Arise Sir Kenny... King of the Kop becomes a knight
FOOTBALL legend Kenny Dalglish paid tribute to the families of the Hillsborough tragedy as he was knighted at Buckingham Palace yesterday.
Sir Kenny, 67, was awarded the honour for his services to football, charity and the city of Liverpool. He told the Daily Express he was “humbled, proud and embarrassed” after joining an elite team of footballing “sirs” including Alex Ferguson, Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst.
After receiving the honour from Prince Charles, Sir Kenny said it had been his duty to “turn supporter” and help Liverpool families in the aftermath of the 1989 tragedy in which 96 fans died.
The Glaswegian, known as King Kenny to fans, said: “The Hillsborough families are massive supporters of Liverpool. They helped us in the past. So when their time in need came it’s not much to ask that we can turn into being the supporter.” Sir Kenny was the club’s manager at the time of the tragedy. He made himself available to the families of the bereaved, attending most of the funerals of the victims. Sir Kenny and wife Marina have helped raise millions of pounds for cancer treatment through the Marina Dalglish Appeal – set up in 2005 after she battled breast cancer. They were joined at the palace by their four children – TV sports presenter Kelly, Lynsey, Lauren and Paul. Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe, 36, dedicated his OBE to his “best friend”, cancer victim Bradley Lowery, who died in July last year, aged six. The footballer, who was honoured for work with disadvantaged children, said: “Bradley would have been delighted.” Television historian Lucy Worsley, 44, was awarded an OBE at the investiture ceremony. Entrepreneur Jo Malone, 55, was made a CBE.