Roy can Kop the big one

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

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has been entrusted to head-hunt Rafa Benitez's replacement, with Roy Hodgson and Martin O'Neill emerging as leading contenders.

Benitez left Anfield by mutual consent yesterday, having thrashed out a compensation package worth an initial £3million but which could rise to £6m in instalments, after further talks with the board.

Both Fulham manager Hodgson and Aston Villa boss O'Neill would be enticed by the prospect of succeeding Benitez, who said in a statement while on holiday in Sardinia: "It is very sad for me to announce I will no longer be manager of Liverpool. I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts."

Hundreds of Liverpool fans were protesting behind the Kop last night against his departure after six turbulent years, hours after Liverpool announced that Dalglish would lead the search for his successor.

Hodgson, 62, who guided Fulham to the Europa League final, fits the criteria of the established manager with a European pedigree, although owner Mohamed Al Fayed said he would not allow him to leave.

Villa owner Randy Lerner also insisted that O'Neill stays. But O'Neill would not be interested as long as Liverpool's ownership - it is currently up for sale - remained uncertain.

Club ambassador Dalglish, who guided Liverpool to three titles when manager, has ruled out taking over in the interim.

The futures of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will not be resolved until after the World Cup. Torres said: "Rafa has made me the player I am. No matter how good you become, he will keep on at you to be better.

"The boss can't take all the blame for last season. We as players need to stand up and say we weren't good enough."

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