Dalglish Gives Hillsborough Evidence

Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish spoke about the 'mayhem' at Hillsborough as he gave evidence at the disaster inquest.

The team's manager on the day of the tragedy was speaking from the witness box in the final afternoon session at Warrington Coroner's Court before the hearings adjourn for the Christmas break.

"The place was mayhem, nobody knew what's going on, there's stories coming from every angle," Dalglish said.

Dalglish was questioned by Christina Lambert QC on behalf of the coroner, Lord Justice Goldring.

Wearing a red Liverpool tie and a '96' lapel badge, Dalglish told how the news started to filter through that something serious was happening.

"We knew there'd been fatalities. We weren't told what the cause was, but we knew it wasn't people fighting or hooliganism,' he said.

Dalglish spoke about the request to call for calm and told how he used a microphone in the DJ box as the one in the police box didn't work.

He remembered the crowd applauded and added, "so obviously they heard the message. I came out of the room and went back to the dressing room area."

He said the only time he remembers going on to the pitch was to check his son was OK. "Fortunately he was," he said.

John Beggs QC, representing the retired Hillsborough match commanders, read out a passage from Dalglish's autobiography where he discusses Reds fans 'bunking in' to Wembley for the FA Cup final against Everton in 1986.

Dalglish, when Beggs quoted a Home Office report about the same match and described ticketless fans trying to enter the stadium as 'troubling', said: 'I'm just a normal human being. Not judge and jury on how people should behave.'

The court was shown an extract of Mr Dalglish's autobiography about Heysel, in which he wrote: "How on earth could Uefa think they could separate the passionate followers of Liverpool and Juventus with a thin piece of chicken wire? Chicken wire!"

Beggs asked if followers can be passionate without fighting, to which Dalglish replied "yes".

The counsel for Ch Supt David Duckenfield followed up by asking if Dalglish was acknowledging that a group of Liverpool supporters were prone to violence. "No," replied Dalglish. "I'm identifying that chicken wire wasn't substantive enough to separate two groups of fans."

Rajiv Menon, counsel for 10 of the families, asked about press coverage after the disaster.

"It was upsetting for many people," said Dalglish, particularly the Sun front page headline 'The Truth'.

"I know there was outrage," said Dalglish. "I know the fans were very upset. And, in fact, I was asked to attend, if I could go to Walton prison to calm the prisoners down on the Friday because of the stuff that had been written in the newspapers."

Before he was discharged Dalglish was questioned by Peter Weatherby on behalf of 22 of the families. He was asked about his views of delaying the kick-off.

"It wasn't an uncommon occurrence," said Dalglish. "If it was necessary, both teams would be in complete agreement with the police and referee, as I said earlier.

"The third person that would be asked is the team manager, but it's a fait acomplit by the time it gets to us."

Dalglish finished his evidence at 3pm and the coroner adjourned the inquest until the new year.

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Fenway End Kenny's Anfield Reign

Kenny Dalglish has left his post as Liverpool manager and the 61-year-old has paid the price for Liverpool's poor Premier League performances, especially at Anfield.

Dalglish's departure comes after face-to-face talks with principal owners John W Henry and Tom Werner in Boston on Monday.

Despite reaching the FA Cup final and winning the Carling Cup, the Reds finished eighth in the top flight having lost as many games as they won.

Dalglish had been expected to take a holiday this week, but flew to the US instead to review the season with Henry and Werner.

Dalglish returned to manage the club for a second time in the wake of Roy Hodgson's departure in January 2011, initially on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.

After a strong finish to the season he was made permanent manager on 12 May 2011 on a three-year contract, but has been unable to carry that momentum into the new campaign.

Club Statement
"Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool Football Club announced that Kenny Dalglish is to leave his post today as Manager after having his contract terminated.

After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the Club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily.

The search for a new Manager will begin immediately.

Principal owner John Henry was fulsome in his praise for the outgoing Manager.
"Kenny will always be more than a championship winning manager, more than a championship winning star player. He is in many ways the heart and soul of the club. He personifies everything that is good about Liverpool Football Club. He has always put the Club and its supporters first. Kenny will always be a part of the family at Anfield.

"Our job now is to identify and recruit the right person to take this Club forward and build on the strong foundations put in place during the last 18 months."

Liverpool Chairman Tom Werner said it was a tough decision, but ultimately one that needed to be made.
"Kenny came into the Club as Manager at our request at a time when Liverpool Football Club really needed him. He didn't ask to be Manager; he was asked to assume the role. He did so because he knew the Club needed him. He did more than anyone else to stabilise Liverpool over the past year-and-a-half and to get us once again looking forward. We owe him a great debt of gratitude.

"However, results in the Premier League have been disappointing and we believe to build on the progress that has already been made, we need to make a change.

"We are committed to delivering success for our supporters and our ambition remains resolute to return this great Club to the elite of England and Europe, where it belongs."

Kenny Dalglish's departure brings to an end his second spell at the Club where, as a player, he won numerous honours, including six English league titles and three European Cup trophies. As Manager he won three league titles, two FA Cups and of course this season, the Carling Cup.

Dalglish said he is proud to have served such a great Club.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the chance to come back to Liverpool Football Club as Manager. I greatly appreciate the work that Steve, Kevin, the players and all of the staff put in during my time and feel proud that we delivered the Club's first trophy in six years winning the Carling Cup and came close to a second trophy in the FA Cup Final. Of course I am disappointed with results in the league, but I would not have swapped the Carling Cup win for anything as I know how much it meant to our fans and the Club to be back winning trophies.

"Whilst I am obviously disappointed to be leaving the football club, I can say that the matter has been handled by the owners and all concerned in an honourable, respectful and dignified way and reflects on the quality of the people involved and their continued desire to move the football club forward in the same way as when they arrived here.

"I would like to thank all of the staff at the Club for their effort and loyalty. I said when first approached about coming back as Manager that I would always be of help if I can at any time and that offer remains the same.

"Finally, I want to put on record my heartfelt gratitude to Liverpool's fans, who have always given me and the Club their unwavering support. Without them neither the Club nor I would have achieved anything."

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Kenny Happy with Chelsea Rout

Kenny Dalglish believes his Liverpool side finally got what they deserve at Anfield on Tuesday as they rounded off their home campaign with a 4-1 win over Chelsea. A convincing victory over the side that put them to the sword in the FA Cup final just three days earlier offered a clear indication of what the Reds are capable of.....

Cottagers Enjoy Red Visit

Fulham headache for Dalglish at Anfield

Toon Loss Adds Misery for Reds

Newcastle piled the misery on struggling Liverpool with a 2-0 win at St James' Park to move 11 points clear of the Merseysiders.

Papiss Cisse was the hero for Newcastle as the new Magpies No.9 outshone the returning Andy Carroll with both goals to move the home side level on points with Chelsea.

To compound Liverpool's miserable afternoon Pepe Reina was sent off late on for an apparent headbutt on James Perch following a confrontation between the pair.

Carroll was also booked on his first return to St James' Park since his big-money move to Anfield after diving inside the box in an attempt to win a penalty.

The defeat was Liverpool's sixth in seven games and ramps up the pressure on Kenny Dalglish with the Reds now below Everton in the table.

Cisse has now scored seven goals in as many games, one fewer than Carroll had managed in 48 appearances for the Merseyside club.

The Gateshead-born frontman's unhappy return ended with 11 minutes left when he was substituted after he had been serenaded with a resounding chorus of "what a waste of money", while fellow old boy Jose Enrique, who had earlier been taunted over his claims that Newcastle would never again challenge for the top six, spent the final few minutes in goal with manager Dalglish having used all his substitutes.

But it was all smiles for the locals among a sell-out crowd of 52,363 as Alan Pardew celebrated a repeat of his first game in charge with another win over Liverpool.

The game was billed as a significant showdown in the race for sixth place with the Magpies enjoying an eight-point advantage over their big-spending rivals ahead of kick-off.

Hostile

It was also a homecoming for Carroll and Enrique, both of whom were treated to a hostile reception by fans who mourned their respective departures, but have since found life without them more than bearable.

Carroll's opening 45 minutes did not go as he would have liked as he became involved in a series of physical tussles after being booked for a blatant ninth-minute dive in an attempt to win a penalty.

His fortunes did not improve when he was presented with his first real chance with 28 minutes.

Another former Magpie, Craig Bellamy, caused problems for makeshift left-back Jonas Gutierrez throughout, and although Mike Williamson managed to get to his cross first, the ball looped up nicely for the striker to get to it before keeper Tim Krul, only for him to loop his header over.

By that point, his side were already trailing as a patched-up Newcastle team defended deep and in numbers, but hit the visitors repeatedly on the break.

Krul had tipped a Bellamy cross on to the bar and full-back Danny Simpson bundled the ball off the line after the Dutchman had spilled Steven Gerrard's cross.

But when the home side broke, they did so at pace, and to great effect after 19 minutes.

Hatem Ben Arfa skipped away from Jay Spearing and then Jonjo Shelvey to send the perfect cross to the far post for Cisse to rise and head past Reina.

For all the Reds continued to enjoy more than their fair share of possession, Newcastle created as many openings, and they might have extended their lead 11 minutes before the break when Demba Ba's long-range shot clipped defender Martin Skrtel and wrong-footed Reina, only to drop just wide.

But Cisse should really have made it 2-0 with four minutes of the half remaining when Danny Guthrie crossed from the right and he sent a downward header past Reina, but wide of the post.

The woodwork came to Liverpool's rescue within three minutes of the restart when Williamson climbed highest to head Guthrie's cross against the foot of the post.

But as the half wore on, it was Liverpool who started to gain the upper hand with their host's carelessness in possession hurting them.

Bellamy only just failed to reach Gerrard's inviting 56th-minute cross and Shelvey drilled the ball straight at Krul.

But when the game's second goal arrived, it did so at the other end, and it was Cisse who again did the damage.

Ba stabbed the ball across goal where Ben Arfa helped it on to Cisse, and he calmly stepped inside Reina before firing home.

Luis Suarez might have reduced the deficit within three minutes but his effort was blocked by Perch.

Dalglish's men continued to fight for salvation as the clock ran down, but their efforts grew increasingly laboured.

Carroll was withdrawn to a chorus of boos and went straight down the tunnel, and Liverpool's hopes were finally dashed when Reina senselessly headbutted Perch nine minutes from time and was sent off, although replays showed any contact was minimal.

No Light for Dalglish at Sunderland

Kenny Dalglish feels one slice of good fortune settled a contest between two evenly-matched sides on Saturday, as Sunderland edged out Liverpool.

An uneventful encounter swung in favour of the Black Cats early in the second half, as Nicklas Bendtner bundled home from close range.

He was in the right place at the right time after a low drive from Fraizer Campbell cannoned off the base of the post and into the back of Reds keeper Jose Reina.

Dalglish was of the opinion afterwards that his side more than held their own before and after the goal, but concedes that there were few positives to be taken from a forgettable contest on Wearside.

"I don't think it was a great game," he told Sky Sports.

"It won't be frustrating for the Sunderland fans, they have won, but I don't think it was a great game.

"I think we more than matched them and sometimes you come away with something, sometimes you don't. Today they got a bit of good fortune for the goal and that was the difference between the two teams."

Reaction

Liverpool struggled to create chances throughout against a resolute Black Cats side and Dalglish admits they never really looked like scoring.

He added: "They did have a go late on. They never really got too close to getting an equaliser, maybe right at the death when it spiralled up in the air and Dirk (Kuyt) couldn't get a touch on it.

"But the reaction was good to going behind, they were competitive throughout the whole game.

"For all the attributes that Sunderland have, I think we matched them. They got the little bit of luck and got three points."

Dalglish's starting XI came as a surprise to some but he claims it is important to give game time to the likes of Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates, who made just his second Premier League start.

The Scot said: "It's important to give him a game because we have got a lot of games coming up.

"It's important with Daniel Agger injured there that we see what Seb can do. We know he has looked very promising in the games he has played and I thought he did well today."

Good Day at the Office for Kenny

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish does not want the club to settle for just the Carling Cup as they seek successful years in the future.

Less than 14 months after Dalglish answered the SOS call of owner John Henry, the Scot guided Liverpool to a Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff at Wembley.

They had to come from behind before drawing 2-2 after extra time and then survive the shock of failing to convert their first two penalties in a shoot-out that saw them squeeze home 3-2.

Silverware is now back on the sideboard and Dalglish intends to add further successes.

"Although we have won something today, that is not us finished," he said.

"We don't want to stop here, we want to keep going. It (Liverpool) means an awful lot to a lot of people.

Happy

"All we do is try to make them as happy as we possibly can. Today we have been able to do that. Hopefully it makes up for some of the days when we have not been able to."

After Martin Skrtel had levelled Joe Mason's surprise opener, Dirk Kuyt thought he had won the game in extra time, only for Cardiff to bravely rally and Ben Turner to take the contest to penalties.

Steven Gerrard was amongst those to miss but the fact his cousin, Cardiff player Anthony, failed at the last to give Liverpool the cup made it a bitter-sweet occasion for the Reds skipper.

"The game had to be settled some way and we feel for Anthony Gerrard, who missed the vital one that meant we won the trophy," said Dalglish.

"We are delighted to have won the trophy. Throughout the whole competition, we have deserved it. We have played well and come through some really hard games."

Logical

Dalglish refused to take personal credit for the transformation in Liverpool's fortunes since he replaced Roy Hodgson.

And, whilst he accepted the euphoria at winning a trophy could inspire his players to more, the Scot insists nothing will be achieved without a strong team ethic.

"I don't think anyone who has ever won a trophy has come away from it saying they didn't enjoy it," said Dalglish.

"If you do something and you enjoy it, you are going to want more of it. It is logical. The idea six years ago was not to go six years without winning a trophy.

"We are where we are now because of the work everyone has done, not just me.

"The owners, the supporters, the players, everyone has chipped in. We have said that all along. The closer we are, the stronger we will be together."

Kenny Cools Anfield Expectations

Kenny Dalglish says his Liverpool side will not get carried away with their 6-1 win over Brighton in the FA Cup ahead of Sunday's Carling Cup final.

The Reds secured a quarter-final tie against Stoke, and having endured six years without a trophy they could end the season with a cup double.

"Defeating Brighton has got us to the next round, but it doesn't really help us in the Carling Cup," said the Scot.

"We've got a cup final but we won't get carried away," said Dalglish.

Liverpool will start as favourites against Cardiff, who are fourth in the Championship.

Dalglish also praised forwards Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, who both scored, and midfielder Steven Gerrard for driving Liverpool to victory over the Seagulls at Anfield.

"The three of them are fantastic footballers and they played really well today," said Dalglish.

"The more any team gets iconic players like they are on the pitch the better chance they have of being successful.

"But we have got more than three players. The fact we have done as well as we have and that was the first time the three of them have started a match tells you how well the other boys have done.

"We will stand and be counted as a squad and I don't think we have done too badly this year."

The Reds boss said that striker Craig Bellamy and defender Daniel Agger, who both missed the Brighton tie, should both be fit for Liverpool's first Wembley appearance since 1996.

Meanwhile, Brighton manager Gus Poyet accused his side of "comic" defending after they scored three own goals.

“I hope they go on and carry on the success they have had”Kenny Dalglish on Brighton

Liam Bridcutt twice found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, while Lewis Dunk's disastrous attempt at controlling a Luis Suarez cross also ended in calamity.

"I have watched the goals again on the computer ," said Poyet.

"There are a few funny ones in there. They were comic goals.

"I haven't spoken to the players about it. There were so many individual mistakes it would take all day.

"I learned a lot. I hope my players did the same."

Dalglish hopes Brighton recover from the heavy defeat to stay on course for promotion to the Premier League.

"Six goals might have been a little bit flattering," he said. "I hope the scoreline doesn't affect them.

"I hope they go on and carry on the success they have had."

Kenny Sorry for Post Match Views

Kenny Dalglish has apologised for his conduct during his post-match interview after Liverpool's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United after admitting he was 'shocked' to learn Luis Suarez had not shaken Patrice Evra's hand.

Suarez's first start for Liverpool since returning from an eight-match suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra was overshadowed by the striker's refusal to shake the United defender's hand before kick-off.

The Uruguayan has subsequently apologised for his actions and has admitted that he let Liverpool down in not shaking Evra's hand.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre also released a statement saying that Suarez had 'misled' the club after he had told them in the build-up to the game that he would shake hands with Evra.

Speaking after the match, Dalglish said he was unaware that Suarez had snubbed Evra, but insisted his player was not to blame for anything else that happened in the match.

Shocked

Dalglish also criticised the media for its role in the build-up to the contest, but the Liverpool boss has now apologised for his own conduct.

"Ian Ayre has made the club's position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford," said Dalglish.

"To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do.

"But as Ian said earlier, all of us have a responsibility to represent this club in a fit and proper manner and that applies equally to me as Liverpool manager.

"When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologise for that."

Kenny and Fergie in Tune

Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish have played down concerns there could be acrimony between Manchester United and Liverpool.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was banned after racially abusing Patrice Evra in the draw at Anfield in October.

The players meet for the first time since that incident, and Dalglish said: "We will comment on football."

"It has never been an issue. We are concentrating on the game," added the Manchester United manager.

Uruguay international Suarez is set for his first appearance against United, at Old Trafford, since his eight-game suspension.

Dalglish refused to speak about what treatment the striker can expect at Old Trafford.

"We enjoy going there to play football and that is all we are going to concentrate on, we've covered every other aspect of what has to be covered," he said.

"In the build-up to the FA Cup tie everyone played their part: both clubs, both sets of fans and the referee (Mark Halsey) was magnificent in the way he handled the game.

"If it is the same again then everyone will be happy."

Ferguson adopted a similar stance, refusing to comment at any length on the issue of Suarez and Evra.

"We've just got on with our job," said the United manager. "We've kept our dignity throughout and will concentrate on the game.

"They (Liverpool) have said plenty haven't they? But we've kept our counsel and I think that's the right thing to do in these situations.

"We've not thought about it, we're not bothered about it and we're focused on the game."

Happy Carroll Anniversary

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish hailed Andy Carroll after the striker scored his first goal since October on Tuesday night.

Goals from Carroll - on his first anniversary since his Anfield move - Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt earned Liverpool a straightforward 3-0 win at Molineux which moved them above Arsenal into fifth and within four points of fourth-placed Chelsea.

It made it a perfect seven days for Dalglish and his team following last week's League Cup semi-final triumph over Manchester City and weekend FA Cup success over Manchester United.

“We're pleased with everybody. It was a great finish for the first goal,” the Scot said. “[It was] a great ball in from Charlie Adam and a great finish from Andy, who played really well.

“He's a Liverpool footballer and he will make a contribution for us many times.

Until Tuesday night, Liverpool's cup form had been in contrast with their league form, however, with the Reds having picked up just one point from their previous three top-flight matches - and the recent defeat to Bolton prompting the Scot to take the unusual step of criticising his players.

There were no such complaints from Dalglish on this occasion, though.

"I thought it was a very professional, high quality performance from the players. A fantastic reaction to the previous two games," he said.

"This game became the most important one because it was the next one. They applied themselves well and got what they deserved."

Kenny Adds Fixture Support to Mancini

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has agreed with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini that City have an unfair festive fixture schedule.

City faced Sunderland on Sunday and host Liverpool 48 hours later, while the Reds last played on Friday night.

"There has to be a bit of common sense, and a game on the first and third [of January] is a bit unreasonable really," said Dalglish.

"There has to be a reasonable amount of time for players to recover."

He added: "I know people will say he has a massive squad and enough to field two teams but you have to take the players into consideration because they are the ones who are the main attraction.

"But I think television has been massively helpful to many people in the Premier League so we cannot cut off the hand that feeds us."

Mancini made six changes for the trip to Sunderland, leaving both David Silva and Sergio Aguero on the bench, and is expecting to make a similar number for the visit of Liverpool.

"I changed six or seven players because I trust all my players, and also if I change six, seven players, they know what they should do on the pitch," said the City boss.

"Because we play two games in 48 hours, it's impossible to play the same players."

But despite the changes to the Premier League leaders' line-up, Dalglish does not expect his side's task to be any easier.

"We will go and play whichever 11 they put on the pitch and it doesn't matter how much they cost.

"They are certainly a really difficult side to play against and we have our work cut out.

"They are a fantastic side but so are we, so we are not going to go there and be scared," added the Scot.

Liverpool, fifth in the table, go into the game with four points from their festive fixtures, having drawn with Blackburn and beaten Newcastle, while City have taken just one point, being held to a goalless draw at West Brom before suffering a shock defeat at Sunderland.

"I thought we threw three important points out of the window [at Sunderland]," said Mancini.

"But now it is finished and we can do nothing. We need to think positively for the next game and for the future.

"We have 45 points and we have scored 53 goals, and I think we need another 45 points in the second half."

FESTIVE FIXTURES

Manchester City

0-0 v West Brom (a) Boxing Day

0-1 v Sunderland (a) 1 Jan

v Liverpool (h) 3 Jan

Manchester United

5-0 v Wigan (h) Boxing Day

2-3 v Blackburn (h) 31 Dec

v Newcastle (a) 4 Jan

Tottenham Hotspur

2-0 v Norwich (a) 27 Dec

1-1 v Swansea (a) 31 Dec

v West Brom (h) 3 Jan

Arsenal

1-1 v Wolves (h) 27 Dec

1-0 v QPR (h) 31 Dec

v Fulham (a) 2 Jan