Questions over Hodgson and Ponting

HODGSON ON THE BRINK

The Guardian’s Paul Hayward says Roy Hodgson's problems are not only of his own making - Liverpool have recruited dozens of duds over the last 10 seasons while Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have signed very few. In The Times Tony Cascarino writes that he would give the Liverpool job to Ian Holloway tomorrow. A manager with charisma, craziness, style. Someone who plays football that makes your heart soar and the crowd sing. The Sun’s Phil Thomas thinks Hodgson cannot point the finger at anyone but himself. Harry Redknapp urges Liverpool to keep their fingers off the trigger as far as Hodgson is concerned. In The Daily Mirror Robbie Savage believes Hodgson is suffering from not being Kenny Dalglish. He will be lucky to survive. The Daily Mail’s Ian Ladyman argues that Liverpool must not turn back to Dalglish or Rafa Benitez if they decide to sack their manager. The Independent’s James Lawton says Hodgson is a good football man, unquestionably, but he is in the wrong place at the wrong time and without, it seems increasingly obvious, any striking ability to do much about it. He should walk away.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

The Daily Telegraph’s Jason Burt thinks the tightness of the Premier League means few clubs will loan out players to other top-flight clubs.

THE ASHES

The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Vaughan wants England to build on their success. They need to win the final Test in Sydney. Steve James thinks it would be a shame if we have seen the last of Ricky Ponting in the Test arena. The Guardian’s Mike Selvey thinks that Paul Collingwood’s Test career may end before that of Ponting. At 34 it could be time for the England all-rounder to concentrate on short forms of the game. In The Daily Express Colin Bateman crowns Andy Flower as sporting coach of the year. In The Times Gideon Haigh says the Australia captaincy is Michael Clarke’s, but it also his to lose.

RUGBY UNION

In The Guardian Shaun Edwards chooses his dream team from the past ten years. He goes for Dan Carter over Jonny Wilkinson at fly half and picks just four England players. The Daily Mail’s Chris Foy tips England to win the Six Nation next year.

QUOTE

‘We would not be here today if I had not done what I did. I got rid of the captaincy for the good of English cricket.’ England batsman Kevin Pietersen.