Liverpool job is massive says Aldridge
Hodgson set to be appointed today
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has warned Roy Hodgson he has a "massive job" on his hands at Anfield.
The club are expected to end their search for a replacement for Rafael Benitez by finalising the appointment of the Fulham boss this morning.
Hodgson has been linked with the post for several weeks after emerging as first choice to take over from the Spaniard, who left Anfield on June 3.
The 62-year-old's name also cropped up as a potential replacement for Fabio Capello should he pay the price for England's dismal World Cup but negotiations have been ongoing with the Merseysiders for some time.
However, Aldridge believes the extent of the task Hodgson will have to do is akin to what the legendary Bill Shankly was faced with when he rebuilt the club in the 1960s.
"He's got a massive job on his hands at Liverpool," said Aldridge.
"This is the most important stage in Liverpool's history since Bill Shankly took over with what's happening off the field with the owners and the lack of stability at the club."
Benitez departed after Liverpool's worst season for 11 years, with the club finishing seventh in the Premier League.
Performances were not helped by uncertainty surrounding the sale of the club by co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and the futures of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano.
Benitez's relationship with members of the Liverpool hierarchy and a lack of substantial transfer funds contributed to the Spaniard's exit.
Aldridge believes Hodgson has to decide very quickly his plan of attack and make key decisions in order to be able to move the club forward.
"Something has to happen as soon as possible; you have to go in and test the situation about which players need to go out, what you've got to bring in and who you can keep," added the former Ireland international.
"That's very important as Mascherano has been using the wild card about his wife (being unhappy) and there's question marks about Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. They've got to be sorted out as soon as possible."
Hodgson was named League Managers' Association manager of the year after guiding Fulham to a runners-up place in the Europa League last season.