Liverpool promise manager news in two weeks

Liverpool Manager Gerard Houllier (R) is followed by Liverpool Chief Executive Rick Parry, who said the English Premiership side would make a statement about their new manager in a fortnight.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said the English Premiership side would make a statement about their new manager in a fortnight.

"There will be an announcement about our new manager in two weeks," Parry said.

A statement then on who was replacing Gerard Houllier in the Anfield hot seat would coincide with the start of Euro 2004.

However, Parry refused to be drawn into any more details, saying: "Further to that I do not wish to comment on the speculation that is going on at the moment about the position."

Parry's latest comments appear to contradict remarks he made in a BBC radio interview Sunday when, after being asked when Liverpool would have a successor for Frenchman Houllier, he said: "Around middle to late June, I would think."

Charlton's Alan Curbishley Valencia boss Rafael Benitez and former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish have all been linked with the job.

However, Benitez appears to be Liverpool's first-choice even though he has been offered a long-term deal to stay at Spanish champions Valencia.