KOP News # 1224

Liverpool fans react to Kenny Dalglish sacking

Dalglish's second spell as manager started after current England boss Roy Hodgson's departure in 2011.

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Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that manager and club legend Kenny Dalglish has been sacked.

The announcement has come as a shock to many, despite the club's disappointing Premier League season.

Although the club won the Carling Cup and reached the FA Cup final, Liverpool finished 8th in the league - a place below neighbours and rivals Everton.

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As far as I'm concerned, Kenny Dalglish will always be a legend at Liverpool"

Les Lawson Liverpool Supporters' Club

Phil Redmond, TV producer and Liverpool fan, said: "From a business point of view, it's up to the owners, but Kenny has had an extraordinary year."

He added: "We were starting to win again, we were a goalkeeper's glove away from turning the FA Cup final around, it could have been very different."

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

He was made permanent manager in May on a three-year contract.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez and former boss Rafael Benitez are now seen as the front runners for the vacant position.

'Trigger happy decision'

Gareth Roberts, from Liverpool fanzine Well Red, said: "I'm shocked by it, I'm really surprised they have made this decision, it's too short a time to judge a manager.

"He got a cup in the bag, a disappointing league season, but I think it was a bit of a trigger happy decision to be honest.

He added: "Martinez is not an upgrade on Kenny Dalglish, he's an up and coming manager, but it doesn't send out the right message."

Les Lawson, chairman of the official Liverpool Supporters' Club said he was also surprised by the move.

"The position the club was in when he took over from Roy Hodgson, we were five points off relegation, and when he came in, he steadied the ship and brought stability.

"As far as I'm concerned, Kenny Dalglish will always be a legend at Liverpool and I'd like to thank him for what he's done.

"I'd like Rafa (Benitez) back, but that's just me, and I don't think it will happen."

'A bit pathetic'

Kelly Cates, Dalglish's daughter, wrote on Twitter: "Devastated for Dad but incredibly proud of the job he's done."

Gary Shaw, a Liverpool supporter who has written a biography on Dalglish, said the decision did not make any sense.

"The new manager would be the fourth in a little over three seasons - that makes us look a bit pathetic in my eyes.

"They had an expectation which was completely unrealistic, and that was to finish in the top four".

Spice Girl and Reds supporter Mel C said she was saddened by the news.

"He has a legendary status at the club, he came in when morale was low and he was instrumental in boosting that morale on the terraces.

"It's been a difficult few years for Liverpool but we've had some great moments this year."

'Worrying trend'

James McKenna, spokesman for the Spirit of Shankly supporters' group, said the decision left him bemused.

"It leads to more questions than answers, it leaves me wondering what's the future strategy?

"It's a worrying trend in football that managers aren't given time, success doesn't come overnight."

Former Liverpool defender John Scales said Dalglish had had a tough year, but thought he would be given another season.

"I'm shocked, but over the last couple of days when he went over to Boston the silence has been deafening.

"Everybody understands Liverpool's season was not good enough. They were 40-odd points off the two Manchester clubs."

Dalglish's sacking comes following talks in Boston with the club's principal owners, John W Henry and Tom Werner.