Roy Hodgson has inherited all the problems left behind by Rafael Benitez at Anfield. The club is having huge financial problems and the stars of the club who have always stood by it have realised that it will take some serious work and even more importantly more sacrifices on their behalf if the club is to get back into the top four of the Premier League, let alone win some silver ware.

In all of this I find myself feeling extremely sorry for Steven Gerrard, the boy grew up at Anfield; he was playing there from the age of nine and he has always been proud to be a Merseyside boy. Winning trophies with Liverpool has always been his dream and now the club that he has given so much of himself to has once again turned around and put him in one of the most difficult situations of his career: deciding whether or not to stay at Liverpool. I say once again because he almost gave in to Jose Mourinho’s charms back in 2001 when Chelsea were beckoning.

Well Mourinho is calling once again and is seemingly more determined now than ever to secure the experience that Gerrard brings with him. The ball will once again be in the Liverpool captain’s court if Real Madrid is convinced to make the 30 million pound offer for his name.

To not feel this man’s pain would be to think that the game of football only comprises of money, talent, skill, management and absolutely no emotions. Gerrard has the deepest respect, admiration and love for Liverpool, those feelings will never be replaced even if he were to wear another jersey in future.

He pledged his allegiance once again to the Reds last week when Hodgson coaxed him into publicly saying that he will stay at Anfield; it was not so much an announcement as much as reassurance for Rafael Benitez’s predecessor. However Hodgson is still not home and dry because Fernando Torres might still very well be on his way out and that alone could cause Gerrard to have a change of heart.

The England Captain made his debut at Anfield in 1998 and became a first team regular around the year 2000. He succeeded Sami Hyypia as team captain in 2003 and has been an Anfield favourite ever since.

Gerrard’s success at Liverpool was not immediate but the hierarchy believed in him and gave him the chance to prove himself and prove himself he did, that could also be why he feels so indebted to the club but surely he must feel as though he has paid his dues by now.

Last season was one of the worst season’s in the club’s history and Hodgson will look to hold on to those he can hang on to and start to rebuild. Oh and of course get hold of some fresh blood; Joe Cole is one of those.

Gerrard is definately one of those players that the manager would do anything to keep and luckily for Hodgson, the player seems to be getting settled with the idea of staying once again.

I would have still expected Gerrard to decide his future on other important factors besides loyalty now; players want to be proud and lift trophies and play in the most prestigious competitions. Clearly the captain still sees more potential for himself at Anfield, who am I to question that?

He is obviously a better man than I would be if it weren't for that fact that I am a woman.