Sir Kenny Dalglish 'embarrassed' by John Henry decision because Liverpool were 'spoiled for choice'
Sir Kenny Dalglish has admitted he was embarrassed when he was informed by Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group of their plans to name a stand in his honour. FSG announced in 2017 that Dalglish would he honoured as part of the club's 125th anniversary celebrations for his "unique contribution to the club".
But despite being one of the most revered figures in club history, the former player-manager, who was a given a knighthood in 2018 for his legendary career, did not initially want such a lofty accolade.
Speaking to Redmen TV as part of their 12-hour live stream to raise funds for Zoe’s Place, Dalglish said: "John Henry told me they were going to name the stand after myself and [I said] 'please yourself'.
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“It's a wee bit embarrassing at times. It's a great thing they did and they had absolutely no reason [to choose me], they are absolutely spoiled for choice.
“The amount of players who've been at Liverpool Football Club in any capacity they could have put up there [on the stand] and say they were notorious, they could have put everybody up, couldn't they?
"They made the right choice? Well, that's debatable as well. But when they put it up we got the knighthood then they had to move it and they had to move the letters along (to add 'Sir') and I thought that was funny. But it's a great thing, you're just humbled, aren't you? Just humbled.
“I still call it the Kemlyn Road. I still remember the Kemlyn Road for what it was when we played. Dog's abuse. The front two rows used to give you dog's abuse. I'm not in construction, by the way, I can't put seats in! And remember, my name is on the outside."
Dalglish added: "I think there's many, many of them that are deserving of recognition. But, for myself anyway, the recognition was the medals we all won, so it's not as though they are trying to identify and isolate people and tell them they are special. Everyone is the same.
“And in the dressing room, that was why I think they had a lot of success because there was nobody who was big time. Everybody was an equal and the great comradery and banter in the dressing room, the respect for each other and the appreciation tells you there's nobody there looking for accolades.
“You've got your accolades. Ronnie Moran used to say, there's your league championship medal, take one if you feel you deserved it. I think we deserved it!
“I think there are similarities between the personality Shankly was and the personality Jurgen is and the personality Bob was and Slot is coming in after it. Bob was a withdrawn person but a great decision maker.
On the start made by Arne Slot at Anfield, the iconic Dalglish said: "Is it not a great job to get? He doesn't need to come in and build the squad up.
“The squad was already there, he's just had to top and tail, picking a couple who maybe a couple who he doesn't go along with this philosophy or that or whatever.
“He's going and picking what suits him and asking the players the first option if they're good enough to do it. If so then they're in and if not, then go and spend the money. But I think he's been a real credit to himself and everyone else and the best chance he's got of being successful is to be himself."