John W Henry rings changes at Liverpool

Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group have begun the rebuilding process at Anfield by installing a new managing director but their most important appointment is yet to come with Kenny Dalglish still waiting to be confirmed as permanent boss.

FSG's principal figures, John Henry and Tom Werner, showed yesterday they had learned much in their short time at Anfield.

They followed the 'Liverpool way' by promoting from within by moving up commercial director Ian Ayre to the MD's position and also making Damien Comolli director of football, an elevation from his position of director of football strategy.

Both decisions should now pave the way for Dalglish to be offered a permanent contract, having done a remarkable job in turning around the club's season after being asked to take over until the end of the season after Roy Hodgson's disastrous six-month reign.

"With these key appointments, the future of Liverpool Football Club is in very good hands," said Henry.

"Tom and I are extraordinarily excited to be working with Ian and Damien as we do the things that must be done to move the club forward in the 21st century."

Werner added: "We've worked closely with Ian since coming to Liverpool and we have great confidence in his management and leadership skills.

"Also, as a lifelong fan of the club, he has been instrumental in bringing John and I up to speed on the traditions and history of this great club and specifically, what it means to follow the Liverpool way.

"Ian has been instrumental to us in stabilising things after we purchased the club.

"We consider this one more big step in taking the club to exactly where supporters and we want to go."

What difference there will be in Comolli's role has yet to be defined, but having played a key part in the club-record signings of Luis Suarez and then Andy Carroll in January, it is clear he has the full confidence of FSG.

"Damien has already demonstrated a thorough understanding of what a modern football club needs to succeed in an ever more competitive environment," added Werner.

"He has made a tremendous contribution to our scouting, recruitment and player development so far.

"This promotion will see him assume extra responsibilities including overseeing areas such as performance analysis, medical provision, and team administration."

Ayre is confident the new management structure can take Liverpool forward and make them more successful in the future.

"We have been through some difficult times, but we find ourselves today with a great team of people all working together for the same goal," he said.

"John and Tom have a clear vision for rebuilding the club and bringing back success and I'm delighted to be able to help shape that future."

Comolli admits there is a lot of ground to be made up but he too is optimistic about the club's fortunes.

"It has been an exciting five months and I think all of us recognise that we have made a great deal of progress in many different areas," he said.

"However, there is a lot of hard work ahead and with the backing of our owners and their commitment to the club, I'm confident we will get it right."