Hodgson: Hope NESV Back Me

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has asked new owners NESV to back his bid to lift his side out of the relegation places. Currently the Merseyside club are 18th with six points and have finally secured massive £300million takeover deal with New England Sports Ventures. NESV, who also own the Boston Red Sox, took over from Tom Hicks and George Gillett - who are refusing to go without a fight - on Friday, thanks to court battles in America and England. This weekend though, the focus will now turn to the Reds' poor run of form which includes embarrassing defeats at the hands of League Two side Northampton in the Carling Cup and newly-promoted side Blackpool in the Premier League. Against the Seasiders, some fans called for the former Fulham manager to be replaced by club legend Kenny Dalglish. Hodgson, however, has asked for the club to pull together to lift them out of the danger zone, with Sunday's game being a crucial match against 17th placed city rivals Everton at Goodison Park, and has warned against any quick decisions concerning the managerial position. Hodgson, who only took over from Rafa Benitez this summer, said: "I know I can turn it around but I need the patience and support to do it. "All clubs need stability - managers and players as well - but that is becoming a very hard thing to find. "I've always expected new owners and put my faith in the board to choose the right ones. From what I know of NESV and the Red Sox, they know their stuff and will be good for the club. "I signed for three years and it's a sad day for everyone if, after a bad start, people think the best solution is to wave a magic wand and look for someone else."