Kenny I'm So Pleased To Be Back
Reds legend Kenny Dalglish today spoke of his delight after taking up a new position with Liverpool FC.
Watch exclusive chats with Kenny and Rafa now>>
Dalglish will assume a senior role at the Liverpool Academy and will also act as a club ambassador working with the commercial side of the business around the world.
Following recent changes, Academy Director Frank McParland now reports to manager Rafael Benitez and Kenny will play a key role alongside Frank in driving forward the development of the Academy. Dalglish, who will be based at the Kirkby site, met with Benitez and McParland this morning on his first day back at the club.
"I spoke to Rafa a few months ago and things have progressed from there," said Dalglish. "Now that it has come to fruition I am very excited, but also a bit nervous.
"For the boss to put his trust in me is a great compliment and I am coming back as a very lucky person. When you leave a club you don't often have a chance to return, so I am fortunate for being given such a fantastic opportunity.
"Rafa has made a very brave decision to revamp the Academy. There are lots of positive things happening here and there is a real feel-good factor around the place. It's fantastic for me to be a part of that.
"People who come to the Academy should be delighted that Rafa is taking such an interest in the development of the young players.
"Everyone knows the most important team at the club is the first team and hopefully we can start producing players to challenge for a place in Rafa's plans. It won't happen overnight but I'm looking forward to working with Frank McParland and the rest of the Academy staff to do the best job I can."
Dalglish will also work with the Liverpool commercial team as club ambassador, and added: "There's a lot of work to be done and I will do whatever is asked of me. I'm just so pleased to be back."
Rafael Benitez added: "I am really pleased to have Kenny as a part of the staff. We were looking for someone who has a knowledge and a passion for the club and Kenny is the perfect choice.
"He will help at the Academy with the development of players and will also have an ambassadorial role at the club. If you're looking for somebody to go around the world on behalf of Liverpool Football Club then I don't know anybody better than Kenny.
"When you talk to him about players and football systems it's clear he has a lot of experience. That's good for the club and also for the young players coming through.
"We are changing things at the Academy, we are bringing in new ideas and new people but we're keeping the spirit and the heart of the club. Kenny has played for the club, he's managed the club, he's done everything. He's a fantastic signing."
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164943090703-1800.htmWe're all pleased your back King. Just before pre-season training as well, it's all fitting into place.
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