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Paul Konchesky was the final signing during a busy transfer window for the Reds which has seen close to 11 players come in to Melwood and almost as many leave the sacred grounds. Roy Hodgson, who has earned the name of Uncle Woy over the years for his endearing persona and demeanor, was left wanting in his search for a striker.

Uncle Woy's selection surprised quite a majority of the fans who thought that his short term fame with Fulham was being overplayed and that he didn't deserve the spot. However, since the club's inception the Reds have had 17 permanent managers and just 1 caretaker manager. That should be enough to know that Roy is here to stay. The club ensured that they did their due diligence before installing Roy Hodgson at the seat and are obviously very clear that he was the best available man for the job. Clearly the club is looking for stability and with Uncle Woy that's exactly what they will get. Roy Hodgson has experience world wide and brings to the table an array of talents with man management being his biggest asset which his predecessor lacked bitterly. Moreover, Roy's track record of working on a tight budget also means that the club are preparing themselves for a tough time in kicking the present owners out.

Even before Roy came in, there was talk about getting a Striker to cover for Torres. The window is shut now and many are seeing this as a lost opportunity considering that Roy had some funds available. Fans are a little peeved and are concerned about why the midfield has been strengthened without giving due attention to the final third. The naysayers are desperate to label this as his first big blunder in the hot seat. However, this might not really be a failure. Despite the man himself stating that he wanted to get a striker in, there was no real sense of urgency in his business. A fact which brings to mind the thought that this was probably something he thinks he can wait on. There are 2 primary reasons for Roy not being able to get a Second Striker

1. Roy has had little or no time to really concentrate on it. This primarily due to having to work extra to secure the futures of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres who were uncertainties on the team sheet when he took over, the Mascherano Saga , an early beginning to the season with Europa et all and the unexpected situations with Joe Cole, Aquilani and Insua.

2. Roy probably believes in his fringe players like David N'Gog (for the record he is top scorer so far this season) and Ryan Babel to back up for Torres.

There is not a single statement from Roy in his press releases so far that shows that he is really desperate to get a striker in but he knows it is a Luxury he would rather have with him. Roy has also made a signal of intent by showing that he is willing to play the youngsters more often with the likes of Kelly, Pacheco, Ecclestone, and Tom Ince all already eclipsing their previous seasons' quota of appearances. Youngsters have always been a cherished part of Liverpool's history with Stevie G, Fowler, Owen, Carragher all forming the spine of the team after starting young. Giving the youngsters a fair crack of the whip was a problem during the Benitez era which Roy is now looking to change.

Last but not the least, Paul Konchesky's signing has also received a very mixed response from the fans and how far Liverpool have spiralled. But on what grounds?! Simply because Paul does not have any big clubs on his C.V doesn't discount the fact that he is a capable defender. Konchesky's arrival brings to mind the signing of a certain Steve Finnan who also came from Fulham and went on to make a name for himself as a consistent performer and one of the first names on the team sheet. While not spectacular, Finnan made few mistakes and always put in a professional shift. With Glen Johnson almost perpetually parked in the opponent's half, it is probably in Liverpool's best interest that the other full back is a sitter and can provide some stability at the back.

Everything that Roy has been doing so far has only shown that the man knows his business and that he is here to resurrect a sinking ship. Liverpool are realistically not a member of the Big 4 anymore, and if they are to somehow rescue their Champions League status this season they will need hardworking professionals who can put in a shift on the road to Sunderland and Stoke, not just deliver flair at Anfield.

Which brings us back to where we started - Will Roy Hodgson rescue Liverpool's sinking ship? 'In Roy we trust'

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File Photograph Copyright: Mikhail Slain

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