Articles
Kenny Dalglish - one of the all-time greats!
Content by Craig Resnik-Hanson, Sports Journalist
Sir Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish, born on 4 March 1951 in Glasgow, Scotland, is a retired Scottish international footballer and former manager of Liverpool. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history, a man who is loved by both the club and city, and hesgoal contributions have given fans some of their finest memories.
Dalglish moved from Celtic to Liverpool in 1977 for a then club record transfer fee. He was brought in as a direct replacement for star forward Kevin Keegan. During his initial time at Liverpool, he won seven league titles, three European cups, and five domestic cups. His prolific career earned him the nickname 'King Kenny' among supporters.
In his first season at Liverpool, Dalglish scored 31 times making him the club's top scorer that year. His most important goal came during the 1978 European Cup Final where he scored the only goal of the game against FC Bruges securing another trophy for Liverpool.
In 1985, Dalglish became player-manager after Joe Fagan left his post as manager following the Heysel Stadium disaster where 39 Juventus fans lost their lives during the European Cup Final. As player-manager, his contributions on-field reduced but he still managed to score crucial goals including one which clinched their First Division title on final day of season in Chelsea.
During this tenure he also made significant changes to the team, replacing ageing full backs with new talent and developing a more offensive gameplay. Despite his success, Dalglish resigned as manager in 1991 due to the pressure he put on himself for success.
After nearly two decades away from Liverpool, Dalglish returned in 2009 assuming a senior role at the Liverpool Academy and also acting as Club ambassador. He was appointed caretaker manager after departure of Roy Hodgson in January 2011.
Despite facing numerous challenges including injury problems and sale of star player Fernando Torres, Dalglish managed to turn around Liverpool's fortunes on pitch leading them to sixth place finish in league. His successful stint led him being handed three-year contracts on May 12th, 2011.
However his first full season back was overshadowed by a race row involving striker Suarez accused of racially abusing Manchester United left back Patrice Evra. Despite this controversy and disappointing league campaign results; under his leadership team won their first major cup final since 2007 - League Cup Final against Cardiff City.
On May 15th, 2012 following evaluation meeting with Fenway Sports Group (FSG), owners of Liverpool Football Club; FSG terminated Dalgish's contract due to disappointing results in the Premier League despite him winning Carling Cup for club which meant much for fans and club alike.
Despite ups and downs during his managerial career at Liverpool; Kenny Dalgish remains one of all time greats who has contributed immensely towards growth & success of club both as player & manager. His personal involvement during aftermaths of Hillsborough disaster is highly regarded by fans till date making him an integral part not just within club but city as well.
Sir Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish, born on 4 March 1951 in Glasgow, Scotland, is a retired Scottish international footballer and former manager of Liverpool. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history, a man who is loved by both the club and city, and hesgoal contributions have given fans some of their finest memories.
Dalglish moved from Celtic to Liverpool in 1977 for a then club record transfer fee. He was brought in as a direct replacement for star forward Kevin Keegan. During his initial time at Liverpool, he won seven league titles, three European cups, and five domestic cups. His prolific career earned him the nickname 'King Kenny' among supporters.
In his first season at Liverpool, Dalglish scored 31 times making him the club's top scorer that year. His most important goal came during the 1978 European Cup Final where he scored the only goal of the game against FC Bruges securing another trophy for Liverpool.
In 1985, Dalglish became player-manager after Joe Fagan left his post as manager following the Heysel Stadium disaster where 39 Juventus fans lost their lives during the European Cup Final. As player-manager, his contributions on-field reduced but he still managed to score crucial goals including one which clinched their First Division title on final day of season in Chelsea.
Two spells as manager at Anfield
As manager of Liverpool from May 1985 onwards with assistance from Bob Paisley, Dalglish led them to win a league and FA cup double during his first season (1985-86). Despite facing major disasters like Hillsborough disaster which cost lives of many supporters; under his leadership team regained league title twice (in seasons -1987-88 & -1989-90).During this tenure he also made significant changes to the team, replacing ageing full backs with new talent and developing a more offensive gameplay. Despite his success, Dalglish resigned as manager in 1991 due to the pressure he put on himself for success.
After nearly two decades away from Liverpool, Dalglish returned in 2009 assuming a senior role at the Liverpool Academy and also acting as Club ambassador. He was appointed caretaker manager after departure of Roy Hodgson in January 2011.
Despite facing numerous challenges including injury problems and sale of star player Fernando Torres, Dalglish managed to turn around Liverpool's fortunes on pitch leading them to sixth place finish in league. His successful stint led him being handed three-year contracts on May 12th, 2011.
However his first full season back was overshadowed by a race row involving striker Suarez accused of racially abusing Manchester United left back Patrice Evra. Despite this controversy and disappointing league campaign results; under his leadership team won their first major cup final since 2007 - League Cup Final against Cardiff City.
On May 15th, 2012 following evaluation meeting with Fenway Sports Group (FSG), owners of Liverpool Football Club; FSG terminated Dalgish's contract due to disappointing results in the Premier League despite him winning Carling Cup for club which meant much for fans and club alike.
Despite ups and downs during his managerial career at Liverpool; Kenny Dalgish remains one of all time greats who has contributed immensely towards growth & success of club both as player & manager. His personal involvement during aftermaths of Hillsborough disaster is highly regarded by fans till date making him an integral part not just within club but city as well.
