An Anfield Stand Fit For a King

What a surprise Kenny Dalglish’s life must seem to Kenny Dalglish at times. A humble man with extraordinary talent with a football, extraordinary talent for the game of football became one of the greatest players to ever play for Liverpool. Then as player-manager, continuing Liverpool’s assault on what was then the First Division, winning six titles. He is held in such high esteem by millions of people around the world. A legend of Liverpool Football Club. And now this greedy Scot gets his name up on an Anfield wall. Delightful.

The finishing touches are all going up as Liverpool prepare to officially reveal the Kenny Dalglish Stand to the world on October 14th when Manchester United visit Anfield after the international break. There should be much fanfare, probably an interview, hopefully a win for the boys in red to really put a cherry on top of the whole thing.

The renaming of the old Centenary Stand is a smart move from John Henry and the Liverpool brain trust. But Henry is a sportsman and will know and feel intuitively the power that legends have in sports and to the world of fandom.

“It is a testament to Liverpool’s history and status that we are not lacking in truly great individual, whose names could easily grace a stand at Anfield.

These are Henry’s words from back in May at the initial announcement of the new stand.

“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.”