Broughton: Hodgson Still Our Man

Liverpool's prospective new owners have told Roy Hodgson his position is secure, despite him overseeing the club's worst start to a season for 57 years. Anfield turned against the new manager during Sunday's defeat by Blackpool but while a swift overhaul of the squad is unlikely under New England Sports Venture, the 63-year-old has been guaranteed an opportunity to lead the club's recovery. Hodgson is under pressure after a dreadful start that has left Liverpool in the relegation zone, with just one league win this season. The former Fulham manager is believed to have a compensation clause in his three-year contract should new owners wish to make their own appointment, but the chairman, Martin Broughton, insists there is no desire from John W Henry, NESV's principal investor, or within the group, for a change. "There is a commitment to the manager," said the Liverpool chairman. "They are very happy that this manager is the right person to take this club forward." Beyond Hodgson's position, the impact of the NESV proposal on the on-field fortunes is expected to be significant, albeit that Broughton confirmed it is not a takeover in the mould of Roman Abramovich at Chelsea or sheikh Mansour at Manchester City – "That is right," he said – and is linked to the development of a stadium.