Dalglish makes dignified exit

Kenny Dalglish said he would not have swapped Liverpool’s League Cup win ‘for anything’ despite being sacked on Wednesday.

The Reds beat Cardiff at Wembley to claim their first trophy in six years in February, but were beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup final and finished eighth in the Premier League with their lowest points total since 1954.

But Dalglish insists he is proud of his second spell in charge at Anfield, while admitting that the club’s league position was disappointing.

A statement from the Scot on Liverpool’s official website read: “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 (Clarke), Kevin (Keen), 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 League 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 League Cup win for anything as I know how much it meant to our fans and the club to be back winning trophies.”

Dalglish also praised the club’s owners for the handling of the matter and confirmed that he would remain available to the club in the future if required in another capacity.

He continued: “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.”