Paul Dalglish backs father for job

The following story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club:

KENNY Dalglish is desperate to be named as Liverpool's new manager, according to his son Paul.

The former Liverpool Reserves striker has revealed his father's burning ambition to succeed Rafa Benitez in the Anfield hot seat.

And Paul believes the Reds legend, who managed the club between 1985 and 1991, is the ideal man to transform the club's fortunes and provide unity after a dismal campaign.

"I just think that hopefully he does get it because I know how much he wants it," Paul said.

"To be honest with you it would be an unbelievable story for my dad to be going back.

"Some people say, well what happens if it doesn't work? He's been out of the game for 10 years.

"My question is, what if it does work? What person loves Liverpool more than my dad?

"Who would Liverpool fans love to see have success more than my dad? Nothing could make my family more proud. I'd love to see it happen."

Paul, who lives in America and is head coach of Tampa Bay Rowdies, believes Dalglish and Reds assistant boss Sammy Lee would be the perfect double act.

"Sammy Lee is a great coach and very passionate about Liverpool," he added.

"He's the best man for that job. I don't think they'd sleep at night until they were successful."

When Benitez left last week, Liverpool announced that Dalglish, who returned to the club as an ambassador last year, would be assisting managing director Christian Purslow in the search for the Spaniard's successor in the Reds hot seat.

Dalglish has been out of management for over a decade since he parted company with Celtic.

However, the 59-year-old, who achieved legendary status at Anfield during a 14-year stay between 1977 and 1991 as first player then manager, would be a popular selection among the majority of the club's supporters.

And the highly-respected figure could be crucial in helping to convince key players like Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to stay at the club after the World Cup this summer.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is currently the bookies' favourite for the job but Paul insists Kenny would be a much better bet.

"I think my dad is the best person to do the job, I know he wants the job," Paul said.

"If you look at my dad's record, he's had one bad year as a manager, and that was his second year at Newcastle. And he would admit he made some mistakes.

"Even in that terrible year, Newcastle still made it to the FA Cup final. He's a born winner. He's an inspiration to everyone connected to Liverpool Football Club. No one can inspire the whole club in these difficult times like my father.

"As for Roy Hodgson, he's a very good man and he did a very good job taking Fulham to the UEFA Cup final.

"I'm sure given the opportunity, he would do a tremendous job. But I'm biased. I want my dad."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.