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LIVERPOOL FC principal owner John W Henry believes the “inspirational” qualities of new manager Brendan Rodgers will help bring long-term stability and success to Anfield.

In an exclusive interview with the ECHO in Boston, Henry delivered a ringing endorsement of the man who was appointed as Kenny Dalglish's successor last month.

And the Fenway Sports Group chief vowed that Rodgers won't be burdened by setting him the target of Champions League qualification for the coming season as he puts his plans into practice.

“Brendan has a very structured approach and he plays the kind of football that we think Liverpool fans will love to see,” said Henry, after watching the Northern Irishman put the squad through their paces at Harvard University.

“You can see why he was appointed. He's an inspirational figure.

“He's very charismatic, he's smart, he knows what he wants to accomplish and he's determined to accomplish it.

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“Everything I have heard so far in the way of feedback about him has been very positive.

“We don't want to put any pressure on Brendan by saying you have got to make the Champions League this year.

“Of course he wants to make the Champions League, we all do and so does every team in the Premier League.

“I thought it was realistic last season but we were so far off that pace. At this point we're just trying to get things stabilised - that should be one of our goals.”

Rodgers is the club's third manager since Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool FC in October 2010.

Henry believes the owners are now in a much better position to know exactly what's required to take the club forward.

“We know more now than we did when we bought the club,” Henry added.

“We didn't know a lot at the start. We have had something like 20 months to study and learn and this is really the direction we want to go in. We are working on a long term programme and we are fully committed to this programme. It will be the kind of football we want to play.”

Liverpool's current tour of North America is their first visit to the continent since 2004.

It has brought together Henry's two sports clubs with the Liverpool squad last night attending Boston Red Sox's baseball game against Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park.

Henry said: “It's heartening to have Liverpool here. I know Liverpool fans worry about the Red Sox and I know Red Sox fans worry about Liverpool but these are two very important clubs.

“We need to be in the US and we know this area well. (Chairman) Tom Werner is a Harvard grad and we knew this would be a great place for the team to train.

“Liverpool is such a global club. Last year we were in Asia, this year we're in North America. We have to try to get out and see the fans.

“This year what we're really concentrating on is to make sure we're ready for the first league game. That's our number one goal. We have a lot of work to do to instil a new system.”

Liverpool fly from Boston to Canada today as they prepare for tomorrow's first friendly against Toronto FC at the Rogers Centre.