Reds begin search for new boss

The following story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club:

Liverpool are to begin their search for a new manager after Rafael Benitez left the club by mutual consent on Thursday.

Managing director Christian Purslow and former boss Kenny Dalglish, who is also the club's academy ambassador, are charged with finding a replacement.

Fulham's Roy Hodgson has been suggested as a candidate for the vacant post.

But former Reds goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar and former midfielder Jamie Redknapp think Daglish would be the right man to take over.

Dalglish managed the club between 1985-1991, winning three league titles and is still revered at Anfield having also won six league titles as a player.

"It's a sad thing that Rafa Benitez has gone but for me there is only one man for the job and that is Kenny Dalglish," Grobbelaar told BBC Radio 5 live.

"Kenny Dalglish loves this football club and I believe if he didn't have the appetite for the game, he wouldn't be at Anfield every week, week-in, week-out.

"I think maybe now is the time he can turn the tide and stabilise the club with the fans and make sure everything gets back on track. He can take the club back up to where it should be."

Grobbelaar was part of the same Liverpool team as Dalglish and rejected the suggestion that a new face was needed at Anfield.

"We need fresh blood yes, but on the pitch not off it. As a manager he will be respected and will be able to lead the club," said Grobbelaar.

Hodgson is another name in the frame following his successful season at Craven Cottage which saw Fulham reach the final of the Europa League. His achievements also saw him voted the manager of the year by the League Manager's Association.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who recently committed himself to the club after showdown talks with owner Randy Lerner last month, has also been mentioned as a replacement for Benitez.

Anfield bosses may also turn to former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, who is a free agent, which could appeal to the debt-ridden club.

Benitez is reported to have received a multi-million pound severance deal to leave Anfield and with Liverpool £351m in debt the club will be hoping to avoid paying out more money in compensation.

Ex-Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, who recently took over as Turkey boss and current Croatia coach Slaven Bilic have also been touted as potential successors.

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp agrees with Grobbelaar and feels that Dalglish would be an ideal replacement. But he also believes Hodgson has the right credentials.

"Kenny watches football every day and he doesn't miss a thing, I have no doubt he would be a huge success," Redknapp told BBC Sport.

"The players will also respect him as a man and a manager because of his success previously.

"To stick with Kenny Dalgish I think is a really good idea. If not then obviously Roy Hodgson is going to get mentioned as he has worked in Europe and had huge success so there are a lot of options."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.