Liverpool’s U.S. owners have finally signed Kenny Dalglish to a three-year deal to manager Liverpool.
Dalglish has restored pride and optimism on Merseyside. Consider that when he took over from Roy Hodgson in January, Liverpool were 12th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone. Today they are fifth and in position to qualify for next season’s Europa League with two matches to play.
In a statement Dalglish said:
“I said when I took the job on in January that I was just happy to help the club out for the remainder of the season. Now the owners have decided in their wisdom that they want me to stay a little longer and it’s fantastic news for both myself and [first-team coach] Steve Clarke that we have signed these contracts. This is a unique football club and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help build something special here again. I want to salute the efforts of all the players as they have been fantastic, and thank everyone at the club for the welcome they have given me since I returned in January”
Liverpool owner John Henry added:
“This has been an exciting time in the history of the Club. The appointments of Ian Ayre and Damien Comolli and now Kenny represent a significant strengthening of our senior management team going forward. We face a huge challenge to take Liverpool back to the level its fans deserve and in an increasingly competitive environment, but I’m confident we now have the right people in place to do that.”
Their play under Dalglish has given Liverpool players and fans optimism that next season they will be challenging once again for a Champions League and be part of the title race.