Hodgson keeps focus solely on football

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson insists speculation over the club’s future ownership will not affect his focus on football.

The 62-year-old enjoyed a straightforward Anfield debut last night as his side beat Macedonians Rabotnicki 2-0 in their Europa League third qualifying round second leg as a David Ngog header and a Steven Gerrard penalty before half-time wrapped up a 4-0 aggregate victory. However, the club is currently being dominated by issues off the pitch as various factions jostle for position in the race to take over from American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Reports yesterday suggested the Chinese government was behind a bid fronted by Hong Kong-based businessman Kenny Huang while Syrian Yahya Kirdi has claimed he is in pole position to become the new owner.