Liverpool to make 'swift appointment'

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admitted it was sad to see Kenny Dalglish leave Anfield but everyone must now be "fully committed.".

Carragher said:

"I spoke to him just before he was getting on his flight (to Boston) and asked: 'is it Kenny now or gaffer?'. He said 'it is Kenny now.' I am sorry to see him go, it is a sad day, but we respect the owners decision and have to look forward. I will be fully committed to whoever the manager is."

Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre spoke to Granada's Daniel Hewitt on why Kenny Dalglish had to go and why they'll make a 'swift appointment.'

Liverpool's Managing Director Ian Ayre says the club want to make a swift appointment after sacking Kenny Dalglish, but insists they won't be pressured into revealing a time frame.

Ayre said that Dalglish's dismissal was based purely on poor results in the league, and that a win in the FA Cup Final would not have changed yesterday's events.

He also denied Dalglish's handling of the Luis Suarez racism allegation had any impact on the decision.

A short list is now bring drawn up but no indication was given on who would feature. Ayre did deny that they'd only be considering candidates who'd managed at the top level before and says the club will base thier decision on "who fits with the owners vision of Liverpool FC."

Liverpool FC confirm in an official statement that the search for their new manager will begin "immediately".

Principal owner of Liverpool FC John W Henry describes Kenny Dalglish as the "heart and soul of the club" in an official statement.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez and former Anfield manager Rafa Benirtez have been made favourites for the Liverpool job.

Odds have also been slashed on former Barcelona boss Frank Riijkaard.