Keep Dalglish out, says Murphy

Danny Murphy says his former and favourite club Liverpool will come good again under new ownership if they avoid panic and keep faith with Roy Hodgson, the manager who took Fulham and Murphy from within one game of relegation to a European final.

The former England midfielder, criticised for his remarks about the physical approach of Stoke City, Blackburn and Wolves at the Leaders in Football conference in London last week, was not afraid to speak out about his old club, which he was distraught to leave six years ago. After two seasons each at Charlton and Spurs he settled at Fulham, and was captain under Hodgson.

"The way he wants his team to play and the type of tactics and discipline he wants his team to have don't happen overnight," Murphy said. "You throw into that a squad of players which isn't what it was three or four years ago. The loss of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, players of that calibre haven't really been replaced, and also Fernando Torres has not been fully fit and has not been on the pitch enough to perform to his best. It has been a very difficult start."

Murphy is adamant that sacking Hodgson and bringing back Kenny Dalglish, who has not managedfor 10 years since short spells at Newcastle and Celtic, would be entirely wrong. "Of course the Blackpool and Northampton results are unacceptable," he said. "I'm not hiding behind that. All I'm saying is the situation is not dire. The League table is separated by five points from third bottom to fourth, so there's a long way to go. Stay patient, the team has quality in it and the fact is if you panic now and, God forbid, got rid of him and brought someone else in, the problems are still there. Give Roy a bit of time and by Christmas see where we are and everyone will be happier."