Dalglish gets Liverpool job in three-year deal

Dalglish has transformed Liverpool and has now been awarded the job permanently (Pictures © Trinity Mirror)

Kenny Dalglish has been appointed Liverpool manager on a permanent basis, signing a new three-year contract.

The Scot was initially given a caretaker role having taken over after Roy Hodgson was sacked in January, but has now been rewarded for his efforts in turning around Liverpool’s season.

Dalglish told the club’s website: “I'm obviously delighted to be given the opportunity. When we came back in January there were no promises as to what to expect, so for me it was an ideal opportunity to prove I had something to offer.

"Both John [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. They are both winners, but understand what the supporters want from a Liverpool side and the way that we should go about things.”

The Kop legend had long been tipped to take the role on a permanent basis having lifted the club from the lower reaches of the table and fear of relegation, to their current position of fifth.

The Reds have been transformed from underachievers to a team which looks set for Europa League football next season. Dalglish has seen a dramatic improvement in results, which has included wins against Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Dalglish also oversaw the purchases of impressive Uruguayan
Luis Suarez and club record signing Andy Carroll, as well as the
sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

Negotiations over his contract have been ongoing for a number
of weeks and the revival under his leadership has clearly
impressed the club's owners.

Principal Owner John Henry said in a statement: “Kenny is a
legendary Liverpool figure both as a supremely gifted footballer
and successful manager.

"Since returning in January he has shown extraordinary
leadership and the ability to bring the best out of so many
people associated with the club.

"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."

First-team coach Steve Clarke, who arrived alongside Dalglish
in January, has also been rewarded with a new three-year
contract and Dalglish was quick to acknowledge his role.

"I also want to pay tribute to Steve Clarke's input since we
started working together as he has brought great experience
and knowledge to the role. The players enjoy the training
sessions, understand their relevance to our actual football
games and have responded brilliantly."

This is the long-awaited announcement which will delight Liverpool fans worldwide and the revival under Dalglish has meant there is a renewed sense of optimism at Anfield that Liverpool can be a force next season.

© Trinity Mirror

LIVERPOOL FC SEASON 2010/11

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