Right man, right place, wrong time: Roy Hodgson at Liverpool

Roy Hodgson's stock in the game was sky high after guiding Fulham to the Europa League Final. He was a wanted man. And when Liverpool came calling Hodgson couldn't resist the chance of transforming their fortunes around. Unfortunately, we all know his dream soon turned into a nightmare.

This week I am taking a look at those managers who happened to be in the right place, but at the wrong time. Yesterday I analysed Andre Villas-Boas' time at Chelsea. Today I'll be looking at Roy Hodgson at Liverpool.

ROY HODGSON LIVERPOOL

JULY 2010 -  JANUARY 2011

 

The CV:  The original Englishman abroad, Croydon-born Hodgson made his name on the continent. After an unsuccessful playing career the Londoner began his managerial apprenticeship in Sweden. Hodgson enjoyed rave reviews in Scandinavia. During the late seventies Hodgson led Halmsted to two Swedish League titles. In 1980 Hodgson returned to England to manager Bristol City. He spent only four months at Ashton Gate before financial problems prompted a hasty exit. In 1994 the former Crystal Palace junior led Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup Finals. Two years later Hodgson became Blackburn Rovers manager and helped them finish sixth in the Premier League. The honeymoon was short lived though, the Lancashire club had a disastrous start to the 1997-98 season and Hodgson exited Ewood Park.

 

Ten years later Hodgsdon returned to his native shores. The wise old owl was appointed Fulham boss. The Cottagers were mired in the relegation zone and looked bound for the Championship. A tremendous run of results saw the Whites pull off the great escape. Roy Hodgson went on to become the most successful manager in Fulham's history. The West London side secured a seventh place finish in 2009. A year later Fulham reached the Europa League Final. Hodgson was named Manager of The Year by The League Managers Association.

 

The Nightmare:  Hodgson was a wanted man. His Craven Cottage achievements clearly impressed the Liverpool board. On July 1, 2010, he was named as the new Anfield supremo.

 

Hodgson signed Joe Cole as the Reds revolution began to take shape. Cole endured a miserable debut when Arsenal visited Merseyside. The midfielder was sent off during the 1-1 draw. A few days later Cole missed a penalty in a Champions League qualifier. The team's fortunes also took a nosedive. Everton's derby win put the former European Champions into the drop zone.

 

The misery continued. Liverpool suffered a humiliating Carling Cup defeat as Northampton Town won at Anfield. The League Two outfit stunned the Kop when they won a thrilling penalty shoot out. It got worse when relegation-threatened Wolves inflicted another home defeat. The crowd turned on Hodgson during the game. A large proportion of Anfield called for Kenny Dalglish's return to the hot seat. The spectra of King Kenny loomed over the beleaguered boss. Liverpool's greatest ever player oversaw the Reds' youth policy during the ill-fated reign.

 

Following the Wolves defeat the manager openly criticised a section of supporters.  The remarks marked the beginning of the end. With morale at an all-time low Hodgson was sacked at the turn of the year. The fans were delighted when Kenny Dalglish was named Hodgson's replacement.

 

Iconic Moment: Hodgson's frantic face rubbing as Liverpool were beaten at St James Park.

 

What happened Next?  Liverpool won the Carling Cup in 2012. But the success couldn't mask a poor Premier League campaign. The Reds finished eighth and Dalglish was shown the door. Hodgson spent just a month out of the game. In February 2011 he took over at West Bromwich Albion. The former Fulham chief  preserved the Baggies top flight status. In his first full season Hodgson led Albion to a 10th place finish.

 

He left The Hawthorns in May 2012 to become England manager.

 

Tomorrow we will look at Christian Gross's ill-fated reign at Tottenham Hotspur during the 90s.