ROY: THERE’S LIFE AFTER THE REDS

ROY HODGSON reckons Brendan Rodgers – and himself – are clear proof there is life after the Liverpool axe.

Both Hodgson (right) and Rodgers were branded elite managerial flops when dumped from the Anfield hotseat, in 2011 and 2015, respectively.

However, each has bounced back from those bitter exits in spectacular fashion. Hodgson, sacked by Liverpool after six months, restored his credibility by doing wonders for West Brom – before taking over England and, most recently, Crystal Palace.

Rodgers, meanwhile, having lasted just over two seasons with the Reds, won everything in sight as Celtic chief. And he has since made a seamless transition back into the Premier League, courtesy of a fantastic opening eight months at the King Power helm.

Ahead of today’s visit by Leicester, the Palace chief said: “It’s other people that make these reputations for us – and then destroy them. As far as I was concerned, Brendan was a good coach before he went to Liverpool.

“He was a good coach at Liverpool and was still a good coach when he left.

“I don’t work on the basis his reputation was ruined and he had to rebuild it. He chose Celtic and had great success there. Now he’s having more success in his next job. He’s a manager of real quality.”

As for the character required to resurrect a career amid the negativity that comes with the bullet from a Big Six club, Hodgson insists it is about having faith in your methods.

“I very much doubt Brendan lost his self-belief after Liverpool. I never lost my belief in what I could do,” he added.

“All we can do is remain the same person and, if we’re any good and have something to offer, keep going.”