Liverpool Interim Coach Kenny Dalglish Signs Three-Year Contract With Club

Kenny Dalglish signed a three-year contract as the permanent manager at Liverpool after leading the English Premier League club to fifth place from 12th since taking over in January.

The 60-year-old former Liverpool player was appointed to replace Roy Hodgson for the remainder of the season. His new contract was announced today on the club’s website.

“It was obvious to us very early on that the atmosphere around the club had been transformed by his presence,” Liverpool owner John Henry said. “No one could have produced such a response. We didn’t need nor want to look elsewhere for the right man to manage the team.”

Steve Clark, whom Dalglish brought to the club in January, also signed a permanent three-year contract.

Dalglish, a Liverpool fans’ favorite from his days as a player, managed the club 1985 to 1991 and captured three league titles, including its most recent in 1990. He’s won 10 and drawn three in 16 league matches to push the Reds up the standings.

“I said when I took the job on in January that I was just happy to help the club out for the remainder of the season,” Dalglish, nicknamed “King Kenny,” said. “Now the owners have decided in their wisdom that they want me to stay a little longer and it’s fantastic news for both myself and Steve Clark. This is a unique football club and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help build something special here again.”

Liverpool has won six and tied one in its past eight league matches. It can clinch fifth place, and a place in next season’s Europa League, by beating Tottenham at home in three days.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch in London at bbensch@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.