1st June 2012

Liverpool entered the Brendan Rodgers era on June 1, 2012 when the talented and passionate Northern Irishman took the managerial reins at Anfield, becoming the 19th different man to be tasked with guiding the Reds to success.

Taking up the baton from the legendary Kenny Dalglish, who had re-energised the club across 18 months in his second spell at the helm, Rodgers was selected by owners Fenway Sports Group as ‘the single outstanding candidate to implement their long-term vision’.

Aged 39 when he arrived at Liverpool, he possessed a wealth of experience in coaching and management in English football, most notably in his achievements during the previous two years with Swansea City.

Early spells as the boss at Watford and Reading paved the way for a period of remarkable progression with the Swans, as Rodgers’ philosophy of a high-tempo, passing style soon bore fruit in one of the world’s toughest leagues.

He had lifted Swansea out of the Championship and up to the Premier League via the play-offs and quickly confounded expectations by seamlessly transferring their attractive football into the top flight, as seen in claiming a goalless draw at Anfield in November 2011.

So when the time came for a change at Liverpool, Rodgers was the man John W Henry and FSG wanted. The club’s principal owner commented on the day the manager was unveiled: “Fenway Sports Group is committed to building for the long-term.

“Brendan Rodgers' appointment today as manager of Liverpool Football Club is one of the most important steps we will take in building the kind of club on and off the pitch supporters can be excited about.

“Brendan's comprehensive football philosophy is perfectly aligned with those at the club and those soon to join the club. He was the first choice unanimously among them and he had no hesitation at all in embracing exactly what we want to try to build at Liverpool.

“We do not expect miracles overnight nor should anyone else. But we firmly believe that the direction the club is heading in will lead to Premier League championships. We will embrace the unconventional, build the right way and together set a bold, exciting course for this historic club.”

Rodgers, a dedicated student of the game, himself pledged to do everything in his power to bring pride and success to Anfield throughout his time in charge.

He declared: “I'm blessed to be given this opportunity. I want to thank John Henry, Tom Werner and FSG for the opportunity to manage such a great club. I'm really excited and I can't wait to get started on this incredible project going forward.

“I promise to dedicate my life to fight for this club and defend the great principles of Liverpool Football Club on and off the field.”