Football - Liverpool FC: KENNY DALGLISH has sensationally thrown his hat into the ring to become the new Liverpool manager.
It was thought that Dalglish was assisting managing director Christian Purslow to find a successor to Rafael Benitez, who left the club on Thursday after six years in charge. But it has emerged that the Anfield legend had no such role and has now told the club’s hierarchy of his desire to become manager again.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson remains a strong candidate with Liverpool having been impressed by his efforts at Craven Cottage over the last 18 months.
But if Liverpool choose to follow the boot-room tradition and keep the position in house, then Dalglish would become a leading option.
Dalglish has been working in a ambassadorial role at Liverpool since returning to the club last year and has forged close ties with managing director Purslow.
The 59-year-old achieved legendary status at Anfield during a 14-year stay between 1977 and 1991 as first player then manager.
Cash-strapped Liverpool would not have an issue with compensation should they appoint Dalglish and would instead give the Scot a pay rise.
But counting against Dalglish is the fact he has not managed for more than a decade, a time during which the football landscape has changed dramatically.
Liverpool may believe the Dalglish factor could prove pivotal in helping persuade Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to remain at the club with the pair considering their futures after a disappointing season at Anfield.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez yesterday dropped a further hint that Gerrard is a possible target for the Bernabeu.
“I think we already have stars in our squad, what we are certainly going to do is sign two or three great players to complete the team,” said Perez.
When asked about Gerrard and Inter full-back Maicon, another rumoured target, Perez added: “We still have not discussed new signings but both are among the best players in their positions.”
Hodgson, meanwhile, has healthy support in the Anfield boardroom and would be the preferred choice should Dalglish’s offer be declined.
The Fulham manager is viewed by some as ideal for the role with Liverpool looking for someone to help stabilise the club after the tumultuous conclusion to Benitez’s reign.
Any compensation, which could be around the £2million mark, would not be a problem with Liverpool poised to receive settlements of their own when Benitez makes his anticipated raid on the Anfield backroom staff.
The much-travelled 62-year-old has vast experience having also been in charge at Inter twice, Blackburn Rovers, Udinese and the national teams of Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Finland.
Hodgson’s stock in England has risen considerably during the past 18 months when, having secured European qualification for Fulham last season, he guided the Cottagers to the Europa League final last month where they lost to Liverpool’s conquerors Atletico Madrid. That Hodgson’s wife Sheila is from Liverpool will only add to the appeal, with the Anfield board preferring to employ a British manager after the spells of Benitez and predecessor Gerard Houllier.
Hodgson’s claims were backed earlier this week by Houllier, while Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer admitted he would not blame the Craven Cottage manager for taking up the challenge at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel admits he was sad to see Benitez depart but is determined to regain a regular starting role at Anfield. He said: “Rafa was the one who had confidence in me and he was also the one who took me to Liverpool so I can only thank him and wish him all the best no matter where he goes. I will train hard to show my new coach my qualities. I want to be a stable member of Liverpool next term.”
