Hodgson becomes Liverpool manager

Roy Hodgson has been named Liverpool's new manager after signing a three-year contract with the Anfield club.

Hodgson will oversee the club's first day of pre-season training on Thursday before being unveiled to the media.

"This is the biggest job in club football and I'm honoured to be taking on Britain's most successful football club," Hodgson told the club's website.

The 62-year-old joins from Fulham, whom he guided to the Europa Cup final and had been in charge since December 2007.

Hodgson succeeds Rafael Benitez, who left Liverpool by mutual consent at the start of June and is now manager of European champions Inter Milan.

Liverpool will hope Hodgson can apply the intelligence gleaned throughout a long career.

Hodgson had two spells at the San Siro in charge of Inter, one of 12 clubs he has taken charge of in six countries in a 34-year management career, as well as three national teams.

And captain Steven Gerrard believes Hodgson's extensive experience in Europe make him the "right man for Liverpool".

"I think it's been worth the wait and I'm sure he's just keen now to get on with it and start to quickly put in place his plans for the new season," said the 30-year-old.

Hodgson's exploits with Fulham last season, which included wins over Juventus and Wolfsburg en route to a 2-1 Europa Cup final defeat by Atletico Madrid in Hamburg, earned him the League Managers' Association manager of the year award in May.

In his first full season he took Fulham to seventh in the Premier League, their highest finish and a place in the Europa League.

Liverpool moved quickly after Hodgson was linked to the England managerial job after the team's World Cup failure.

Hodgson has extensive domestic and international managerial experience across Europe, including spells in charge of Blackburn Rovers and Switzerland, who he guided to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill, former Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini, ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic and former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes had all been linked with the Liverpool post.

But it is thought that Hodgson was always the club's preferred candidate.

His departure is a bitter blow for Fulham, with whom Hodgson signed a 12-month rolling contract in December last year.

Hodgson arrived at Craven Cottage in December 2007 after the sacking of Lawrie Sanchez, guiding the club clear of relegation in his first season back in the Premier League.

He then forged a competitive unit with astute signings like Norway defender Brede Hangeland, Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Hungary midfielder Zoltan Gera.

The BBC understands Fulham hope to have a successor in place for their pre-season training camp in mid-July.

"The club would like to wish Roy the very best for the future and thanks him for all that was achieved during his tenure," read a club statement.

"(Assistant manager) Ray Lewington will take temporary charge of team matters, until a successor is announced in due course."

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher believes Hodgson's appointment will boost morale at the club.

"He's got such a great reputation in the game and is one of the most experienced managers in world football," said the 32-year-old.

"After this period of uncertainty, his appointment has given us all a lift."

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