who were strongly opposed to his mutually consented departure.
All of those stamping their feet in the corner of the room would be too much of a distraction if Benítez came back now. These are people who faithfully follow Inter Milan’s results, desperately hoping there will be a chance to gloat at the people in the opposite corner of the room. It’s bad enough listening to that; with Benítez back at Anfield they really would be intolerable.
But the current situation is also intolerable.
Fans are angry, and that anger is rising. A 3-0 win at home to an absolutely awful West Ham side didn’t sway people back towards supporting Roy. The anger is still there, simmering away, and if anything the approach from Liverpool for the second half turned the heat up another notch. Christmas is around the corner and Liverpool still have a negative goal difference.
The few remaining stragglers who want to see Roy given a chance are quick to point out that Liverpool are just 6 points off fourth place. Fourth place should be the absolute minimum for Liverpool to aim for, but as it stands the Reds are actually nearer in terms of points to the relegation zone, just 5 points above Wigan Athletic.
If anything Liverpool seem to have just about found their level under Roy Hodgson. Relegation is unlikely, but so is qualification for Europe. Liverpool are now mid-table, and as long as Roy is in charge that’s about as good as it’s likely to get. And that hurts. It hurts a lot.
The longer Roy stays the more he will be resented. The so-called “nice man” has been anything but, and whether that’s because of the pressure or because he wasn’t a nice man to start with doesn’t really matter. He annoys supporters when he speaks, he annoys them even more when he picks his teams and sets out his tactics. Few fans actually hate him, but he seems to get on most fans’ nerves.
Liverpool FC is still a long way away from being a happy club, and although removing Roy wouldn’t guarantee an improvement in overall mood his presence ensures the depression hangs over the club.
Chairman Martin Broughton leaves his post in a few days, handing the reigns over to Tom Werner. Perhaps Broughton will leave a letter in Werner’s desk, admitting the appointment of Roy was a mistake, urging the new board to make urgent moves to correct that error.
Broughton told the official site that he understands how difficult it’s been for supporters. He said: “They’ve kept the faith, and they need to keep the faith now. The team’s going to come good from here.”
Our faith can only stretch so far, and as long as Roy is steering the ship there is very little faith that the team will come good.
A decision is needed, and fast.
I hate him! The damage this joker has done to my club is astonishing.
I hate him! The damage this joker has done to my club is astonishing.
Disastrous appointment by Cecil
Roy, you also have to prove you are good enough to manage Liverpool.
In this task you have failed..
Time to leave an let someone that has the right skills take charge.
Roy, you also have to prove you are good enough to manage Liverpool.
In this task you have failed..
Time to leave an let someone that has the right skills take charge.
Dude, Im hoping for a new manager too if Woy cant give us a top 4 this season.
But hating him? And the bad start put aside, if you look at the last 6 matches, only Manu have gathered more points then Liverpool.
If we win against Tottenham this weekend, we can technicly be on 5.place – 5 points behind #1.
Have some faith in faith brother!
I totally agree with this post – the longer we stick with him, the more his ideas get embedded that we are actually a midtable club, the less likely it is that our top/more technically gifted players remain at the club, the less attractive we become to prospective talents and it will become EXTREMELY expensive for the next manager to rectify his damage done!
I don’t care whether we beat Tottenham or anybody else for that matter – the simple fact is that Hodgson’s methods will not ultimately be successful for our club, and as such there is no point in waiting around on him for another year, another month or another day!
What has whether people get to go to the game or watch it on tv got to do with anything? How does it have any bearing on Roys performance as manager?
He was never good enough, his track record throughout his career proves that. I dont understand why some fans think Roys going to buck that trend of failure now.
Hodgson out.
Guys, much as I dont like Roy as a manager, please dont call him Woy, its cheap and poor.
Im getting fed up with this Roy Hodgson witch-hunt…
A manager should be judged on results not perception!
He had ‘allegedly’ said stuff about Torres, Johnson and Pepe… and now Pacheco!
Give the bloke a season at least.. .consolidate in the league then let NESV make a decision in the summer!
roy, give way for the right person to your job. you tactics and palyers selections are wrong. liverpool deserved a better manager.
Most of our performances this season have been shockingly bad, the players he has brought in are not good enough for LFC (except Raul M) then he slags off Torres, Johnson & Paceco. Can he really be trusted with money in January? How about getting ex Barca manager Frank Ricjard? in instead
Generally, I take an interest in whoever’s managing the club, invest emotionally and intellectually in the person. A couple of days ago I just stopped with Hodgson…..with him in charge it just doesn’t feel like Liverpool anymore….that’s about as damning a verdict I can think of!
I’m for getting rid off Hodgson immediately he looks out of his depth, and during games he looks to have no control or influence on what’s happening on the field.
I personally think he would welcome the decision to amicably leave LFC, he realises he was never the fans choice, and if he doesn’t realise by now that his comments and disrespect of us the fans is not appreciated then he never will. Judge me after 10 games was his statement, well he’s had 25 games and nothing has changed, please Roy leave now.
Please do not allow Roy Hodgson significant money to waste on his choice of players, we already have 2 of the worst aquisitions to have graced LFC. Why did he let Insua leave on loan, and bring in Konchesky?
His record is poor no matter which way you analyse it, his experience is undeniable, his ability as a top manager at a top club very very questionable.
I’m for getting rid off Hodgson immediately he looks out of his depth, and during games he looks to have no control or influence on what’s happening on the field.
I personally think he would welcome the decision to amicably leave LFC, he realises he was never the fans choice, and if he doesn’t realise by now that his comments and disrespect of us the fans is not appreciated then he never will. Judge me after 10 games was his statement, well he’s had 25 games and nothing has changed, please Roy leave now.
Please do not allow Roy Hodgson significant money to waste on his choice of players, we already have 2 of the worst aquisitions to have graced LFC. Why did he let Insua leave on loan, and bring in Konchesky?
His record is poor no matter which way you analyse it, his experience is undeniable, his ability as a top manager at a top club very very questionable.
the sooner he leaves the better, I need to be happy about my club again and actually look forward to a game for a change. I haven’t looked forward to a match for so long, please Roy go.
the sooner he leaves the better, I need to be happy about my club again and actually look forward to a game for a change. I haven’t looked forward to a match for so long, please Roy go.
Didn’t you get the message? Hicks *HIMSELF* admitted that the “internet terrorists” made it difficult for him to secure finance.
We are so much worse than last season. The tactics, the play, the squad. It’s all worse.
Poulsen isn’t an improvement on Masch. Konchesky isn’t an improvement on Insua. Both are older. Meireles isn’t an improvement on Aquilani. Long balls hoofed up to Torres isn’t an improvement on passing through the middle. Narrow defensive back four isn’t an improvement on attacking wing backs with positionally astute DM’s like Masch to cover. Selling 21 year old Nemeth, 19 year old’s Dalla Valle and Kacaniklic and 20 year old Ayala is undoing Rafa’s investment in youth for the future.
Hodgson has alienated himself from Liverpool fans with his bizarre press conferences – far more so than any Rafa rant.
It may not be the Liverpool way to public criticise the manager, but the manager has to behave in the Liverpool Way first and Roy has just not done that.
Didn’t you get the message? Hicks *HIMSELF* admitted that the “internet terrorists” made it difficult for him to secure finance.
We are so much worse than last season. The tactics, the play, the squad. It’s all worse.
Poulsen isn’t an improvement on Masch. Konchesky isn’t an improvement on Insua. Both are older. Meireles isn’t an improvement on Aquilani. Long balls hoofed up to Torres isn’t an improvement on passing through the middle. Narrow defensive back four isn’t an improvement on attacking wing backs with positionally astute DM’s like Masch to cover. Selling 21 year old Nemeth, 19 year old’s Dalla Valle and Kacaniklic and 20 year old Ayala is undoing Rafa’s investment in youth for the future.
Hodgson has alienated himself from Liverpool fans with his bizarre press conferences – far more so than any Rafa rant.
It may not be the Liverpool way to public criticise the manager, but the manager has to behave in the Liverpool Way first and Roy has just not done that.
I am not a big fan of Hodgson but what damage has he done its the same as last season squad not good enough, relying on Gerrard and Torres to much.
The reality is JH and the players have all got behind Roy through recent statements. Our current league form over the last seven games is 2nd only to Man U. These facts considered, it is difficult to present an effective argument, or to imagine an upcoming scenario for his dismissal.
Personally, I don’t see RH as part of the long term solution at LFC. It seems that this is a view shared by NESV, hence their appointment of Comolli. However, I want the board to spend time to identify a dynamic, ambitious manager who wants to be part of the long term rebuilding project at LFC. Some of the potential short list candidates could already be at clubs, reluctant to jump ship mid season, a testament to their loyalty.
Things are by no means disastrous at LFC. Our recent league run has been good and we have a great chance to build on that going into the new year. Fernando seems to be finding his form again, Merilies appears to be settling in nicely too. Obviously the loss of Stevie is a blow, but I am confident we can cope. I’m not happy about the cautious and defensive style of football we are playing, but i believe results breed confidence. This, coupled with the support and reassurances he has recieved from the board and the team, will hopefully encourage him to try out different players and approaches.
Therefore, does it not make sense to be patient and considered regarding the managers position at LFC, after all thats the way NESV seem to want to play it…and ultimately the decision rests with them.
Spot on..there is no way the board could be justified sacking Rh based on recent form like that.
Very good point..lets take time to identify suitable candidates who want to be part of a long term project here at LFC.
*If* we beat Tottenham. Which we didn’t, even though the game was there for the taking. Yes I agree there’s definitely signs of improvement, but does anyone really believe we’re going to be challenging for the title under Roy? And I’m not talking about this season.
fully agree with you mate what did fulham achieve with woy nothing and if nesv have any sense they will get rid now as for dalglish well the jurys still out for me
does this mean mediocrity is acceptable plus do these players want to play for a ordinary manager i know what i would want
are you on drugs or what roy is not good enough for liverpool fc and that goes for some of the present squad as well and while we are prepared to put up with this we can kiss goodbye to champions leauge football and the likes of torres as well