Keegan against Hodgson sacking

Sacking Roy Hodgson would not solve Liverpool's deep-rooted problems, Anfield legend Kevin Keegan has warned.

Keegan and fellow former Kop idols John Barnes and Steve McManaman were all adamant Hodgson could arrest the club's alarming slide if given the full backing of the board and the supporters. That was looking increasingly unlikely on Thursday afternoon, amid reports the Reds' new owners were discussing whether to end his reign.

"The whole club over the last few years has been in decline," Keegan said, speaking as ESPN promoted this weekend's live FA Cup third round games and the ESPNsoccernet 'Cup of Dreams' fan poll.

"If you add to that the fact they've still got to find some £300million to build a new stadium, they're falling behind.

"At the moment, Liverpool have not got enough really good players in their squad.

"They've made some signings that haven't quite come off and the young players have not stepped up to the plate.

"But to lay all the blame at Roy Hodgson's door is totally unfair.

"He's been in charge 20 games and he inherited a lot of these problems.

"So he must be given time.

"Whether he will be or not... this is football."