The former Fulham manager's departure was confirmed on Saturday morning after just six months of the three-year deal that he signed last summer. Reports have implied that Hodgson, who has been succeeded by Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish until the end of the season, will be due a year's salary as a lucrative pay-off. That would also follow the rumoured £4million paid to Rafa Benitez last June, but Liverpool commercial director Ian Ayre insists that the club will not be hit in the pocket. "We reached an agreement with Roy and certainly that type of payment does not come into the same area of business as our transfer budget," he said. Ayre has also defended the decision to hire Hodgson, although he admits that the club ultimately had no choice but to fire the 63-year-old. "In the summer we went through a very exhaustive process and it is easy to look in hindsight and say it might have been better or different," said Ayre. "What we have done in the last few days is bring Kenny back to turn it around. "Roy's departure was not based on the fans' reaction. "There is not anyone at this club who does not think Roy is a great coach. "Sometimes things don't come together and don't gel and I think everyone felt that was the case with the level of defeats (nine in the league) and situation on the pitch drove the decision."
