Following the draw with cross-town rivals Everton earlier today, Liverpool Football Club have announced that they’ve parted ways with boss Brendan Rodgers with immediate effect.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment,” read a joint statement from principal owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner and President Mike Gordon. “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment,” it continued. “All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.”
The Northern Irishman, who leaves Anfield after taking over from Kenny Dalglish in the summer of 2012, will leave a mixed legacy on Merseyside with memories of the superb 2013/2014 campaign sure to be tempered by periods of abject mediocrity. Even a win over Everton wouldn’t have saved his job with the decision to sack the Reds boss made prior to the derby and regardless of the result.
“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it,” read the statement, confirming the American owners intend to replace Rodgers as soon as possible. “The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”
A full eulogy, along with a match report for the derby, will follow.
