Henry Winter: Hodgson needs time

At a long dinner in London earlier in the season, Roy Hodgson sat and listened to the many stories bouncing around the table.

A manager brimming with anecdotes and wisdom garnered from a life in the game, he generously hears others' tales.

Hodgson's affable, ego-free nature will have an uplifting impact on Liverpool off the pitch just as his time-honoured ability to produce well-balanced units will help the club on it.

People immediately warm to Hodgson, who must now engage the assorted factions at Anfield from owners to dressing room, Kop to former players and local media.

Liverpool have appointed an accomplished diplomat as well as an experienced manager. But he needs time and he particularly needs people to listen to him.

Hodgson is too familiar with the political wiles of football clubs and the moods of footballers to need much advice but he undoubtedly enters a complicated, tense situation at Anfield.

He has some listening to do. He must meet at length with Steven Gerrard, hearing all the concerns the captain may have, and particularly making sure the midfielder resists the chance to join Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Gerrard is no fool, and knows turning Liverpool around is hardly straightforward, and he will surely require reassuring by Hodgson that life will improve.

Gerrard's show of support on Thursday for the new manager was a hugely encouraging moment. Hodgson must also keep hold of Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, both of whom will be eyed up by Champions League clubs.

Hodgson must also sit down and talk with Kenny Dalglish, finding an influential role for Liverpool's most famous ever player, currently a club ambassador working part-time at the Academy.

Dalglish was keen on becoming manager again so the situation is undeniably sensitive but Liverpool, and Hodgson, need Dalglish on the inside. Two such experienced football men must work in tandem for the good of the club.

Hodgson must also meet with Liverpool fans, addressing and dispelling any doubts they might have about his right to lead such a distinguished club.

For those Kopites still vexed by Rafa Benítez's departure, Liverpool need them to rally behind the manager's chair for now, giving the incumbent time to prove his worth.

A final thought for the great listener. Hodgson should invite Jamie Carragher on to the coaching staff, a move that not only taps into the Merseysider's phenomenal knowledge of modern football but also shows a long-term care for Liverpool's future.

Carragher, who still has a season left as a defender, is a potential manager of Liverpool one day. Hodgson would be seen to be reviving the Boot Room ethos.

If there is one sadness in Hodgson's appointment it is that England have missed out. He has just the right personality to bond the dressing room together. England's loss is Liverpool's gain. But patience please.