Kenny Dalglish is just the right man to rescue Liverpool in their hour of need

o: GETTY Kenny Dalglish is just the right man to rescue Liverpool in their hour of need
Never go back? Really? Listen to his words. Look closely into his heart.
Check his unchanged postcode. Kenny Dalglish has never really been away
from Liverpool.

Next month sees the 20th anniversary of Dalglish’s shock resignation at
Anfield, a JFK moment often recalled and debated when those of a red
persuasion gather for a stroll down memory lane. Those with an
understanding of events in 1991, and an appreciation of his emotions
since, know that Dalglish has unfinished business with Liverpool.

Even when he was on a Florida beach, recovering from his stress-induced
exit from Liverpool, he was thinking of the club he loved, still loves.
He wanted to come back then and discrete contact was made before the
club appointed Graeme Souness.

Even when he was at Blackburn Rovers, bringing them the title in 1995, he was twice approached about returning to Anfield.

When the board’s interest suddenly, inexplicably cooled, Dalglish’s mood was one of frustration, bordering on anger.

Even in his subsequent wanderings, notably unsuccessful spells at
Newcastle United and Celtic, Liverpool have remained in Dalglish’s
heart. Man and club have been through so much together, so many seismic
events on and off the field. They have shared the triumphs and walked
through the storms, forging an unbreakable bond.
Dalglish’s critics carp about his letting Liverpool down in 1991, of the
way he walked out after that epic 4-4 draw at Goodison Park.

People looked at his drained demeanour when Tony Cottee and Everton kept
fighting back. They speculated about a dressing-room rift with Peter
Beardsley.

In truth, the seeds for Dalglish’s departure were sown in 1989, during
Hillsborough, as he now understands and admits. The pressure of holding a
grieving club and community together inevitably took its toll,
particularly on a man always who has always internalised his emotions.

When discussing those distressing times for a book in 1996, Dalglish
opened up only partially. It took another 14 years before he could fully
articulate his feelings, including his unstinting demand for a proper
inquiry into the authorities’ mistakes at Hillsborough.

No wonder the Kop sings his name. And could he play? Yes. And could he
manage? Yes. Three titles and three Manager of the Year crowns came his
way at Anfield. And does he want to rescue Liverpool in their hour of
need? Yes.

The most pertinent question is what happens in the summer. Liverpool
stressed the “interim” nature of his appointment but the Kop and King
Kenny will have different ideas.

His desire for the job long term is hardly a revelation. Dalglish’s
annoyance at his brusque treatment by the then chairman, Martin
Broughton, in the wake of Rafa Benitez’s sacking was palpable. Snubbed
by the club, a lesser man than Dalglish might have walked away from his
ambassadorial and Academy duties. Dalglish bit his tongue and stayed on.
His patience and diplomacy has been rewarded.

The sceptics will ridicule his return, claiming that he lacks either
knowledge of the modern game or awareness of Liverpool’s flaws.

Nonsense. He has been completely cognisant of the team’s flaws for some time, preceding Roy Hodgson’s brief reign.

If Dalglish’s return looked written in the stars, then there are serious
issues to be addressed, beginning with who focuses on player
recruitment in the January transfer window? Fenway Sports Group have
appointed Damien Comolli as director of football strategy, charged with
rejuvenating the squad and he has been looking at potential targets.
It’s his job.

Yet earlier in the season, Dalglish was out scouting players for
Hodgson. Having watched most of the team’s games this season, and having
spent time at the Academy, Dalglish is well-placed to realise where
Liverpool need immediate fortifying.

An interesting internal debate could revolve around the medical room. If
there is a suggestion from the doctors and physios that Steven Gerrard
should start on the bench, “managing” his groin/hamstring/back,
Dalglish’s reaction to somebody denying him his captain could be lively.

If the lines of communication must be kept open internally, Dalglish
must also be aware of the media’s needs. He cannot be gruff with TV
reporters, not least because one of those wielding a microphone could be
his daughter Kelly. His twitter account might need to fall fallow for a
while. But King Kenny’s back and Anfield immediately feels a stronger,
more unified place.