Possibly the worst kept secret in Premier League football was exposed on Thursday as Kenny Dalglish finally became permanent manager of his beloved Liverpool FC, signing a richly deserved three year contract to the delight of owners and supporters alike.
His new contract is a just reward for the legendary Scot, who has steered the club through some turbulent times and now appears to be leading Liverpool back to the golden shores of European football and, whisper it quietly, a title challenge next season.
The very notion of competing with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal for next season’s Premier League title seemed illogical bordering on the delusional during the dark days of Roy Hodgson’s ill-fated and mercifully short reign, when the looming jaws of a humiliating relegation dog fight appeared likely as the Reds shamefully filled the relegation places at their lowest ebb.
However, under the guidance of Dalglish the Reds have improved immeasurably, providing both style and substance while escalating the table and entertaining the Anfield faithful in what has been a thoroughly enjoyable and productive second half of the season.
The traditional pass and move, free flowing style of football promoted by the Liverpool Way and followed faithfully for so many years has now returned after being fatally ignored by Hodgson. Attacking, enterprising and entertaining football is the norm once again and an abundance of goals has encouragingly resulted, with the Reds netting 35 goals during Dalglish’s time in charge, more than any other side in the League over the same period.
This newfound focus on forward thinking football has not been to the detriment of defensive stability though. In fact, Liverpool have conceded only 14 goals since the King returned in January, with only Chelsea possessing a measlier backline. Consequently, it comes as no surprise to learn that former Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke, who worked alongside Jose Mourinho, has been massively influential in improving our defensive display, providing expertise and crucial tactical knowledge to remove avoidable errors and re-build the previously eroded foundation of any successful side; a solid back four.
Crucially, a change in tactics and footballing philosophy has been accompanied by an unmistakable lift in morale and confidence within the squad.
The players now want to play for the manager, unlike under Hodgson, whose lack of popularity in the dressing room was reflected tellingly in the performances on the pitch.
Very frustrating to see the long ball Dross in Trafford be gifted another title when you consider Liverpool have been and are the best team in the Country since January, thrashing Man Hoof in the process.
Liverpool now have something to aim for regarding the Title, and is greater motivation to wrong this travesty of English Football.
How many EPLs has liverpool won? As long as i know EPL belong to chelsea and man utd. Until it is renamed it is theirs to loss. People are talking about Kenny and Suarez arent they the same with Milner and Onneil at Aston Villa in 2008? Believe me the Anfield faithful,Suarez is a flat player under pressure. I will give you my beloved daughter to marry if Suarez cant land you into troubles next season let alone frequent sent offs. Mr contro’ best for the kop.