This cliche is always banded about when managers are appointed in such circumstances. I mean, I think we all understand that by honeymoon period you are implying that Kenny has improved the team by inspiration alone. It wouldn't be classed as a honeymoon if it was down to tactics, team selection, training regime etc - thats what you would call a good manager. So, how long does this honeymoon period last? If we're in the case for top 4 in November would you still say its a honeymoon period (Kenny will have been there 10/11 months, and it would be a year on since we were 19th). Or is it untill we start loosing a few on the bounce then its a case of "told you so"?? That seems a bit of a cop out to me... Roy Hodgson was the best coach in the whole of England (ha) when he came in to Liverpool. He was dismal. Kenny came in after 10 years out of the game and completely transforms the way we play; from long balls and trying to run it wide (despite having 0 wingers!!) to short passing to feet. That is good coaching and management. Playing Glen Johnson at left back was like a new signing. Getting the Torres move out of the way so fast, and replacing him with 2 players was fantastic - "I don't want to be here", thats fine, theres the door. Changing formation to 3cbs when we had injuries to the full backs, and the quality of the young lads that did come in. Flannigan was pretty much unheard of then debuted in a 3-0 win over city with the full 90mins under his belt. Instilling confidence was obviously a massive part of it too, and the players responded better than no one really expected. However to say Kenny completely changed our fortunes by backslapping and an aura alone is firstly you effectively saying that his man management alone is better than anything whatsoever Roy could offer - and he is that influential his team finished 2nd behind chelsea if ignoring results prior to his arrival; and secondly you can't have seen many liverpool games with Roy in charge and then Kenny or have purposely ignored the style of football under Kenny (short pass) and the complete overhaul of ethos - Roy played Poulsen - 31 & Danish, Kenny played Spearing 22 and virtually scouse. Roy played Konchesky - 30 who has now found his level at Forrest, Kenny played Kelly 21 and scouse. Roy brought in players aged 28 (Raul), 30, 31 - Kenny 24, 22 & 21. This all points to the signs of a clearly very good manager - he is bringing in the style of football Liverpool teams he played in and previously managed had. Short neat passing to feet and making yourself available when not on the ball. Thats not dated mate, its timeless. Perfect that and there is no team in the world you can't beat. Just think what he may have achieved if this one man team's one man wasn't sidelined with a groin injury - to put another cliche out there.
Maybe some of these guys went on a 6 month honeymoon or something when the got married. 'Honeymoon period' is 5 games at best, not half a season.
