Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish is to return to the club in an ambassadorial role, after accepting an offer to join the board of directors.
Dalglish, who was sacked as manager of the club in the summer of last year, could not hide his pleasure at being offered the role of non-executive board director, which he will take up with immediate effect.
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.”
John W. Henry, the principal owner of the club, was quick to welcome his former manager back to Anfield. He said: “Kenny has a unique relationship with our supporters and embodies everything that is special about Liverpool. We are thrilled that the club will benefit from his experience, and passion for the club and our supporters.”
Dalglish, who is affectionately referred to as ‘King Kenny’ by supporters, enjoyed a distinguished career at Liverpool, netting 172 times in 515 games for the Reds and is widely regarded as the greatest player in the club’s history.
After signing for Liverpool in 1977, Dalglish won five league titles and three European cups with the side, before taking over as player-manager in 1986. During his first stint as manager, he achieved three more titles and an FA Cup triumph, before resigning on health grounds in 1991, less than two years after steering the club through the trauma of the Hillsborough disaster.
Dalglish returned to Liverpool in January 2011 on a caretaker basis, following the sacking of Roy Hodgson, before being offered a three-year deal. He lifted the Carling Cup in 2012 but was sacked later that year after a disappointing eighth place finish in the Premier League.
Current Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers welcomed the return, having played a role in bringing the legend back to his spiritual home.
He said: “When I met with 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 clubs 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.”