After a poor start to the Premier League season, Liverpool have elected to part company with manager Roy Hodgson, who has left the club by mutual agreement. Kenny Dalglish will take over the running of the first team until the end of the season, starting with Sunday's FA Cup tie against Manchester United. In a statement, principal owner John Henry said: “We are grateful for Roy's efforts over the past six months, but both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position as team manager. We wish him all the best for the future.” Hodgson also offered comment, stating: “I have found the last few months some of the most challenging of my career. I am very sad not to have been able to put my stamp on the squad, to be given the time to bring new players into the club in this transfer window and to have been able to be part of the rebuilding process at Liverpool. “The club has some great, world-class players, with whom it has been a pleasure to work and I wish the entire squad well for the rest of the season.” Chairman Tom Werner has confidence in Dalglish’s ability to provide a strong figurehead for the Anfield club at this difficult time. “Kenny will bring considerable experience to the position and provide management and leadership for the rest of the season,” he explained. Dalglish’s last foray into senior management was when he worked closely with John Barnes during an ill-fated period with Scottish giants Celtic, though he will be hoping to rekindle the kind of influence that saw him lead Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers to four league titles in the 1980s and 90s. The Reds languish 12th in the standings presently and can hold little hope of reaching their goal of Champions League football. Having suffered three defeats in their last four league matches, including a 3-1 reverse in midweek against Blackburn, Liverpool ‘s goal for the remainder of the campaign must simply be stabilisation and improvement. Source: Goal.com