Despite the euphoria that has greeted the arrival of Joe Cole and the positive words from captain Steven Gerrard, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has moved to dampen expectations.

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The new boss is well aware that one swallow does not make a summer and the addition of one first team player will not transform the team’s fortunes all by itself.

“It's not going to be an overnight thing,” said Hodgson. “You don't change doom and gloom or disenchantment with a signing or two.”

"I would never want to dupe the Liverpool public by telling them all is rosy now because Joe Cole has signed."

Hodgson added: “There's a lot more work to do, a lot more players are needed and we as a football team have got to make certain that when we take to the field the supporters will see there is something different and that we are making the biggest effort we can make.”

While cynics might claim that this is a calculated act of self-preservation on the manager’s behalf, it does sound like a welcome dose of common sense and realism over the situation.

Hodgson’s remit is to restore morale to a chastened and disillusioned dressing room while also securing the right results on the pitch. This will not be achieved soley through Joe Cole’s arrival but through everyone at Anfield – supporters included – pulling together.

It would seem that further signings need to be made especially at left back, where both Fabio Aurelio and Emiliano Insua have recently departed, and possibly at the base of the midfield if Javier Mascherano does move on to pastures new.

While there is plenty of work for the former Fulham and Inter Milan boss to do, the signing of Cole has put a spring in the step of everyone at Melwood and if he can maintain the feelgood atmosphere – so prevalent in the 'nearly' season of 2008/09 – then perhaps Hodgson can bring some pride back to a famous footballing institution.