In the week or so that has followed Kenny Dalglish's sacking, suggested managerial targets had been highlighted by a variety of sources. As names such as Klopp, Villas Boas and Guardiola all faded from contention, the names that remained were a cause concern for a lot of fans, with many publicly voicing their worries to the club and John W Henry on Twitter.
Aside from the understandable desire of many fans for Rafa Benitez to at least be involved in the process to some extent, one of the main concerns was that there wasn't a plan in place following Kenny's unfortunate departure. Though with the developments of the last few days in mind, I get the feeling that a lot of us, myself included, were quick to jump to that conclusion.
As Dalglish left on the Wednesday, the talk of Rodgers and Martinez began in earnest. Dave Whelan did his very best Harry Redknapp impression and set up shop in front of the Sky Sports reporters so as to keep the world informed about all things Roberto Martinez. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers distanced himself from speculation instantly, worrying that he would be making the numbers up as opposed to being a genuine candidate.
The initial concern from fans was that this process was taking much longer than they would have liked. But if what Tom Werner and Steven Gerrard have both stated in interviews since Rodgers' appointment is true, surely a public rejection from your first choice for manager is going to, at the very least, add a few days to the process?
Whether you agree with the appointment of Brendan Rodgers or not, one of FSG's talked about themes has been that of new and innovative thinking. They have displayed this approach at the Boston Red Sox and this decision has echoed a number of appointments - both sporting and structural - across all of their teams.
After taking the much needed step back from the 'household name' way of thinking, I personally feel that there is as much chance a young manager with fresh ideas will be as successful as a big name coming in with years of experience under their belt. You only have to look at some of the names Chelsea have discarded over the past few years to put a bit of meat on that idea.
On both Rodgers and Martinez, the gut reaction is to dismiss their lack of achievements and question the owners and their decision making. I openly admit that I did this myself, harshly stating that Martinez had done nothing but consistently keep Wigan in the Premier League. Yes, Wigan's start to the season was disastrous, but the ability to take a step back and look at your approach and then make the decision to right your own wrongs is something that should not be disregarded. Success in football has to be viewed sensibly and with relevance to the team you are scrutinising. Neither Wigan or Swansea were going to win the Premier League or gain entry to the Champion's League, but both managers had their teams playing football that was, logically speaking, above the stations of the squads at their disposal.
Having read up extensively on Rodgers since the solid links began to emerge, it is clear that he holds an ingrained belief in a brand of football that I would be proud to associate our football club with. The tactical nous on the ball coupled with the high pressure off it is something that all Liverpool fans would love to see us employ. All of his interviews, pre and post-appointment, seem to suggest that he has a love for the game, and that it is something he likes his players to share.
Whether his footballing philosophy translates quickly from what he had his players doing at Swansea to our current crop of players, I genuinely believe that this man will fight our corner while he implements it. In stark contrast to the experience felt when Roy Hodgson was appointed by a group of non-football men, FSG seem to have a set philosophy in mind. And Rodgers seem to be a man who already understands what it is to manage Liverpool Football Club. This man is certainly no Roy Hodgson.
A friend put it perfectly on Twitter in that the difference between Roy Hodgson and Brendan Rodgers is that Hodgson believed being given the Liverpool job was his reward for making it. He had nothing to prove because this was his pinnacle; the feather in his cap. On the other hand, Rodgers believes that it is an honour to be offered the job - and that he is going to do everything in his power to make us great again.
On a similar note, I personally think that FSG are incomparable to Hicks & Gillett. With their parasitic tendencies and their awful decisions on just about every front, Hicks & Gillett are the perfect example of how to not run a football club. For me, on the other hand, FSG have done more than enough to get the benefit of the doubt from some of our fans.
Whether you agree with them or not there is no denying that they have sat back, took stock and made a number of important decisions. These decisions haven't been made overnight. You could also argue that in Rodgers and his philosophy they have made an appointment with at least the next 5 years in mind.
I get the feeling that the first impressions of Rodgers have already converted some fans into fully fledged believers. I feel this approach will pick up many more disciples along the way. However, if his footballing philosophy clicks the way I would imagine he wants it to, I am certain that eventually we will all preaching from the gospel according to Brendan Rodgers.