re: Liverpool FC 2013/2014 - Season Long Thread

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Dalglish returns to Liverpool, but this time as a board member

(Guardian (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Kenny Dalglish is to make yet another return to Liverpool, this time as a nonexecutive director on the board in a move that will see him "contributing to strategic issues" at the club, 16 months after being sacked as manager.

Dalglish's second spell in charge at Liverpool ended in May 2012 after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, but having held discussions with the club's American owners, Fenway Sports Group, and the manager, Brendan Rodgers, he will return in a new role that intends to use his "decades of experience".

The 62-year-old, who spent 13 years as a player at Liverpool between 1977 and 1990, was previously an ambassador for the club before his appointment as caretaker manager in January 2011 following the dismissal of Roy Hodgson. Dalglish, who held discussions with Rodgers and the managing director, Ian Ayre, before accepting the club's offer, returns with immediate effect, and will present at Anfield against Crystal Palace today. Dalglish said he had "no hesitation" when making a decision.


He said: "It is an honour and privilege to be asked to return to Liverpool as a director of the club. I have always said if there is anything I could do to help this club I would make myself available - when the call came I had no hesitation.

"I am looking forward to working with the board of directors and contributing to the strategic issues that affect Liverpool Football Club. Liverpool has given me and my family so much since we came here just over 36 years ago and my priority is and will always be to have the club's best interests at heart." There were amicable comments from Dalglish and the club when he was sacked last year after an 18-month spell at the helm, but the Scot opted to take a clean break from the game before making a return, despite suggestions at the time that he would be appointed in a separate capacity away from the dugout.

John Henry, the principal owner of Fenway Sports, believes Dalglish can make a "valuable contribution" to Liverpool's future strategy, while Rodgers is also in favour of the decision. Henry said: "We are delighted Kenny has accepted our offer to join Liverpool as a non-executive board director and we are sure he will make a valuable contribution to the Club's strategy.

"Kenny has a unique relationship with our supporters and embodies everything that is special about Liverpool.

"Kenny has a unique insight on the values and traditions that helped to make Liverpool one of the greatest sporting institutions, not just in football, but in world sport. We are proud and honoured to have him back at the club he has represented with such distinction." Liverpool play Crystal Palace in the Premier League today and currently sit second, two points behind Arsenal.

On Dalglish's return, Rodgers added: "When I met Kenny to discuss this appointment, I was struck by the passion and drive he still has in wanting to see Liverpool return to where it should be; one of the most successful club's in the world.

"We are all together in that goal - owners and supporters, players and management and also icons such as Kenny Dalglish. I want people around us who have this club and what it stands for in their heart." Captions: Kenny Dalglish returns to Anfield where he will bring "decades of experience" to his new role as a board member

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hen Ibe can get some spot time for a little experience

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