The amazing transformation of Liverpool FC this year was obvious enough, and the club wouldn’t have made it into this stage without the one man that carried out all the major duties – ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish. He once became player-manager of the club back in 1985 and was well-known across the globe during his 6-year reign at Anfield, which of course includes winning 3 league titles and 2 F.A Cups.
After inking down his shock resignation in 1991, King Kenny amazingly returned to the club management after agreeing a role at the Liverpool Youth Academy in 2009. On 8 January 2011, Dalglish became Liverpool’s caretaker manager to replace former boss Roy Hodgson. Things weren’t off to a flying start as the Reds were knocked-out by arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in the 3rd round of the FA Cup due to a controversial penalty decision. Liverpool then lost their following Barclays Premier League fixture 2-1 to a lowly ranked Blackpool side.
The 60-year-old managed to please the loyal Liverpool supporters by making two major signings before the January transfer window ended, sealing the deal for former Newcastle forward Andy Carroll (British record transfer of £35 million) and Uruguay sensation Luis Suarez ( £22.8 million). The two signings were made after the shock departure of the man whom we once trusted, Fernando Torres.
Liverpool impressively defeated Chelsea 1-0 at the Stamford Bridge on 6th February, thanks to a goal from Raul Meireles. Henry Winter, football correspondent of The Daily Telegraph, penned this line down (on Kenny Dalglish) after the victory.
Such is Liverpool’s transformation under Dalglish, a reinvigorated team now sixth, it can only be a matter of time before he is confirmed as long-term manager.
On 12th May 2011, the Liverpool fans’ dreams finally came true as King Kenny was, once again, officially on the hot seat.
He’s brought the club together as one. The players and the supporters are all together. It wasn’t like that at the start of the season, unfortunately for Roy. But I think Kenny coming in has galvanised the support behind the team again and obviously his record as a manager in the past is fantastic. He’s one of the top managers around. He’s won four championships.
Liverpool vice-captain, Jamie Carragher
Before the August transfer window ended, Kenny Dalglish brought in some interesting signings to Anfield including Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Jose Enrique, Doni, Stewart Downing, Craig Bellamy and Sebastian Coates. The Reds are now looking stronger than ever over the past few years and are set to mount a huge title challenge this term.
Kenny Dalglish has truly transformed the entire squad in both physically and mentally. Will the great Scot bring back the glory days at Anfield? Only time will tell.
Submitted by Two Liverpool Fans
