Date: 26th April 2011 at 6:31am
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Liverpool are famous worldwide both for their tremendously successful and decorated past and the distinctive, definitive character engendered within the squad and ingrained into the culture of the supporters. The values of respect for the opposition, complete commitment to the cause and supporting the side through thick and thin attract interest as much as the traditional pass and move style of football and trophy winning philosophy.

This aspect of the club, known as the “Liverpool Way”, is fundamental to the Reds’ makeup, and forms the heart and the soul of the club. Without it the unique appeal and inescapable magnetism of Liverpool Football Club would be lost, and the Merseysiders would become just another run of the mill Premier League outfit.

However, over recent seasons the Liverpool Way has been scandalously disregarded and ignored by warring owners and a clearly inept manager alike, leaving the club on the brink of financial meltdown and footballing mediocrity.

The ill-fated Hicks and Gillett era was characterised by civil war in the boardroom between manager, chief executive and co-owners. Former manager Rafael Benitez faced a constant battle against two owners who clearly cared nothing for Liverpool and only wanted to rape and pillage the club in an unsuccessful attempt to generate an undeserved profit.

Hicks in particular continually aired the club’s dirty linen in public, calling for chief executive at the time Rick Parry to resign in a television interview as well as admitting that he and George had approached Jurgen Klinsmann about the job of manager behind Benitez’s back.

Following four agonising years in which the Liverpool Way had been forgotten by the men in charge and unacceptable lies, crippling debt and repeated broken promises had brought the club to its knees, Hicks and Gillett were eventually ousted by a boardroom rebellion inspired by the legendary Martin Broughton, and new owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) took control of the club.

The collective response of the fans was one of obvious joy and unmistakable relief, however this was later tempered by on-field problems, as Roy Hodgson’s time in charge went from bad to worse. Abysmal results left Liverpool floundering in mid-table and, coupled unfavourably with a rigid, ineffective formation and dull, defensive football, eventually earned Hodgson the sack.

The 63-year old former Fulham manager simply never understood or appreciated the Liverpool Way, with his style of play not in keeping with the traditional, attractive brand of football promoted at Anfield.

Perhaps most significantly though, he failed to establish any sort of rapport with the audibly unsatisfied supporters. The link between manager and fans is essential, with any Liverpool boss receiving full backing if they are seen to be acting in the best interests of the club.

However, Hodgson’s bizarre media comments marginalized himself from the Kop and his unproductive, unexciting tactics were evidently and inevitably unpopular.
Complaining that he hadn’t received the legendary support of the Kop after the humiliating home defeat to Wolves was the final straw. There was no way back for Hodgson from that point on and it was only a matter of time before he was fired.

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2 responses to “Kenny and Henry – Restoring the Liverpool Way”

  1. Nobb says:

    So the question is, why is Henry not even indicating that he is gg to appoint Dalglish as permanent manager ?
    Why the hesitancy?
    What more must Dalglish do to make his job permanent?
    Come in 2nd in the league?
    Looking for another manager would be a cruel blow for Pool’s future. There is no other better manager than can step into his shoes now.

  2. redz says:

    kk is the only man for de job for sure,soon as de end of season is over kk and sc will get 3 yr deals and plenty of funds to bring de club back to the top where they belong..ynwa