Liverpool FC: Reds Must Be Decisive in Search for New Manager

Liverpool fired their manager Kenny Dalglish after finishing their English Premier League campaign on a 5-11-3 skid.

Now the Reds must lure a new manager to patrol Anfield's sidelines.

Liverpool has been turned back by Swansea City coach Brendan Rodgers, and appear to have their sights on Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez according to ESPN.com.

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has granted Martinez permission to speak with Liverpool regarding a new coaching contract, but he also warns Martinez in an interview with ESPN.com.

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"When Liverpool asked for Wigan's permission to speak to Roberto, it was willingly given, and you would have thought they wanted him for the job. But now it transpires they are looking at quite a few possibilities.The fact that Brendan Rodgers has opted out after they approached Swansea should get Roberto thinking he might be better off at Wigan. There is a suspicion that Liverpool don't know what they are doing, certainly it is clear now they don't know who they want as manager."

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Whelan's points are valid. Liverpool's tradition and history should lend itself to a quick signing of a prestigious coaching name.

Martinez is a rising name. Why would Liverpool be looking at many possible options if they hope to pull a rising coach out of an improving situation?

This is why Liverpool must be decisive in their coaching search.

Stability

A manager is supposed to instill respect, support and stability in their club no matter what their given sport is.

Firing an unsuccessful manager and taking a club in a new direction is not a bad thing, but the ensuing weeks must be handled with care.

Generally, signing a manager as quickly as possible is the way to go. If there are no capable candidates, then you can change your tune.

In Liverpool's situation, Martinez is stable. He won at Anfield with Wigan Athletic this year and would benefit from coaching a more talented squad.

Martinez is ready for the limelight and the pressures associated with taking over the Reds' squad.

Liverpool's management needs to handle this situation with the utmost delicacy. Sign a manager, bring him in and let him begin to mold the Liverpool personnel into his system.

The quicker you make this happen, the better.

Allowing a coach to get familiar with his players is important. Signing a coach quickly, and showing urgency, shows that new coach how bad you want his services.

A confident coach equals a happy coach which should equal a turnaround in Liverpool land.

Respect

Whelan's comments may be on point, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't sting.

Liverpool is one of the English Premier League's most historic clubs. They have won 18 league titles, seven FA Cups and eight League Cups. They have won more European titles than any English club, and want to make sure their reputation is upheld.

No offense to Wigan Athletic, but this is their first top-flight run in club history.

Hearing comments from their chairman should bother the Liverpool brass. The Reds have commanded respect on the pitch for a very long time, but they must hand onto that reputation off the field as well.

Liverpool's startling finish to the season did not do their club any favors. It forced Dalglish out, created unrest and forced critics to question their tactics.

The Reds must sign a manager, do it fast and erase any doubts about the direction their club is heading.