Roy Hodgson apologises to fans but won't resign

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has apologised for his perceived criticism of fans but has told supporters he will not resign over poor performances.

The 63-year-old also appealed to owners New England Sports Ventures for patience as he tries to bring long-term success to the club.

Hodgson heard the Anfield crowd turn on him after Wednesday's defeat to Wolves, which increased speculation about the 63-year-old's future.

The Kop sang the name of Kenny Dalglish and sarcastically chanted "Hodgson for England" as the team with the worst away record in England came to Anfield and secured a deserved victory.

Coming on the back of a 3-1 loss at Newcastle, Liverpool have now slipped to within three points of the relegation zone after their worst start since 1953/54.

After the game Hodgson upset fans by claiming he had never had the "famous Anfield support" but he apologised for those comments and stressed his determination to turn things around.

"Things have been misinterpreted," said Hodgson.

"I was responding to a question about how it felt to be jeered by fans, making it clear it hurts me and I was disappointed by it because no-one wants to feel they are unpopular.

"It's not been an easy ride for me and I was not the first-choice appointment with a lot of fans.

"But if I have offended them in any way I deeply regret that.

"All I can do is apologise and make it perfectly clear there was nothing offensive in my comments."

On his current position the former Fulham manager said: "It has taken me a long while to get to this elevated position coaching one of the best clubs in Europe.

"I was very pleased to get the job - I left a very good job to take it - so the last thing in my mind is walking away from a club like this or walking away from football."