As the Sack Race reported earlier today it has been confirmed that Rafa Benitez has left his position as Manager of Liverpool by mutual consent, there have been strong rumours coming out of Anfield in recent days that the Spaniard was on his way out and that has now been confirmed by the club through an initial statement. The news comes as no great no surprise to Liverpool fans after a a difficult season at Anfield which saw the club finish as low as 7th place  to miss out on the Champions League for the first time in the reign of Benitez.

Benitez will always be remembered by Liverpool fans for bringing the Champions League back to the club in 2005 with that stunning win in Istanbul, unfortunately though he never really kicked on from that success and ultimately he has pad the price for that with his job. His transfer record over the past few years has to be questioned with the likes of Robbie Keane, Lucas and Alberto Aquilani among others disappointing at the club after big money moves to the club.

Attention will now turn to appointing the Next Liverpool Manager but at this stage it is no clear who would be willing to take charge at a club with the owners looking to sell as soon as possible. There are a number of names in the frame including Martin O’Neill and Guus Hiddink but both are currently tied to contracts at other jobs and would be reluctant to jump ship to Liverpool with the long term future of the club looking far from secure at the moment. There is a strong possibility that Kenny Dalglish will be on hand to take charge of the team on a temporary basis should the search for a successor drag on as expected over the next few days and weeks.

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