Confident Hodgson looking forward to success in 2011

Hodgson sees a bright future at Anfield (GETTY IMAGES)

Roy Hodgson hopes to sign off a disappointing 2010 on a high note as he looks to a prosperous new year. The last 12 months have been eventful both on and off the field for Liverpool: they have changed managers and owners as well as failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2003/04.

"I get the feeling every day the players are committed to the club and will work hard to do a bit better in 2011 than they have done in 2010," said the manager, whose side host Wolves tonight. "They are capable of it and I am really anxious to work with them and help them with it. I have no fears in that respect.

"The club – the players and the staff – dealt with the takeover situation very well. We didn't use it as an excuse, although I'm not certain we needed it as an excuse because I don't think we were playing as well at that stage. We have got better as a team with all the work we are putting in and we are getting better but it is results that count."

The former Liverpool defender Avi Cohen died yesterday, one week after an accident on his motorcycle in Israel. His son, Tamir, plays for Bolton Wanderers.