LIVERPOOL TO NAME STAND AFTER HERO DALGLISH
LIVERPOOL have bestowed a huge honour on Kenny Dalglish by renaming Anfield’s Centenary Stand after the greatest player in the club’s history. Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, wanted to mark the special status Dalglish has within the club during what is their 125th anniversary in recognition of the contribution he has made on and off the field. The 66-year-old former Scotland star has been associated with the Merseyside giants since 1977, when he moved south from Celtic for £440,000. During his time as a player, and two separate occasions as manager, he won eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups, five League Cups and one UEFA Super Cup. It is not just his feats with a ball, though, that set him apart: the role he played in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 and the ensuing 28 years has been huge. Aside from that, he and his wife Marina set up the ‘Marina Dalglish Appeal’ back in 2005 in Liverpool — a charity which aims to help those who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families on Merseyside. In a statement, John W Henry — the principal owner of FSG — said: ‘It is testament to Liverpool’s history and status that we are not lacking in truly great individuals, whose names could easily grace a stand at Anfield. ‘But in Kenny Dalglish we have a person who carries such immense significance to the fabric of this club, so it feels somewhat incumbent on us to recognise this in a manner that is befitting to the man. ‘He is unique, not just to Liverpool, but to the game in England as a whole, having achieved greatness as a player and then enjoyed such success as a manager. His record and trophies won on both fronts speak for themselves. ‘However, Kenny’s contribution to Liverpool goes beyond goals scored, points amassed and silverware placed in the cabinet. His values are Liverpool’s values — he represents what is best about this football club. ‘The leadership and solace he gave to individuals, the club and city as it tried to come to terms with the trauma and tragedy of Hillsborough transcended sporting achievement. ‘His name is synonymous with our club, with our home and the city of Liverpool. Now it will be as visible as it is palpable.’ The official renaming ceremony will take place at a later date this year.