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'You'll never walk alone' goes football's most famous anthem. However, that certainly did not apply to Roy Hodgson as the Liverpool fans finally got their way and had him replaced by their hero, King Kenny.
Let me nail my colours firmly to the mast from the outset. I strongly believe that a manager can influence the performance of their team. One of the best examples I can provide is - the very same Roy Hodgson.
Taking over Fulham in a perilous position he initially saved them from relegation, stabilised the club, secured a European berth and then narrowly missed out on winning their first European trophy, losing out in the final to Atletico Madrid.
Fulham's performance in defeating Hamburg in the semi final drew a round of applause in the press room after the game. Fulham have gone backwards since his departure and have again occupied the relegation zone this season.
How did Hodgson achieve this? He simply used his experience and tactical knowledge to organise his players, clearly communicate their roles and prevent other teams from scoring. He ensured that the players were highly motivated.
The results started to come and, with added confidence, came enhanced performances. Over the years he then used his technical knowledge and took time with individuals to improve them, wisely blending youth with experience throughout the squad.
So, was Hodgson the right choice at a time when Kop favourite, Kenny Dalglish, also expressed an interest in the managerial job? I believe he was.
At the time, Liverpool was in such turmoil surrounding their ownership and debt problems that they needed to appoint a strong and stable manager to ensure the club was sold. This aspect was a success. Ultimately the long-term stability of the club has to come before the day-to-day performances.
However, with the future of the club secured in the stable hands of John W. Henry and the Fenway Sports Group, it is these performances that have led to King Kenny replacing him.
Liverpool's performances, themselves having occupied the relegation zone earlier in the season for the first time since Sept 1964 following a 2-1 home defeat to Blackpool, have led to their worst start in 50 years. Their attendance of 35,000 was also the lowest recorded for a New Year fixture since 1983 - the fans were voting with their feet!
On the back of this, I do believe it is right for Liverpool to remove Hodgson, although I don't believe he can be blamed entirely.
Taking over at one of the most turbulent times in Liverpool's history he was never widely accepted by the club's passionate fans who wanted a 'sexier' signing, without giving a second thought to the bigger picture of long-term stability. At that time Dalglish, despite his past record, would have been a higher risk strategy. With court-room battles in the background, life was never going to be easy.
Hodgson also inherited an extremely weak squad, built around Reina, Gerrard, Torres and Carragher. Throughout his reign he has been stripped of the latter three for regular periods which has further impacted on confidence levels.
Dalglish is the most logical appointment. He has the the history, both as a player and as a manager, as well as the backing of the fans in a manner that Hodgson could only dream of.
Four Four Two Magazine voted him the best British striker since the Second World War. Scoring seven minutes into his debut, Dalglish went on to win five league titles, three European Cups and five domestic cup competitions between 1978 and 1985 in Liverpool's most successful spell.
Ironically, his tenure as manager started and finished with disaster. He took charge in 1985 following the Heysel tragedy and left in 1991 after the Hillsborough tragedy.
However, the intervening period saw him oversee success that elevated Liverpool to English football's most successful club, lifting three domestic league titles and two FA Cups.
With a more stable structure behind him and Comolli there to oversee development, I believe that Dalglish has a better framework for success. I rate Hodgson as the better technical manager and coach, yet that is not everything. Dalglish has the backing of the players and fans and I believe this raw emotion will help lift performances.
One thing's for sure, Dalglish will certainly never walk alone in the manner Hodgson was left to.
