King Kenny Returns to Defeat

Credit; here


Liverpool fans had been calling for it since Rafa Benitez's left the club at the end of last season, the return of Kenny Dalglish.

Now it has happened, after the departure of Roy Hodgson, the fans, players and Dalglish himself must now realise the true task they all must play in the refurbishment of the historic club.

This afternoon's defeat at Old Trafford was the start of yet another desperate attempt to recovery and the Liverpool fans must have been more encouraged by their attacking nature than they were against Blackburn on Wednesday.

Considering they only lost to a debatable penalty from Ryan Giggs and were down to 10 men for over an hour, credit must be given to the new gaffer, in til the end of the season, for seemingly recovering the confidence which has been sapped from the Merseyside club.

Former player Dalglish is a much loved character at Anfield after successful stints both on and off the pitch, but his current crop are a shadow of what he has dealt with, even at Blackburn Rovers, where he won his only Premier League title.

Dalglish (centre), with Tony Parkes (left) and Ray Harford (right), won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers over a decade ago before returning to Liverpool as the club's ambassador in July.

Credit; here

This time, he had to deal with SAF, rather than Rovers' SAS, Sutton and Shearer, as he took over his disjointed team, but it is in the game away at Blackpool where we will see how much of an effect he has had in his first week in charge.

It will be a major disappointment that his captain, Steven Gerrard, cost himself a place both there and in Dalglish's first Anfield test, the Merseyside derby against a much improved Everton.

Steven Gerrard's red card wasn't the best start to Dalglish's second stint as Liverpool boss but the captain will be an important individual in moving the club forward.

Credit; here


That will be yet another crucial test in what is somewhat a baptism of fire for the 59 year old Scotsman but it seems vital that he keeps the fans on his side, or his history with the club could soon be a distant memory.

One thing that Liverpool fans need to realise is that the situation isn't going to change overnight and whatever manager was left with this task, with this squad, would be in a tricky situation.

Kenny's tricks might be better left for the transfer market, where he needs to act fast in securing a new signing, someone who will add quality, rather than depth, to a squad where not even Joe Cole has stepped up to the required standard.

Some of Liverpool's new players have yet to find lift off, despite having won numerous trophies elsewhere.

It may be a case of signing someone proven and playing them in their right position, something Hodgson was criticised for, particularly with Raul Meireles.

Surely Dalglish will demand respect and unity in the dressing room but it's a thankless task at this minute in the Liverpool managers seat, and i can't see him taking full charge after May, no matter what next season's fate may be.