Kenny confirmed

[Mostar]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Kenny-Dalglish-has-vowed-to-complete-unfinished-business-after-being-appointed-as-the-permanent-manager-of-Liverpool-for-second-time-article734877.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Dalglish: I've got unfinished business at Anfield

Kenny Dalglish has vowed to complete “unfinished business” after being appointed as the permanent manager of Liverpool.

The Anfield legend yesterday signed a three-year contract to become boss on a full time basis, 20 years after walking away from the job.

He said: “I think I did have unfinished business, and the unfinished business was leaving before you’re sacked or before the end of your contract.

“To get the chance to come back and finish off the contract is very fortunate for myself - I’m a very lucky boy.”

After the Liverpool owners announced the news that every Liverpool fan has been longing to hear, Dalglish reflected for just a moment on the harrowing times he endured after the Hillsborough disaster, and the feeling that has stuck with him since that he perhaps acted too hastily in walking away from a job he loved.

“It’s a great day, really, to be asked to come back to manage the club and pick up the reigns I left nearly 20 years ago," he said. "I’m absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to help the club and push it along, move it forwards.”

Dalglish has been a revelation since taking the reins of the club in January following the sacking of Roy Hodgson, leading the club from the fringe of the relagtion zone to fifth in the Premier League.

Principal owner John Henry said: “It was obvious to us very early on that the atmosphere surrounding the club had been transformed by his presence. No one else could have produced such a response.

“Therefore, I’m delighted we have agreed to a new contract. We didn’t need, nor want, to look elsewhere for the right man to manage the team.”

The club’s American owners have been inspired not just by results, but also by the manner in which the team have been playing under Dalglish.

Liverpool have created a buzz around the country with some pulsating football, and chairman Tom Werner explained that has prompted him and Henry to offer the Scot the chance to build the club long-term.

“We have a clear vision of the way a Liverpool team should play and the way the club should be run and Kenny’s inspirational effect on the senior squad and his keenness to involve and feature the younger players from our Academy set-up sits perfectly with that way of thinking,” he said.

Coach Steve Clarke has also been handed a three-year deal and Dalglish admitted: “We wouldn’t have taken the job if we weren’t excited about it, and to be part of this is incredibly exciting, and makes me very proud.”

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, speaking at the launch of the club’s new away kit in Dublin, said: “Clearly, we are delighted with the news.

"Since both Kenny and Steve (Clarke) arrived in January our results have transformed. Kenny has a long association with the club and he is a fantastic man manager to play under.

“The team is doing really well at the moment and the performance on Monday against Fulham was excellent.

"It’s an achievement in itself to even be talking about European football now.”

[Mostar]

Remember the past but focus on the future.

[Mostar]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1386489/Kenny-Dalglish-Ill-make-Liverpool-special-ones.html?ITO=1490&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

I'll make us special ones, says Dalglish after finally penning long-term Liverpool deal

Kenny Dalglish has placed Liverpool's rivals on red alert after he revealed his burning ambition is 'build something special' at Anfield once again.
After enjoying remarkable success since returning to Liverpool as caretaker manager in January, Dalglish and his assistant Steve Clarke signed the three-year contracts they had, in truth, earned many months ago.

According to Damien Comolli, Liverpool's director of football, the decision to make Dalglish's position permanent was a 'no-brainer' following a sequence of results that have propelled the club to the brink of Europa League qualification. Beating Tottenham at home on Sunday would secure fifth place.

Not surprisingly, Dalglish was in fine spirits as he faced the media but beneath the wise-cracks and one-liners, there was no mistaking the Scot's determination to restore Liverpool to the position with which they were synonymous during his first spell in charge.

Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's American owners, will throw their weight behind an ambitious summer recruitment policy and Dalglish believes the foundations are in place to plot an assault on the clubs that have outstripped them since the league title last resided at Anfield in 1990.

'John (W Henry) and Tom (Werner) have taken their time to assess what was best for the football club and bring in the people they wanted to take the club forward,' said Dalglish, who told Liverpool's players of his news immediately after training on Thursday morning.

'They are both winners, but understand what the supporters want from a Liverpool side and the way we should go about things. This is a unique football club and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to help build something special here again.

'We're not going to shout our mouths off and say, ''We're going to win this'' and ''We're going to finish here''. We are just going to work and do the best we possibly can, because a lot of people care an awful lot about this club. We've got to prove we feel the same way.'

One of the main things Dalglish has done since returning is lift the murk that hung over Anfield following the disintegration of Rafa Benitez's reign, the threat of financial armageddon brought on by the failings of previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and the calamities of Roy Hodgson.
Most significantly, however, he has got this squad playing 'The Liverpool Way' - passing, moving and pressing the opposition into submission, as was the case at Fulham on Monday.

Liverpool's form since January has been outstanding, but things will be different when everyone starts again from scratch in August. Giddy supporters must realise that Dalglish alone will not guarantee a title charge.

Even when Liverpool have struggled for form, games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have never seemed to be a problem. Beating the 'lesser' teams has been the issue and until that changes, Liverpool's position in the table and their chances of a Champions League slot will not.

Liverpool have played better football when Dirk Kuyt has partnered Luis Suarez up front, but they have not paid £35million for Andy Carroll to sit on the bench. How Kenny fits his stars into a potent XI - do not forget Steven Gerrard, who has been injured for much of the Dalglish reign - will make intriguing viewing.

Civil war, and financial disasters, engulfed Anfield for three years when American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett were at the helm, but Dalglish's return and the sale of the club to Fenway Sports Group have brought a sense of unity. The longer that is the case, the better Liverpool's chances of flourishing.

It is imperative Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli find the right targets and get them. Aston Villa winger Ashley Young is in their sights, as is a defender of Gary Cahill's class and a man to cover at left back. Liverpool's record in the transfer market has been poor for too long and they cannot afford any more expensive flops.

'Very early on we knew Kenny was the right person,' said Comolli. 'Along with Steve, we knew we had the right coaching staff behind Kenny and we wanted to make sure that he had the right support, the players and the right basis. I talked in January about playing with style and attacking football. That is exactly what we have seen. I don't think there is anyone better than Kenny to say what the identity of the club is about. We've seen exactly what we thought we would see.

'That's why we looked nowhere else and spoke to nobody. I was quite surprised there was so little speculation and nobody linked with the job. The reason was that it was a no-brainer.'

If Dalglish looked a haunted soul when he resigned in February 1991, the man in the smart shirt and trousers who jokingly complained that he will now have to give away his golf clubs clearly has a renewed zest for life.

Some questioned in January why Dalglish wanted to put his reputation on the line again more than a decade after his last job, but the first day he stood on the pitches at Melwood with Clarke, Sammy Lee and the players answered that.

'I never had any doubt in my mind that once I got in, it would be something that I'd enjoy again,' he explained. 'So I don't think it ever crossed my mind that the decisive factor ( in getting the job permanently) was going to be anything other than results.

'The best way to get results is to get great people working with you and that's what we did. You identify your faults and bring in someone that's better than you at what you can't do. Stevie and Sammy are much better at what they do than what I could do for them. I'm absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to help the club and push it forwards.'

When he was first appointed in June 1985, Dalglish went on to win three league titles and two FA Cups but the task now is considerably different, given the change in football's landscape. There is, however, one thing still the same as it was 26 years ago - the will to win.

'You feel very humbled and proud to be asked back,' added Dalglish. 'The place is much more stable than it was before, the supporters have got a smile on their faces and we want to keep the smile there for as long as we can. Everyone is pointing in the same direction.'

[Mostar]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8509751/Liverpool-handing-Kenny-Dalglish-a-three-year-contract-means-the-King-has-risen-at-last.html

Liverpool handing Kenny Dalglish a three-year contract means the King has risen at last

At last, the King is risen. After the most tumultuous two years in Liverpool’s history, Anfield can finally stand united behind the one man who inspires the complete faith of Boot Room, boardroom, dressing room and stands.

After two decades of failure to anoint a worthy successor, England’s most successful football club has gone back to the start. There is a motto that no man is bigger than any club. Kenny Dalglish comes close.

At 60, the Scot must have felt that his chance had gone. Received wisdom had it that he had been out of the game too long, had lost touch by too much, to be a relevant manager ever again, at any side, let alone his beloved Liverpool. It seemed, when Roy Hodgson was appointed manager last year, that his desire to return to the post he vacated under the stresses and strains only Messiahs know would forever go unrequited.

And yet now, just five months on, Hodgson’s reign is forgotten – a bad memory, one that still causes the occasionally wakeful night but whose horror has been dulled by time – and the open warfare which has scarred Anfield for so long has ceased. Dalglish is salvation from the nightmare and salve for wounds.

His results have been remarkable – only Chelsea have claimed more points since his appointment – and his effects varied.

One icon has disappeared, unmourned, and another has taken temporary leave of absence. In their stead, foot soldiers have become generals. Studies have found that even the fans are singing louder. A group of local MPs is campaigning for the Scot to be awarded a knighthood. There is faith again at Anfield.

In such circumstances, Fenway Sports Group could do nothing but hand him the three-year contract he wanted and entrust him with the keys to the ground, the city. He, together with Director of Football Damien Comolli, will be tasked with overhauling a squad bloated by mediocrity this summer and continuing the good work he has done in the last five months on the training pitch with Steve Clarke.

Dalglish has made it plain in recent months that his philosophy remains intensively, intensely collectivist: ask him a question about Luis Suarez’s form and he is as likely to praise the Uruguayan as effect disdain for his interrogator’s ignorance of Lucas’s contribution. Maxi Rodriguez has scored seven goals in three games. Irrelevant. Liverpool have got 13.

It is a praiseworthy attitude, and yet it stands at odds with his status among his public and at his club. Rafael Benítez was often criticised for his attempts to gather power to his breast, for his endless politicking: Dalglish does not engage in that, but there is little doubt that he is so revered, so idolised, that his control will be absolute.

That is the one note of caution on a day by equal parts predictable and happy for Liverpool’s supporters, increasingly long-suffering in recent years. Dalglish had to be given the job, make no mistake. The King had to rise. But in the power of his monarchy lies a worry that the republic FSG desire, the republic they believe ensures the best chance of success for the future, may struggle to be born.

[Norbs]

Thoughtful article, not sure about the King/Republic point made at the bottom though

[Lecter]

Just watching LFC tv and it's plainly obvious that Sammy Lee is a fairly redundant person now.

Sammy is in the role he was made for

Coach / trainer

Look back at our club when you had Shanks as manager and Bob as assistant you had people like Reuben Bennett and Joe Fagan as coaches / trainer

Then when Bob moved up Fagan became assistant and Ronnie Moran was moved up the pecking order etc....

I'm not saying Sammy has the potential to be our manager imo he doesnt have the tactical nous BUT hes good at putting on sessions within a pre-designed framework and is enthusiastic and well liked amongst the squad - hes also steeped in the "Liverpool way"

I think Kenny himself said it better 'The best way to get results is to get great people working with you and that's what we did. You identify your faults and bring in someone that's better than you at what you can't do. Stevie and Sammy are much better at what they do than what I could do for them. I'm absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to help the club and push it forwards.'



I'd be surprised if Sammy left the club anytime soon

[Fredo]

Sammy is in the role he was made for

Coach / trainer

Look back at our club when you had Shanks as manager and Bob as assistant you had people like Reuben Bennett and Joe Fagan as coaches / trainer

Then when Bob moved up Fagan became assistant and Ronnie Moran was moved up the pecking order etc....

I'm not saying Sammy has the potential to be our manager imo he doesnt have the tactical nous BUT hes good at putting on sessions within a pre-designed framework and is enthusiastic and well liked amongst the squad - hes also steeped in the "Liverpool way"

I think Kenny himself said it better 'The best way to get results is to get great people working with you and that's what we did. You identify your faults and bring in someone that's better than you at what you can't do. Stevie and Sammy are much better at what they do than what I could do for them. I'm absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to help the club and push it forwards.'



I'd be surprised if Sammy left the club anytime soon

I like Sammy, he's Liverpool through and through, a loyal servant. Then they know each other so well (Kenny and Sammy), can only be good.

[kop-al-74]

What is a honorary life president?I was just looking at LFC on wicki and I see that Moores still has this title.

[lickedlollipop]

Remember the past but focus on the future.

nice quote, nice pic, damn right!

[Mostar]

Interesting what he said about Suarez.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/keegan-on-kenny-luis-and-andy

Keegan on Kenny, Luis and Andy

Kevin Keegan is confident the confirmation of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool's long-term boss will see the club return to the principles that served it so well during the halcyon days of the 70s and 80s.

The Reds legend reckons the successor to his famous No.7 shirt is the ideal man to get the club back on track and feels he has all the attributes to follow in the footsteps of the most iconic figure in our history.

"With Kenny, Liverpool now has a chance to get back to what it was," said Keegan.

"It is a unique club, and you need people who know the club.

"For Roy Hodgson (Dalglish's predecessor at Anfield) it was difficult; he thought he knew the club, but I'm talking about the city, the fans, the people. And Kenny knows that. He has managed, he has played, he has been through some really good times and some really bad times as well.

"Now, though, he has the chance to lay the foundations, like Shanks did for Bob Paisley. Bob, by his own admission, didn't need to do all that much after Bill left, except let the ship sail on.

"He made some good signings yes, but he had the same backroom staff with Ronnie Moran and Joe Fagan, the same chief scout in Geoff Twentyman. So the nucleus of the club was still there, and I think you see a bit of that now with Kenny and (assistant manager) Sammy Lee. The club has continuity, which is important."

Meanwhile, Keegan has joined the growing list of admirers to heap praise upon the latest No.7 to emerge as a Kop hero.

Luis Suarez has made a stunning start to life at Anfield and is already earning rave reviews for his performances from both fans and players alike.

Keegan admits he has been amazed at how well the Uruguayan has adapted to English football - but refuses to accept there are similarities with his own Reds career.

"Suarez has done better so far than I thought he would, and quicker than I thought," added Keegan.

"He has been very good, and settled very quickly.

"The comparison with myself comes up a lot, but I think he's a different player to me. I can't see him getting a lot of headed goals, as I did, for example, but I can see him scoring more spectacular goals than I did.

"He uses space differently to me. I would see the touchline as my enemy, he sees it as his friend. So he's very different to me.

"Sure you can compare myself and Toshy to Suarez and Carroll, because one is a good header of the ball and the other is a bit nippy, but there is a bit of a difference.

"I think Liverpool paid £110,000 for Toshy (from Cardiff City) and they paid £35,000 for me, so it is a bit different. And I didn't come from Ajax, or from another big Barclays Premier League club. I came from Scunthorpe. I hadn't been near an England set-up when I arrived at Liverpool in 1971, and I wouldn't do so for another year afterwards.

"Suarez has played in the World Cup and the Champions League, so he is coming in as an established player. When I arrived, nobody knew me. I couldn't even get into the game for my first match at Anfield, the security guard didn't believe me when I said I was playing!"

Liverpool fans aren't alone in relishing the thought of Suarez and Carroll in tandem on a regular basis next season.

Keegan knows all about the Reds' record signing from his time at Newcastle and has high hopes that he will prove to be a big hit on Merseyside.

"I did a lot of work with Andy at Newcastle," he said. "He is certainly the best header of a ball I've ever seen, and I don't say that lightly. But he is more than that.

"He is left-footed, which helps him I think. Defenders are used to right-footed centre-forwards, there are not many out and out centre-forwards who are left-footed, so it gives him an advantage I think.

"He has got a lot of courage and determination. He is still young, so he doesn't have that many cuts and bruises.

"Next year will be a big, big test for Andy. He is now at a big club with massive expectation, and he hasn't had that before, even at Newcastle. He is still young, he is still very inexperienced, so next year will be a very big test.

"He is nowhere near the finished article yet, and he'd be the first to admit that, but he has got the attributes to be, that's for sure."

[Mostar]

Yesterday's press conference announcement.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q8AZRhOJZw&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube - Kenny Dalglish Permanent Manager Press Conference Pt. 1[/ame]

[CJ]

just watching the press conference again

and vinny tells the King no to start and they laugh so its definately two way banter



Kenny is a very different manager than he was 20 years ago. He is a bit more shanks like and is more relaxed and happy. I am comparing to what i remember of him pre Hillsborough and actually when he was at Blackburn.

the happiness at him getting the job really shines through.

[Vermilion]

"Next year will be a big, big test for Andy. He is now at a big club with massive expectation, and he hasn't had that before, even at Newcastle. He is still young, he is still very inexperienced, so next year will be a very big test.

oooooh, the Geordies won't like that from 'their' King.

edit: no matter how obvious of true his statement is.

[Mostar]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/werner-on-kenny-and-the-future

Werner on Kenny and the future

After flying into the UK earlier today, Liverpool Chairman Tom Werner spoke exclusively about Kenny Dalglish's appointment and the future for LFC.

Tom, there was much excitement amongst supporters when Kenny Dalglish was confirmed as permanent manager on Thursday. Was there a particular moment when it dawned on you that Kenny was the ideal man for the job?

I think we have been impressed with his leadership skills and his focus since the very beginning. Obviously, when we appointed him as interim manager we hoped he would be successful. Certainly the club is going in the right direction, he's been successful on the pitch but we're just delighted with the collaboration that he has with Damien, with Steve Clarke and with the players. He's just the right man for this job, obviously.

When Kenny was placed in temporary charge back in January, did part of you think then that he may emerge as the front runner for the role?

We hoped so because obviously the understanding that he has for Liverpool is unmatched, not just as a player but just as somebody who understands the Liverpool way. He certainly was the front runner then and he's just been spectacular.

What has impressed you the most about the job he has done so far at the Club?

I think that when we took over we felt the club needed a new sense of direction and Kenny has been able to instil a sense of confidence in the players. Obviously, the results speak for themselves. While we have a lot of work to do he certainly has helped turn this club around this year.

Two of the biggest improvements since Kenny took charge appear to be the style of football and the form of individual players - you must be delighted with both changes?

Absolutely and I would say that Kenny has been such a great motivator. I was talking with one of the players and they all feel, to a man, that there is a greater sense of spirit and unity and Kenny has brought that.

Kenny has proved that he's not scared to involve young players in big matches. How important is it to the Club's footballing strategy that the Club's youngsters are given a chance?

It's critical because I think that one of the issues we felt we all needed to attack when we came in was the average age of the players. You need to bring young players into the system and at least give them an opportunity, and certainly these players have again proved they were worthy of being in the squad.

Have you managed to follow the games from the States and how has Liverpool's transformation been greeted in America?

John and I have been obviously watching every match and what has been so wonderful is that we're scoring goals, we're playing with a sense of confidence. We don't feel that we are at a place where we can rest on any laurels. We haven't made the Champions League but we are certainly going in the right direction and we look forward to the match this Sunday.

The Fulham game on Monday was one of the best games of the season but is there any particular game that stands out for you as a personal favourite since arriving in October?

John and I watched that game together and the reason we liked that game so much is because we scored a goal so quickly and then scored another goal right on top of that. I enjoy those matches a bit more because my heart isn't in my throat!

We haven't spoken to you since Ian Ayre was announced as Managing Director and Damien's new role was revealed. Just how important have those two appointments been?

Very, very important. Both are outstanding executives. We want to bring a sense of unity as we move forward and we all feel, from ownership down to people who are working in this locker room, that there is a sense of direction and that we're all going in the same way.

Damien Comolli, Ian Ayre and Kenny all appear to be working very well together - just how important is that relationship between the business and football side of the Club?

I think that the two have to work hand in hand. The more revenues we generate on the business side the stronger the squad can be and the stronger the squad then it allows us to increase our revenues. For example, as you know, we are going to Asia this summer and are going to hopefully increase our exposure as the greatest football team in the world. All these things work hand in hand. Our success on the pitch is the most important thing, obviously, but it feeds on itself and the fact that these three executives, Damien, Ian and Kenny are working so well together - it's great for all of our supporters.

One thing that lots of people connected to the Club have commented on is a renewed sense of stability around the place after a number of years of conflict. Is that something yourself and John identified needed addressed straight away?

I think it's important we continue going in the right direction, but if we're climbing a summit my sense of it is that we're at base camp and have established a sense of stability. We have a long way to go and we certainly don't want to over promise. I think the fans feel a new sense of optimism at the club but we haven't achieved anything yet. We are moving in the right direction and I do feel a sense of unity and I'm confident and optimistic about the future, but we certainly have a long way to go and so part of what my message would be to the fans is to continue to understand and be patient as we move in this direction.

Because Liverpool's form has been so impressive since January and coupled with the appointment of Kenny, is there a danger that expectations about what Liverpool can achieve next season get slightly out of control? Kenny talks about the next game always being the most important - is that a philosophy you share?

I think we want to manage expectations. We have work to do. I was talking to Damien earlier and he obviously has work to do to strengthen the squad this summer and we will not rest until we actually win some championships here. Do I feel we're going in the right direction? Absolutely. I think there's a sense of excitement and certainly there's a great buzz in Liverpool for the match this weekend. It's great to feel that because there is probably no place I'd rather be this Sunday than Anfield.

So you'd agree that there's still lots of hard work to be done on and off the pitch before anyone connected to LFC starts getting carried away..

Right, but the most important thing in our experience in Boston as executives in the sports industry is it starts with management. I think we have the right management in place, as we have talked about with Ian, Kenny, Steve Clarke, I think we're all delighted we have the right team and I think we feel we're going to make improvements this summer and so I look forward to the future.

[Mostar]

Suarez on Kenny's announcement.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx5eePS18lM&feature=feedwll&list=WL"]YouTube - Luis Suarez delight at Kenny Dalglish new deal[/ame]