Liverpool are to rename the Centenary Stand at Anfield in honour of Kenny Dalglish in recognition of the contribution made to the club by their legendary former player and manager.
The decision to rename the stand has been taken by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners, who wanted to pay a lasting tribute to Kenny Dalglish in the club’s 125th anniversary year.
A naming ceremony will take place later this year, which is also the 40th anniversary of Dalglish joining Liverpool from Celtic in a £440,000 deal.
The Scotland international went on to score 172 goals in 515 appearances for Liverpool, before going on to manage the club in two separate spells. His trophy haul includes eight league championships, three European Cups, two FA Cups, five League Cups and one UEFA Super Cup. Aside from his success on the pitch, Dalglish led the club through its darkest periods in the aftermath of the Heysel and Hillsborough disasters.
“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,” John W Henry, Liverpool’s principal owner, said. “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.”
“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,” Tom Werner, the Liverpool chairman added.
“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.”
