Liverpool career stats for Kenny Dalglish - LFChistory (original) (raw)

Birthdate: 4 March 1951

Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland

Other clubs: Celtic (1967-77), Cumbernauld United (loan 1967-68)

Signed from: Celtic

Signed for LFC: £440,000, 10.08.1977

International debut: 10.11.1971 vs. Belgium

International caps: 102/30 (55/14 at LFC) - 12.11.1986

Liverpool debut: 13.08.1977

Last appearance: 01.05.1990

Debut goal: 20.08.1977

Last goal: 18.04.1987

Contract expiry: 1990

Win ratio: 60% W:309 D:120 L:86

Games/goals ratio: 2.99

Games/assists ratio: 2.99

Honours: Player: League Championship 1978/79, 1979/80, 1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86; FA Cup 1986; League Cup 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984; European Cup 1978, 1981, 1984; European Super Cup 1977; FWA Footballer of the Year 1979, 1983, PFA Player of the Year 1983

League games / goals / assists: 355 / 118 / 115

Total games / goals / assists: 515 / 172 / 172

Player Profile

Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish was born in Dalmarnock in the east of Glasgow only a short distance from Celtic's Parkhead. But the family lived there only briefly and moved to an apartment house in Milton, which had a good view over the Rangers training ground. Dalglish’s supreme football talent was soon obvious in the YMCA boys team he played in. He was picked for the Scottish u-15 national team and played his first game against Northern Ireland and sealed the win with two goals. Dalglish was only 15 years old when he played his first game in a Liverpool shirt. He was given a week-long trial and played one game with the B-team against Southport in a 1-0 win on 20 August 1966. Despite Dalglish’s interest in joining his favourite team, Rangers, he accepted Celtic's offer in July 1967. Celtic had just become the first British team to win the European Cup and

were

widely known as the Lisbon Lions. Dalglish went on loan to Cumbernauld United that was one of the teams Celtic used to mould their players. Dalglish scored four goals in his first game and had scored 37 goals by the end of the season. Dalglish wanted to turn professional right away, but Stein wanted him to play another season with Cumbernauld. The kid held his ground and after asking his father to talk to Stein the boss caved in. Dalglish played his first senior game for Celtic on 25 September 1968 when he was a second-half substitute in a 4-2 win over Hamilton Academical in the quarter-finals of the cup. He played with the reserves for the whole of 1968/69 but only managed four goals in 17 games. He was moved into midfield the next season and his performances improved. Stein put him in the first team against Raith Rovers on 4 October 1969 and Dalglish was a bit nervous as he recollects: "Bobby Murdoch sat down next to me while I was getting ready. He asked me whether I was nervous. 'No', I said, 'I am all right, Bobby, thanks.' 'Well,' he replied, 'you are putting your boots on the wrong feet.' I looked down and it was true. I had been tugging my right boot on my left foot. I sorted myself out and we won 7-1." Despite seven goals, Dalglish didn’t get on the scoresheet and neither in the next three games he started in. The reserves, on the other hand, benefited from his goalscoring talent from midfield as he helped them to the league and cup double. Celtic's reserve side at the time was dominant and known as the "Quality Street Gang", named after "the chocolates", Dalglish explained. He scored 19 goals in 31 games, not bad for a midfielder.

Dalglish started the next season the same way his last ended and scored 23 goals when Celtic reserves crushed all of their opponents, scoring a total of 108 goals in 34 games. The highlight of his season came when the two Glasgow teams met in the reserve cup final. Dalglish scored one goal in the 4-1 win in the first leg but in the second leg, he showed no mercy and scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win. Stein couldn’t be anything but impressed and picked him for the first team in a beneficiary game against Kilmarnock. Celtic won 7-2 and Dalglish scored six goals. It was obvious the boy had turned into a man.

Celtic continued their domestic dominance by winning their seventh consecutive league title as well as beating Hibernian 6-1 in the Scottish cup final. Dalglish scored 23 goals in 49 games and one of the major newspapers in Scotland voted Dalglish "Player of the Season". He played his first senior game for the national team on 10 November 1971 in a 1-0 win over Belgium in a European Championship qualifier. Celtic won the title again and Dalglish had his best-ever season at Celtic in terms of goalscoring as he scored no less 41 goals in 53 games!

The 1973/74 season was the beginning of Celtic’s problems. The players' salaries were low and they were getting restless because they had some great offers from English teams. Despite the team being unsettled, Celtic won the title again and the Scottish cup. Celtic also reached the semi-finals of the European Cup but lost to Atletico Madrid in an ill-tempered duel. Three Atletico players were sent off in the goalless first leg at Parkhead which Dalglish described as "without doubt the worst game I have ever played in as far as violence is concerned." Celtic lost 2-0 to Atletico in Madrid where ugly pre-game threats had tarnished the game. In the 1974/75 season Rangers ended Celtic's dominance in the league. Dalglish had been moved back to midfield orchestrating Celtic's play. Twenty-four-year-old Dalglish was made captain before the 1975/76 season, but the situation at Celtic got progressively worse when their manager, Jock Stein, got seriously injured in a car accident and had to rest throughout the season. The title was lost again, but Dalglish was voted the Player of the Year in Scotland by the Players' Association. Dalglish was becoming restless at Celtic but agreed to stay a bit longer, but the 1976/77 season was to be his last with Celtic. Jock Stein came back and Celtic retrieved the title and won the cup. Dalglish’s teammates weren’t surprised that he wanted to test pastures new. He had been the driving force of the team for the last three years and if he wanted to evolve as a player he had to leave. In his Celtic career, Dalglish played 322 games and scored 167 goals. He won four

League

titles, four Scottish Cups, a League Cup and earned 47 Scotland caps.

Liverpool had just won the European Cup with a 3-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach but now they needed somebody to replace Kevin Keegan, who was leaving for Hamburg SV. Manchester United offered Dalglish more money but he preferred Liverpool. Paisley had contacted Jock Stein a year earlier when he heard that Dalglish wanted to go but Stein had said that he was going nowhere. Stein added that Paisley would be the first he would contact if he couldn’t talk Dalglish out of leaving. Stein kept his promise even though he was disappointed to be losing a player of his calibre. Liverpool initially offered £300,000. In the

end

Liverpool's offer had reached £400,000 after Stein had refused both £330,000 and £360,000. Stein still refused but added that if Liverpool were to offer 10% more they would reach an agreement. Liverpool Chairman John Smith nodded his head and Liverpool agreed on £440,000 which was then the record transfer fee between two British clubs. There was no doubt in Dalglish's mind. Liverpool was the best team in Europe and Anfield was where he wanted to be:

On 13 August 1977, Dalglish played his first game for the Reds against Manchester United in the Charity Shield which finished in a goalless draw. The Liverpool fans were excited but kept in mind that many good players had come from Scotland but hadn’t succeeded south of the border where the League is tougher. Dalglish’s teammates were not bad: Ray Clemence was the 'keeper, Phil Neal and Joey Jones full-backs, Phil Thompson and Emlyn Hughes central defenders, in front of them Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott, Ray Kennedy and Steve Heighway on the wings and

up front

David Johnson and David Fairclough. Promising defender Alan Hansen waited for his chance in the first team. Dalglish’s League debut was away to Middlesbrough which included a young Scot named Souness. The Liverpool Echo described the action: "The first goal of the game came appropriately enough from the £440,000 feet of Kenny Dalglish, what a start for Liverpool's record buy. It stemmed from a lovely down the middle move as

Case controlled

the ball just inside the Boro half, flicked it through to McDermott who turned into the path of Dalglish. Boro looked for an offside decision which wasn't there and Dalglish strode smoothly on to beat Platt comfortably as the goalkeeper came out. It was a perfectly finished shot to a fine move and the Liverpool players enveloped Dalglish in their congratulations for his opener."

Dalglish scored in his first four games and seven wins from 11 in the League meant Liverpool were second after 12 rounds, two points behind Nottingham Forest. Liverpool lost three League games in a row and their inconsistency killed any hope of winning the title. Paisley had strengthened in January by buying Souness who fitted seamlessly into the team and while the Reds were not in ideal form domestically they were clearly determined to defend their European title. The European Cup final was a fairy tale ending for Kenny's debut season. Halfway through the second half Souness' brilliant through-ball let in Dalglish who chipped the ball expertly into the net past the advancing Danish 'keeper, Birger Jensen. Dalglish could be pleased with his first season at Anfield: 31 goals in 62 matches, League and League Cup runner-up and a European champion.

Liverpool started the 1978/79 season by scoring 35 goals and conceding only four in ten wins out of eleven League games. Dalglish had scored ten including a brace when Liverpool beat Tottenham 7-0 at Anfield which is still today considered one of the greatest games in the club's history. But, only two weeks later they lost 2-0 to the English champions, Nottingham Forest, in the first round of the European Cup followed by a goalless draw in the second leg at Anfield. An early exit for the double European champions. This shock didn't knock Liverpool out of their stride and from Christmas they only lost two games for the rest of the campaign; against Manchester United in an FA Cup semi-final replay and Aston Villa in the League. Dalglish wore the captain's armband briefly during the season as Emlyn Hughes was no longer a regular. The Scot, however, didn't feel comfortable as captain and Paisley appointed Phil Thompson in his place. Liverpool gained a record total of 68 points (two points for a win) and only conceded 16 goals, which was also a League record. Liverpool won the title with eight more points than the runners-up, Nottingham Forest. Dalglish scored 21 League goals and combined well with David Johnson, who scored 16 League goals.

Once more Bob Paisley's judgement of players hadn't failed him. Dalglish scored 56 goals in 116 games in his first two seasons at Liverpool and his contribution had won over the media that voted him Player of the Year in 1979.

Liverpool dropped out of the European Cup in the first round as the season before, this time against Dinamo Tbilisi. Until then Liverpool had failed to gain any momentum but remained unbeaten from 6 October until 19 January. Liverpool and United were neck and neck for the rest of the 1979/80

season

until Liverpool clinched their second consecutive title with a 4-1 win at home to Aston Villa in the penultimate game of the season. Liverpool only managed fifth in 1980/81, their worst placing for ten years. Johnson and Dalglish weren't producing goals. Remarkably Dalglish had played 180 games in a row since joining Liverpool in August 1977 until he was out injured against Bradford City in the League Cup on 27 August 1980. Dalglish went 16 games without a League goal from late November to the end of the season. Liverpool did

on the other hand

reach the finals in the League Cup and the European Cup. Dalglish netted the first of two in the replayed League Cup final against West Ham. He started the European Cup final against Real Madrid even though he had been out injured since the second leg of the semi-final against Bayern in Munich. Alan Kennedy's goal secured another European Cup.

Dalglish failed to score in the first nine League games of the 1981/82

season

but finally ended an 11 months' draught in the League against Brighton on 17 October 1981. Dalglish ended up with 13 goals in 42 matches, being ever-present in the League for the fourth time in five seasons. His new strike-partner, Ian Rush, scored 17 goals in 32 League matches as Liverpool recaptured the Championship. Dalglish was the architect of Liverpool's League win in 1982/83. Rushie benefited from playing

up front

with him since many of his goals came after a brilliant pass from the Scot. Dalglish was voted Player of the Year by both the press and players.

Bob Paisley quit at the end of the 1982/83

season

leaving Joe Fagan in charge. Dalglish reached a milestone in his Liverpool career on 26 November 1983 when he scored his hundredth League goal for the club with a fantastic shot into the top corner against Ipswich. 1984 didn't start too well for Dalglish when Kevin Moran broke his cheek-bone with the support brace on his wrist in a game against Manchester United on 2 January. Dalglish missed 14 games but made his recovery in time for the quarter-finals of the European Cup against Benfica on 7 March. The last weekend in March proved to be a big one for Dalglish. The 33-year-old was pleasantly surprised to be offered a four-year contract and was included in the Team of the Year along with four of his teammates and played at Wembley. Liverpool and Everton drew 0-0 after extra-time in the League Cup final and won the replay.

The enigmatic Scot was busy smashing European records. Dalglish surpassed Denis Law's scoring record when he scored his fifteenth goal in the European Cup against Odense Boldklub in the second leg of the first round. He had now played more games, 54 in total, and scored more goals in Europe's premier competition than any other British player. Dalglish played in his third European Cup final, this time against Roma at their own turf. The game went into a penalty shoot-out, but Dalglish had by then been substituted since he couldn’t quite cope with the heat in Italy and was carrying a slight injury. Alan Kennedy was the hero like three years previously and scored the decisive penalty. Dalglish had won his third consecutive League title, fourth consecutive League Cup and the European Cup for the third time in seven years.

In 1984/85 Dalglish was dropped for the first time in his Liverpool career when Liverpool faced Tottenham in a live televised match on 12 October. Liverpool lost 1-0 and Fagan admitted it had been his most stupid decision as manager and put him straight back in the team. Dalglish missed more games after receiving a three-match ban for being sent off for the first time in his career against Benfica in Lisbon on 7 November. A week later he scored his thirtieth and final goal for Scotland in a game against Spain, equalling Denis Law's record. A great honour was bestowed upon him in the 1985 New Year Honours List when he was awarded an MBE for services to football.

The week before the European final against Juventus at the Heysel stadium Kenny received a phone call from Peter Robinson, Liverpool's Chief Executive, who asked if he and John Smith could pay him a visit. 'Yes, no problem,' was Dalglish’s reply. Dalglish describes the rest of the conversation in his autobiography: "I thought the conversation was going to finish then but Peter added: 'Don't you want to know what we want to see you for?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'if you want to tell me.' 'Well, we'd like to offer you the manager's job.' 'That's no problem, Peter, you can still come to the house.'"

Dalglish accepted the offer on the condition that Bob Paisley would be by his side for the first two years. Liverpool returned to England in the middle of a media frenzy after 39 people died at the Heysel stadium. Liverpool held a press conference later that day presenting Dalglish as the new boss. He couldn't have imagined worse circumstances as Liverpool were on their way out of Europe for the unforeseeable future. Smith told the gathering: "Kenny is entering the managerial side for the first time and we have every reason to believe he will have a successful period in office. We feel we have a man of great ability on the field who has got an old head on young shoulders." Once the press conference was over Dalglish found Ronnie Moran and Roy Evans in the Bootroom. "I said to Bugsy, 'You're staying aren't you?' Turning to Roy, I added, 'You're not going away?' Both shook their heads. 'You'll always have a job the two of you while I'm manager,'" said Dalglish as he ensured he had the backing of his trusted lieutenants.

One of the most successful teams in Europe was banned from taking part in European competition for an undisclosed period and had lost the League title to neighbours Everton. Many questioned Liverpool's decision to make Dalglish the first player-manager in the English First Division. One of his closest friends, Souness, had said in an interview with Scottish journalist Gerry McNee the year before, that he had a feeling that the next manager of Liverpool would be Kenny Dalglish: "People are a bit frightened of him. He growls at them, he makes them jump." When Dalglish looked around the manager's office, his secretary, Sheila, who worked for all Liverpool managers from Paisley to Benítez, asked him if he wanted a new desk. Kenny describes the scene in his autobiography: "I looked around my new office and replied; 'This was Bob's desk, this was Joe's chair.' 'Why would I need new ones?' 'We are getting new office furniture.' 'Is it expensive?' 'Oh, yes,' Sheila replied, 'it's quite a few quid.' I said: 'Just put a bar in, Sheila.' So they installed a full-length bar, made of wood and

formica

."

Dalglish took over a successful team in the 1985/86

season

, but in the first part of the

season

he had to replace the victorious full-backs of the Paisley era, Neal and Kennedy, with Steve Nicol and Jim Beglin. Dalglish made Jan Mølby his playmaker and signed midfield enforcer Steve McMahon from Aston Villa for £350,000 in September. Dalglish gave Craig Johnston and Paul Walsh a chance in his position. At the end of November Liverpool had reduced Manchester United's lead from nine to two points. Liverpool slipped up and when Dalglish the manager needed inspiration for his side Dalglish the player came in handy! The 35-year-old's presence in the team transformed Liverpool's form. Six wins in a row in the League set up a thrilling finish. In the final round at Stamford Bridge Dalglish controlled the ball on his chest and a moment later he wheeled away in celebration, just having secured the Championship with his brilliant goal. Seven days later Liverpool faced Everton at Wembley in the FA Cup final, going into half-time 1-0 down. Dalglish's troops secured the club's first League and Cup double by scoring three in the second half. Manager of the Year King Kenny really had the golden touch.

Dalglish knew it would be difficult to repeat this feat and by the turn of the year, Liverpool trailed

first-place

Arsenal by nine points, in third. Liverpool took 1987 by storm and won nine of the first 11 League games and had by mid-March gained a few points lead on Everton with Arsenal falling by the wayside. The Reds lost three League games in a row as well as the League Cup final to Arsenal. In the end, Everton won the League Championship with a comfortable nine-point margin. Key changes were made to the team as Rush departed with Aldridge replacing him in the middle benefiting from the service of John Barnes on the left and Peter Beardsley's link-up play. Kenny was developing his own team with a different identity than the ones governed by his predecessors. Paisley was no longer by his side and retired to the boardroom. Barnes was the new talisman making Liverpool a more potent attacking force. The Reds started the season with three away games as a collapsed sewer under the Kop needed repair. Liverpool ripped Coventry City apart following an opening day 2-1 win over Arsenal. Liverpool

were

on a rampage netting four goals in four consecutive League games; against Newcastle, Derby, Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers. Aldridge thrived up front, having scored in ten League games in a row, still a Liverpool record. The Reds' fear factor was overwhelming opponents, even QPR who led the First Division by three points, having played two more games than the Reds, before their clash at Anfield on 17 October. QPR lost 4-0 to an astonishing double from Barnes. One interested spectator at his old turf was Ian Rush. "They are a better team than when I left them behind," Rushie said. "Barnes has so much skill and he livens up the game. He scored two great goals and took the limelight away from Beardsley, who works so hard and makes openings for other people. With wingers, Liverpool

have

given themselves even more options and their opponents just don't know where to look."

From 19 December 1987 to 16 March 1988 Liverpool conceded one goal and scored 31 in 15 games in all competitions! Everton prevented Liverpool from improving Leeds' record from 1974 of 29 League games unbeaten when Wayne Clarke netted the only goal of the game at Goodison on 20 March. Nottingham Forest inflicted a second League defeat on Liverpool on 2 April in the first game in a series of three between the sides in a space of 11 days. Liverpool beat Forest 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final and then annihilated Brian Clough's men at Anfield 5-0 in a showcase of all the talent on offer at Liverpool that Sir Tom Finney claimed: "the finest exhibition I've seen the whole time I've played and watched the game." Nine points separated Liverpool and second-placed Manchester United at the end of this dazzling campaign. The only blot on the landscape was a surprising 1-0 defeat to Wimbledon in the FA Cup final which prevented a second double in just two years.

Dalglish had got it right when signing players during the summer. Aldridge scored 29 goals in 45 games, Beardsley scored 18 in 48 games and John Barnes scored 17 in 48 and was voted the Player of the Year by both the media and the players. It didn’t come as a surprise that Dalglish was voted the Manager of the Year. Liverpool won the title in style and the way they played reflected their manager. This team played a more offensive football than the previous teams and was more about

individual

play of great players even though the team spirit was high. This was Kenny Dalglish’s team.

On 18 August, two days before Liverpool played Wimbledon in the Charity Shield, the press was stunned; Kenny Dalglish had just announced that Ian Rush had returned to Liverpool. The excitement before the season was great and the fans wondered how he was going to use Barnes, Beardsley, Aldridge and Rush on the same side. On 26 October Liverpool suffered their third defeat of the season, one more than all of the season before. After ten League rounds, Liverpool

were

fourth, eight points behind Norwich. Aldridge had only scored seven goals compared to 20 the year before, Barnes six, Rush five and Beardsley four. Following a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United on New Years' Day Dalglish locked his side inside the dressing room and what followed was a verbal attack of a calibre that none of his players had seen before. Dalglish's outburst worked like a charm as his team went undefeated in the next 18 League matches, of which 15 were won.

In the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest football got a whole new meaning for Kenny Dalglish. This was the third time Dalglish had witnessed a tragedy in a football stadium. When he was in the Celtic squad at the age of nineteen, 66 died at Ibrox, 39 died at Heysel and 96 Liverpool supporters died from injuries received at Hillsborough. The press and the supporters saw a new side to Dalglish as he united the club and city in their grief. The harrowing scenes Dalglish witnessed at Hillsborough and in its aftermath and the care he showed to the victims' families without seeking help to deal with the mental anguish he was experiencing came back to haunt him. Liverpool

were

rushed to action by the Football Association for the replay. Symbolically the Reds faced the Blues in the final on an emotional day. Kenny's old mate, Rush, proved to be worth his weight in gold, ensuring a 3-2 win.

The last League game was between the two top teams at Anfield. Liverpool had 76 points but Arsenal 73. The goal difference for Liverpool was 65-26 (+39) but Arsenal's 71-36 (+35). A two-goal win in favour of Arsenal would win them the League Championship. In the final minute, Michael Thomas scored Arsenal's second that grabbed the title away from the hosts. Liverpool had been 45 seconds away from a second double!

Come mid-October 1989 Liverpool had only lost one game for the past seven months, which was, crucially, the title decider in May. Crystal Palace had been beaten 9-0 as Liverpool broke the record for the most goals scored by one team in a match in the top league. Liverpool's form proved to be far less convincing for the rest of the season. Liverpool had a one-point lead when the Israeli Ronny Rosenthal came on loan from Standard Liege in Belgium. He scored seven goals in eight games and the Reds won their eighteenth League title and Dalglish was Manager of the Year for the third time in five years. He hadn’t picked himself for the team on a regular basis since October 1986 and made his last-ever appearance when he came on against Derby in the penultimate game of the season. One of the greatest players in the history of football had retired after playing a total of 837 games and as the most successful player in the history of the British Isles.

Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley both consider King Kenny to be the best player who has ever worn the Liverpool shirt. Paisley said: "Of all the players I have played alongside, managed and coached in more than forty years at Anfield, he is the most talented. When Kenny shines, the whole team is illuminated."

Appearances per season

A more detailed look at the player's appearances

Goals per season

A more detailed look at the player's goalscoring

Assists per season

A more detailed look at the player's assists

Milestone Appearances

Milestone Goals

Related Articles

15-year-old Kenny Dalglish had West Ham stars standing and applauding

From Harry Redknapp's latest book, A Man Walks On To a Pitch. PUBLISHED: 22:00 GMT, 9 October 2014 on the Daily Mail.

Reds silent on transfer rumours regarding future king

The KING of Anfield is 60 years today. In celebration we take a look back to when King Kenny made the move from Celtic Park to Anfield. First up is Echo's report on a possible move for Kenny... the day before he was bought by Liverpool.

Dalglish signs in at Anfield

ALL HAIL KING KENNY. Liverpool Echo puts the spotlight on Liverpool's new capture from Scotland on the day he was bought.

Small Talk with King Kenny

The Guardian on 6 February 2004.

Liverpool legends past and future with striking similarities

From The Times by Gabriele Marcotti and Guillem Balague.

The prodigal son triumphs on his return

Match report from The Press Association on Liverpool - Blackburn on 14.05.1995.

Paisley added 10% to persuade Celtic to sell Kenny Dalglish

The story of how Liverpool's greatest legend joined the Reds.

The worst thing I could have done was carry on

Dalglish quit Liverpool on 21.02.1991.

Top marks for Dalglish

Player-manager Dalglish seals the league win against Chelsea.

Unique Programmes: An Impressive Debut

One of the all time greats for the Reds (and there have been quite a few) is Kenny Dalglish.

Champions!

Match report from 03.05.1986 by Liverpool Echo.

Dalglish's first game

Match report from 17.08.1985 by Complete record.

Dalglish downhearted

Match report from 24.08.1985 by Sunday Express.

Kenny admits why he quit Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish admits the strain of the Hillsborough disaster caused him to quit Liverpool.

Paisley says King Kenny is the best

Bob Paisley's view of Kenny Dalglish.

Related Quotes

"Kenny Dalglish knew his players. We never even had any set pieces really. He just went out and said 'Go and beat them'. We never worked on patterns of play, which people would be amazed at now."

John Aldridge

"Bobby Murdoch sat down next to me while I was getting ready. he asked me whether I was nervous. 'No', I said, 'I am all right, Bobby, Thanks.'. 'Well', he replied, 'you are putting your boots on the wrong feet.' I looked down and it was true. I had been tugging my right boot on my left foot. I sorted myself out and we won 7-1."

Dalglish recollects his league debut for Celtic in 1969

"I soon saw Shanks again. Liverpool's first team were due to play West Ham the same weekend as my trial. As I walked through to the player's area at Upton Park, Shanks came along in the other direction. I was overwhelmed with embarrassment. I couldn't speak to him. I just kept my head down and hurried past. I heard his voice shouting 'Kenny' 'Kenny', but I said to myself, just keep walking, just keep walking.

I regret not talking to Shanks, but I was only 15 and very shy. If anybody spoke to me, I'd blush."

Kenny Dalglish went on trial at Liverpool and West Ham in August 1966.

"Shanks said to me: 'I´ve got two pieces of advice for you - don't overeat in that hotel and don't lose your accent."

Dalglish on the day he signed for Liverpool.

"I was such a competitive player that I have punched defenders in my desire to win. It's not something I am proud to admit, but in the heat of matches it's easy to get carried away.

My second worst moment of retaliation came in Europe against the Belgian defender Renquin. I couldn't believe he hadn't been dismissed. He had a tug at me, so I just swung my elbow, caught him right in the mouth. Two teeth came out and landed in the grass. I just kept running. Renquin was lying on the pitch. He got up and wasn't too pleased. There was a gap in his teeth. Elbowing him hurt me as well. My arm swelled up and there were two holes where his teeth had been, the impact had punctured my skin."

Dalglish in his autobiography

"There was only one Bob Paisley and he was the greatest of them all. He went through the card in football. He played for Liverpool, he treated the players, he coached them, he managed them and then he became a director. He could tell if someone was injured and what the problem was just by watching them walk a few paces. He was never boastful but had great football knowledge. I owe Bob more than I owe anybody else in the game. There will never be another like him."

King Kenny on Uncle Bob

"I just hoped that after the trials and tribulations of my early years in management, someone up high would smile on me and guide my hand. My plea was answered when we got Kenny Dalglish. What a player, what a great professional!"

Paisley on Dalglish

They set me up. Kenny got me booked and Souey got me sent off. They certainly set out to wind me up and they succeeded. They were crafty. I was wound up anyway going back to Merseyside and they did me a treat.

Steve McMahon was sent off playing for Aston Villa vs Liverpool on 17th September 1983

Of course the big interest for Liverpool fans centred around the debut of £440,000 Kenny Dalglish, the Scottish striker who has the daunting task of trying to replace Kevin Keegan in the Kop's affection. Dalglish certainly showed every sign of doing just that. The United fans started by chanting "What a waste of money" but long before the end of the first-half it was the Liverpool fans who were replying chanting his name in delight as he showed a series of sparkling touches.

From a press article on Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool debut vs Manchester United in August 1977

Scrapbook

1 October 1977

1 October 1977 - Shoot!

10 August 1977

10 January 1976

10 January 1981 - Match

10 March 1984

11 August 1979

13 August 1978 - Liverpool Echo report

14 August 1978 - Mirror report

15 December 1979

16 August 1980

16 August 1986

16 July 1990

16 May 1981 - Scoop

18 October 1975

2 September 1978

21 January 1978

21 July 1979

22 January 1983 - Match

22 May 1976 - Shoot!

24 August 1974

24 January 1976

25 April 1987

25 February 1987

25 February 1987

25 February 1987 - Great goals!

27 May 1972

28 October 1972

3 November 1979 - Golden Goal vs Wolves

30 July 1977 - Shoot!

30 June 1979

4 October 1975

5 February 1977

7 March 1984

7 May 1986 - Liverpool Daily Post

A big poster of Dalglish from Danish magazine Alt om Sport 1984

A big poster of Dalglish from Shoot 1983

A decade of Dalglish 1977-1987

A painful memory to wipe out - 5 May 1984

A superstar in the Alan Ball class! - 11 March 1972

Amazing Mr Goals - 1983

Anfield's striking double act - 8 May 1979

Best in Britain - Dalglish moves to Liverpool

Bob's job to search for another Dalglish

Cap king Kenny going for the double - 26 April 1986

Celtic are struggling - from 15 September 1974

Celtic return for Dalglish? - 9 October 1982

Celtic team poster from 1971/72

Celtic team poster from 1972/73

Celtic's superstar must solve his goalscoring problem - 5 May 1973

Cheers for teetotaller Kenny - August 1977

Clanger by Kenny - 22 November 1983

Coventry kop it from Kenny! - 10 September 1977

D day for Kenny - 24 February 1984

Daglish sets record - 28 September 1983

Daily Mirror - 10 August 1977

Dalglish aims for the double - a poster prior to the 1978 League Cup final

Dalglish can only gain at Anfield - August 1977

Dalglish Celtic poster

Dalglish class dazzles Chelsea - 8 October 1977

Dalglish in Celtic colours

Dalglish joins 100 club - picture on the cover of Shoot! 29 March 1986

Dalglish on the cover of Shoot! 4 October 1975

Dalglish seeks goals at Dell - from 22 April 1978

Dalglish set to leave Liverpool - 10 December 1983

Dalglish set to sign - 9 August 1977

Dalglish shocker as he's out for a month - 2 January 1984

Dalglish signs in at Anfield - 10 August 1977

Dalglish's double - 10 May 1986

Dalglish's double diamonds!

Dazzling Dalglish gets dream start

Dazzling Dalglish shows his class on debut

Dead Eye Dalglish - 15 March 1980

Double footballer of the year 1982/83

Focus on Celtic's star Kenny Dalglish

Going flat out for the title! - 3 May 1980

I never want to leave Celtic - 16 October 1971

I'll still strike for Liverpool, by Kenny Dalglish in August 1983

I'm no hatchet man says Kevin Moran after inflicting a horrible injury on Dalglish on 2 January 1984

Kenny and his charges prepare for Wembley - Shoot! cover May 1986

Kenny Dalglish on the cover of Shoot! 1978-1985

Kenny Dalglish receives his MBE in March 1985 - From Shoot!

Kenny hits the heights - 26 November 1983

Kenny king of Europe - 28 September 1983

Kenny laughs last - 17 September 1983

Kenny out for weeks - 2 January 1984

Kenny sews it up! - 20 December 1977

Kenny the master magician - 22 March 1986

Kenny voted the most exciting player of the year in England in 1983

Kenny's a card, by Ian Rush May 1990

Kenny's Anfield debut in 1966 - 15 January 1983

Kenny's classic - 5 February 1986

Kenny's first goal

Kenny's From Heaven

Kenny's so canny - 9 November 1985

Kenny's still king - 8 March 1986

Kenny's World Cup Debut - June 1974

King of quality street - 23 February 1984

Kings rule! - 10 May 1978

Know the star

KO for Kenny - 2 January 1984

Kop king Kenny! - 23 August 1977

League Cup glory at last! Poster of Dalglish and Hansen celebrating

LFC Official Matchday Magazine interview 2000/01

LFC Official Yearbook Cover - 1986

Life is so tough at the top - 10 March 1984

Liverpool Echo Supplement Cover

Liverpool FC Official Magazine Cover

Liverpool kopped a winner - article from 1981

Lone ranger - 28 August 1977

Look In Cover - June 1978

Look out for Kenny Dalglish - 21 February 1970

Magic Memories of a battle royale! - 17 September 1983

Man of Magic - 1978

McGregor is after my job - August 1983

Me and my shadow - Kenny was observed closely in the 1979/80 season

Mister modesty - 3 May 1986

Mondial 1981

Most exciting player of the year - 25 August 1979

Mr Magic - 1 March 1979

My Problem Vote, by Phil Thompson - 1983

My secret dream 1984

Next stop Rome! - 30 May 1984

Paul Walsh out to get Dalglish - 1985

Pedigree partners - 26 November 1983

Players of the year - LFC Official Matchday Magazine

Poster of Celtic's Kenny

Poster of Dalgish 5 May 1973

Quit Kenny!

Record breaker - 28 September 1983

Reds silent on transfer rumours - 1977

Robins delight on Kenny's record night - 28 September 1983

Roll on Roma 1984

Scotland 13 February 1982

Scotland profile

Scottish FA Match Ticket - May 1986

Scottish FA Testimonial Programme - May 1986

September 1977

Shoot Cover - March 1982

Shoot Magazine - Sept 1981

Shoot poster - 29 October 1977

Shoot poster 8 November 1980

Shoot! awards 5 September 1981

Shoot! focus 1983-84

Shoot! focus in February 1980

Shoot! Summer Special 1977

Talk us through it - LFC Official Matchday Magazine

The Dalglishs at Christmas

The deadly duo strike again! - 15 May 1982

The King - 4 July 1987

The majestic Kenny - Match poster from the early 80s

The paper Kenny was signed on

The self effacing superstar - 28 November 1983

The shrewdest move Paisley has ever made?

The Three Scots celebrating on the cover of Shoot! on 21 April 1984

Title clincher - 3 May 1986

Top class signings all the way

TV Comic Cover

Wark backlash is worrying - 26 November 1983

Wembley Focus in May 1985

Wembley here we come - 12 April 1978

Whelan explosion by Kenny Dalglish - August 1983

Why I have topped the ton twice! - 7 January 1984

Why I'm staying at Anfeld - March 1984

World Soccer 1986

Young and upcoming Celtic star

Your most exciting players of the year! - Shoot! cover 14 May 1983

Your players of the year 23 August 1980

Celtic ace Dalglish kops record move - Daily Mirror on 10 August 1977

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