A 2-1 defeat to Blackpool at Anfield yesterday left the Reds stuck in 18th place in the Barclays Premier League.

Prior to the match there was a march of up to 7,000 supporters protesting against the Americans, who have a mid-October deadline to refinance or repay loans taken out to buy the club.

And Jay McKenna, spokesman for the Spirit of Shankly group which helped organise the rally, said although the players had to share some of the responsibility for poor performances there was no doubt where the root of the problem lay.

"Tom Hicks and George Gillett were not on the pitch yesterday but it seems to be the consequences of their ownership coming to fruition," he told Press Association Sport.

"The situation at Liverpool needs resolving sooner rather than later because supporters have been left feeling they are under a cloud.

"There are problems on the pitch but a lot of people see the problem being much bigger than that.

"It highlights the need for change."

McKenna said it came as something of a shock to him to hear fans on the Kop chant the name of former player and manager Kenny Dalglish towards the end of yesterday's defeat.

"It was quite surprising to hear the chanting of Kenny Dalglish's name," he said.

"It has been a difficult situation for Hodgson and he has made no bones about how hard it is going to be.

"He is not trying to build up anyone's expectations and honesty is the best policy because you can't go making promises to supporters.

"New owners are massively important for the football club but hopefully it will be as important for him on the pitch."