Former Liverpool captain and
manager Phil Thompson is convinced the club can look ahead with
optimism under new manager Roy Hodgson.
The ex-Fulham boss was
confirmed as Rafael Benitez's replacement on a three-year contract
this morning after the finer details of his severance from Craven
Cottage were finalised.
Thompson, a European Cup-winning captain with the Reds, now
hopes new owners can also be found so the club can move forward
after a period of stagnation under co-owners Tom Hicks and George
Gillett.
"We need the sale of the club sorted to enable us to really go
forward," he said.
"I just hope it won't be too long before that's done. With a new
boss and new owners it really would be the dawn of a new era."
Thompson, who was assistant manager during Frenchman Gerard
Houllier's reign, believes Hodgson will help bring stability to
Liverpool.
"After having foreign managers in Gerard Houllier and
Rafa Benitez, it seems there was
a thought process of going back to British," he added.
"The club needs a steadying influence and Roy will provide
that.
"He's done a fantastic job at Fulham and has a wealth of experience having
managed all over Europe.
"This is one of those jobs Roy had hoped and prayed for and it's
a fantastic opportunity for him."