|
Liverpool have announced plans to name a stand at Anfield in honour of club legend Kenny Dalglish. The Centenary Stand is to be renamed "The Kenny Dalglish Stand" in line with Liverpool's 125th anniversary. Liverpool say the decision to honour Dalglish's legacy at the club was taken by owners Fenway Sports Group and led by principal owner John. W Henry. Dalglish is widely regarded as the best player in the club's history, scoring 172 goals in 515 appearances after joining from Celtic in 1977. During his time at Anfield as a player, the Scot won eight league championships, three European Cups, two FA Cups, five League Cups and one UEFA Super Cup. He also enjoyed two spells as manager and now currently holds the position of non-executive board director. Off the pitch, Dalglish provided support and leadership in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives at an FA Cup semifinal in 1989. He and his wife, Marina, also set up the "Marina Dalglish Appeal" in 2005, which aims to help those who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families on Merseyside. In a statement, Henry said: "It is testament to Liverpool's history and status that we are not lacking in truly great individuals, whose names could easily grace a stand at Anfield. "But in Kenny Dalglish we have a person who carries such immense significance to the fabric of this club, so it feels somewhat incumbent on us to recognise this in a manner that is befitting to the man. "He is unique, not just to Liverpool, but to the game in England as a whole, having achieved greatness as a player and then enjoyed such success as a manager. His record and trophies won on both fronts speak for themselves. "However, Kenny's contribution to Liverpool goes beyond goals scored, points amassed and silverware placed in the cabinet. His values are Liverpool's values -- he represents what is best about this football club. "The leadership and solace he gave to individuals, the club and city as it tried to come to terms with the trauma and tragedy of Hillsborough transcended sporting achievement. "His name is synonymous with our club, with our home and the city of Liverpool. Now it will be as visible as it is palpable." Club chairman Tom Werner added: "We recognise this won't sit comfortably with Kenny's default position of humility and self-deprecation. But as we approach the club's 125th anniversary year, now is the right time in the club's illustrious history to leave this legacy. "He and his family should know the privilege and honour is all ours -- his name means so much to so many and its prominence at Anfield will enrich an already prestigious sporting cathedral. "For decades he has served the club and the city, with the steadfast attitude that the collective always comes ahead of the individual. This announcement isn't about singling him out - it's about recognising that his name embodies values we all strive to honour and his name represents all that we are proud of when identifying ourselves as Liverpool Football Club." Liverpool say a ceremony to officially rename the stand will take place a later date this year and will be confirmed "in due course."
|
