A King Dethroned, What next?

Now the decision to remove Kenny Dalglish has been made, what next for Liverpool Football Club under the stewardship of the Fenway Sports Group.

What their decision indicates is that they don't take failure lightly. The fact that Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's greatest player and one their greatest managers cannot escape the guillotine that has removed Damien Comolli, Peter Bruckner and Ian Cotton in recent weeks shows that they're looking for success and aren't afraid to make tough decisions.

However, there remains much bigger problems at the club other.

Liverpool at this moment in time our leaderless. Ian Ayre remains the figurehead for the club in the UK, whilst John W. Henry and Tom Werner remain in Boston. Liverpool need a presence in the UK with the clout to run the football club and make decisions.

CEO

David Dein has been linked with a role at the club and this is the kind of man we need. The job he did at Arsenal is the kind of work required at Liverpool. He played a major part in the move to Ashburton Grove, and made the job of Arsene Wenger a whole lot easier. Brian Barwick has carried out a wide ranging review at the club, and he too could play a role in the club. His experience in modernising the FA, and the pressures involved in running the FA could make his a very viable CEO at the club.

Director of Football


FSG also seem intent on using a Director of Football, much like in Baseball with the General Manager. This appointment is almost as crucial as the manager's role, this is the man that relays information to FSG and need to deliver a plan which will deliver results on the pitch, which ultimately lead to greater success off the field with commercial revenues. Txiki Begiristain has been linked, who had success with Barcelona, and I would like to throw Pep Segura's name into the ring. He is already embedded in the club, knows the Academy inside out and could help with moving players through the system.

Stadium


The single biggest influencer of Liverpool's future. FSG have yet to deliver a cost effective solution which will help Liverpool challenge Arsenal and Man Utd with regards to matchday revenue. In 18 months, there has been no movement on this front, until something is finalised, whether redeveloping Anfield or moving to a new stadium on Stanley Park, the club will remain at a standstill.

Where we're at


FSG's decision to sack Kenny Dalglish has left many fans unhappy, he represents all that's good with Liverpool and is a legend to us all.

However, having sacked the King and not yet delivered a stadium solution, FSG could well find themselves under pressure to deliver on both fronts other wise find fans turning on them. A manager of proven success is what is required, not the young things that have lit the Premier League this year. Owen Coyle was the next big thing a couple of years back, now he is a Championship manager. Jurgen Klopp would be my 1st choice, but he is building something dynastic at Dortmund and would be very difficult to attract. Andre Villas-Boas could be the answer, he was excellent at Porto, but tried too much too soon at Chelsea, but ultimately was doing a job that was necessary.

I await John W. Henry and Tom Werner's next move with baited breathe.