'King' Kenny returns home

I’ve been unable to get near my PC in the past couple of days and typically a couple of large news story’s break. So apologies in advance for the delay in these reports.

Friday evening brought about the news that many a kopite had been clamouring for. It was the return of former Reds idol ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish in the role of ambassador to Liverpool Football Club. The former player, captain and manager will also assume a senior role with the Academy. The official statement from the club was a simple one:

“Kenny Dalglish is to return to Liverpool FC, it was confirmed this afternoon.”

“Dalglish will assume a senior role at the Liverpool Academy and will also act as a Club ambassador working with the commercial side of the business around the world.”

Newly appointed Managing Director Christian Purslow said: "In our very first meeting Rafa and I agreed that we wanted to try and bring Kenny back to the club to help Rafa really drive forward our Academy which is at the heart of our plans for the future. We are delighted he has agreed to join us and I am sure he will be very successful in his new role back at the club."

Dalglish will be based at the Academy at Kirkby and will play a key role alongside Academy Director Frank McParland in driving forward the development of the youth site.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez speaking about the appointment to the official site said: "I am really pleased to have Kenny as a part of the staff. We were looking for someone who has a knowledge and a passion for the club and Kenny is the perfect choice."

"He will help at the Academy with the development of players and will also have an ambassadorial role at the club. If you're looking for somebody to go around the world on behalf of Liverpool Football Club then I don't know anybody better than Kenny.”

“When you talk to him about players and football systems it's clear he has a lot of experience. That's good for the club and also for the young players coming through.

"We are changing things at the Academy, we are bringing in new ideas and new people but we're keeping the spirit and the heart of the club. Kenny has played for the club, he's managed the club, he's done everything. He's a fantastic signing."

Dalglish said: "I spoke to Rafa a few months ago and things have progressed from there. Now that it has come to fruition I am very excited, but also a bit nervous.

"For the boss to put his trust in me is a great compliment and I am coming back as a very lucky person. When you leave a club you don't often have a chance to return, so I am fortunate for being given such a fantastic opportunity.

"Rafa has made a very brave decision to revamp the Academy. There are lots of positive things happening here and there is a real feel-good factor around the place. It's fantastic for me to be a part of that.

"People who come to the Academy should be delighted that Rafa is taking such an interest in the development of the young players. Everyone knows the most important team at the club is the first team and hopefully we can start producing players to challenge for a place in Rafa's plans. It won't happen overnight but I'm looking forward to working with Frank McParland and the rest of the Academy staff to do the best job I can."

“There's a lot of work to be done and I will do whatever is asked of me. I'm just so pleased to be back."