Hodgson rubbishes quit rumours

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has dismissed rumours suggesting he was on the verge of quitting.

On Wednesday there was a brief flurry of internet activity which claimed the 63-year-old was likely to resign after last night's Europa League match against Napoli, which finished goalless.

However, Hodgson said: "I have heard the ridiculous rumours about me resigning, and I can tell you there is not an iota of truth in any of them."

If Hodgson was not under enough scrutiny after winning just one of his eight league matches, the £300million takeover by New England Sports Ventures heightened things further.

The departure of managing director Christian Purslow, with chairman Martin Broughton likely to follow in the near future, after the sale was completed means four of the five people - former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were the others - responsible for appointing Hodgson no longer hold any power at Anfield.

But despite criticism from fans, who chanted the name of former player and manager Kenny Dalglish during the Blackpool defeat earlier this month, Hodgson has no intention of walking away.

He added: "The simple truth is that I have never considered resigning, and I never will."

Although the team have now not won in seven matches the goalless draw achieved in Naples with an understrength side was well deserved.

With Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Raul Meireles and Lucas Leiva not even travelling, 18-year-old Jonjo Shelvey was handed his first start. Despite a couple of scares, most notably when Paul Konchesky cleared off the line in first-half injury time, they held out for a point which kept them top of Group K.

"There were plenty of positives to come from the game," added Hodgson. "It was a good point which many people didn't think we would get, considering the team selection, but we've proved them wrong."