Liverpool Give King Kenny Three Year Job

Sammy Lee, Steve Clarke and Kenny Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish signed a three-year contract as Liverpool manager on Thursday after helping the team recover from a dreadful start to the season and move to the brink of European qualification. The former Anfield striker returned for a second spell in charge of Liverpool in January when he replaced Roy Hodgson on a six-month deal. 

Dalglish has since overseen a dramatic improvement in results with a fifth place finish and a win away from qualification for next season's Europa League.

"I said when I took the job on in January that I was just happy to help the club out for the remainder of the season … now the owners have decided in their wisdom that they want me to stay a little longer and it's fantastic news," Dalglish said.

The permanent appointment of Dalglish, who won eight league titles as a player and a coach from 1977 to '90 to establish himself as a club legend, was hardly in doubt after the team's remarkable turnaround in form.

Taking over a team lacking in confidence and just four points above the relegation zone, Liverpool has lost just three times in the league in the last four months and catapulted up to fifth. 

"Kenny is a legendary Liverpool figure both as a supremely gifted footballer and successful manager," Liverpool owner John Henry said. "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."

Dalglish's first stint as manager ended for health reasons in 1991, a year after Liverpool won its 18th league title. He remained a fans' favourite, but was overlooked for the manager's job in the off-season when Hodgson was hired to replace Rafa Benitez.

However, he was drafted in by the club's new American owners in a time of crisis.

"This is a unique football club and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to help build something special here again," Dalglish said.

Assistant manager Steve Clarke has also agreed a three-year deal with the 18-time English champions, whose record haul of titles is set to be surpassed by fierce rival Manchester United.

"I want to salute the efforts of all the players as they have been fantastic and thank everyone at the club for the welcome they have given me since I returned in January," said Dalglish.

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."