Kenny Dalglish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sir
Kenny Dalglish
MBE

Dalglish in 2009
Personal information
Full name	Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish
Date of birth	(1951-03-04) 4 March 1951 (age 74)
Place of birth	Glasgow, Scotland
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Position(s)	Forward
Youth career
1967–1968	Cumbernauld United
1968–1969	Celtic
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1969–1977	Celtic	204	(111)
1977–1990	Liverpool	355	(118)
Total		559	(229)
International career
1972–1976	Scotland U23	4	(2)
1971–1986	Scotland	102	(30)
Managerial career
1985–1991	Liverpool
1991–1995	Blackburn Rovers
1997–1998	Newcastle United
2000	Celtic (interim)
2011–2012	Liverpool
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Sir Kenny Dalglish, born on March 4, 1951, is a famous Scottish former football player and manager. Many people think he is one of the greatest players of all time. He is especially loved by fans of Celtic and Liverpool.

During his playing career, Dalglish played as a forward. He appeared in 338 games for Celtic and 515 games for Liverpool. He also played for the Scotland national team a record 102 times, scoring 30 goals.

Kenny Dalglish won many awards as a player. These include the Ballon d'Or Silver Award in 1983 and the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1983. He was also named FWA Footballer of the Year twice. In 2009, FourFourTwo magazine called him the best striker in British football after World War II. He is in both the Scottish and English Football Halls of Fame. Liverpool fans call him King Kenny and voted him their top player in a 2006 poll.

Dalglish started his career with Celtic in 1971. He won four Scottish league titles, four Scottish Cups, and one Scottish League Cup with them. In 1977, he moved to Liverpool for a record fee of £440,000. His time at Liverpool was very successful. He helped the club win six English league titles, the FA Cup, four League Cups, and three European Cups. For Scotland, he played 102 times and scored 30 goals. He played in three FIFA World Cups: 1974, 1978, and 1982.

After retiring as a player, Dalglish became a manager. He was player-manager for Liverpool from 1985 to 1991. During this time, he won three more league titles and two FA Cups. He then managed Blackburn Rovers, leading them to win the Premier League in 1995. He also managed Newcastle United and had a short time as interim manager at Celtic, where he won the Scottish League Cup.

From 2000 to 2010, Dalglish focused on charity work. He started The Marina Dalglish Appeal with his wife to help people with cancer. In 2011, he returned to Liverpool as manager. He won the League Cup in 2012, which was Liverpool's first trophy since 2006. In 2013, he became a non-executive director at Liverpool. In 2017, the Centenary Stand at Anfield stadium was renamed the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand in his honour.

Early Life and Youth Football

Kenny Dalglish was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His father was an engineer. He grew up in the Milton area of Glasgow. When he was 14, his family moved to Ibrox, near the home ground of Rangers, the team he supported.

Dalglish went to Miltonbank Primary School. He started playing football as a goalkeeper. Later, at High Possil Senior Secondary School, he won school football competitions. He also won the Scottish Cup playing for Glasgow Schoolboys. He was then chosen for the Scottish schoolboys team, which won the Victory Shield tournament without losing a game. In 1966, Dalglish had trials with West Ham United and Liverpool, but he was not signed.

Club Career Highlights

Playing for Celtic

Dalglish signed his first professional contract with Celtic in May 1967. In his first season, he was loaned to Cumbernauld United, where he scored 37 goals. During this time, he also worked as an apprentice joiner. Celtic's manager, Jock Stein, wanted Dalglish to stay at Cumbernauld for another season. However, Dalglish wanted to become a full professional player.

He got his wish and became a regular in Celtic's reserve team. This team was known as the "Quality Street Gang" because it had many talented young players. Dalglish made his first-team debut for Celtic on September 25, 1968. He came on as a substitute in a 4–2 win against Hamilton Academical.

In the 1969–70 season, Dalglish moved to midfield and scored 19 goals for the reserves. He started his first league game for Celtic on October 4, 1969, in a 7–1 win against Raith Rovers. He continued to score many goals for the reserve team. In the Reserve Cup Final against Rangers, he scored four goals over two legs, including a hat-trick in a 6–1 win.

Dalglish became a regular in Celtic's first team in the 1971–72 season. He scored his first goal for the team on August 14, 1971, against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium. He scored 29 goals in 53 games that season, helping Celtic win their seventh league title in a row. He also played in Celtic's 6–1 win over Hibernian in the 1972 Scottish Cup Final.

In the 1972–73 season, Dalglish was Celtic's top scorer with 39 goals. Celtic won the league championship again. They also won a league and cup double in 1973–74. Dalglish won another Scottish Cup medal in 1975. He was made Celtic captain in the 1975–76 season. Celtic won another league and cup double in 1976–77, with Dalglish scoring 27 goals. On August 10, 1977, after playing 320 games and scoring 167 goals for Celtic, Dalglish was signed by Liverpool.

Joining Liverpool

Dalglish playing for Liverpool in the 1980s

Dalglish joined Liverpool to replace their star player, Kevin Keegan. He quickly settled into his new club. He played his first game for Liverpool on August 13, 1977, in the 1977 FA Charity Shield against Manchester United. He scored his first goal for Liverpool a week later in his league debut against Middlesbrough.

By the end of his first season, Dalglish had played 62 games and scored 31 goals. This included the winning goal in the 1978 European Cup Final against Bruges. In his second season, he scored 21 league goals and was named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. He played almost every league game for Liverpool until the 1980–81 season.

In 1980–81, Liverpool finished fifth in the league. However, they still won the European Cup and the Football League Cup. Dalglish regained his goal-scoring form the next season. He scored 13 goals as Liverpool won their 13th league title. Around this time, he formed a strong partnership with striker Ian Rush. Dalglish would play just behind Rush, creating chances.

Dalglish was voted PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 1982–83 season. He scored 18 league goals as Liverpool won the league title again. From 1983, he scored fewer goals but remained a key player.

After becoming player-manager in 1985, Dalglish played in 21 league games in the 1985–86 season. Liverpool won the league and the FA Cup that year. On the last day of the season, his goal against Chelsea secured Liverpool's 16th league title. By the 1986–87 season, he played less often, giving younger players more chances.

When Ian Rush left for Juventus in 1987, Dalglish helped bring in new strikers John Aldridge and Peter Beardsley. He played only twice in the 1987–88 season, when Liverpool won their 17th title. Dalglish made his final league appearance on May 5, 1990, as a substitute against Derby. At 39, he was one of Liverpool's oldest players. His last goal was in April 1987 against Nottingham Forest.

International Career for Scotland

Tommy Docherty gave Dalglish his first game for Scotland on November 10, 1971. He came on as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Belgium. Dalglish scored his first goal for Scotland a year later, on November 15, 1972, against Denmark. Scotland qualified for the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. Dalglish played in all three games, but Scotland was knocked out despite not losing any matches.

In 1976, Dalglish scored the winning goal for Scotland against England at Hampden Park. A year later, he scored against England again at Wembley in another 2–1 win. Dalglish played in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. He scored against the Netherlands in a famous 3–2 win. He also played in the 1982 World Cup in Spain, scoring against New Zealand. Scotland did not get past the group stage in either tournament. Dalglish was chosen for the 1986 World Cup squad but had to pull out due to injury.

In total, Dalglish played 102 times for Scotland, which is a national record. He scored 30 goals, also a national record shared with Denis Law. He was the first player to reach 100 caps for Scotland in a friendly match against Romania in 1986. His last game for Scotland was on November 12, 1986, against Luxembourg. His 30th and final international goal was in November 1984 against Spain.

Managerial Career

Managing Liverpool (First Time)

After the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985, Joe Fagan resigned as Liverpool manager. Dalglish then became the team's player-manager. In his first season, 1985–86, he led Liverpool to win both the League Championship and the FA Cup. This was the club's first "double." Dalglish himself scored the goal that secured the league title on the final day of the season.

The 1986–87 season was less successful, with Liverpool losing the League Cup final. Before the 1987–88 season, Dalglish signed new players like Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, and John Aldridge. This new team played very well, topping the league for almost the entire season. They went 37 matches unbeaten in all competitions. Liverpool won the league title with four games left to play. However, they lost the 1988 FA Cup Final to Wimbledon.

In 1988, Dalglish brought back Ian Rush to Liverpool. In 1989, Liverpool beat Everton 3–2 in the FA Cup final. However, they lost the league title to Arsenal in the very last game of the season. In the 1989–90 season, Liverpool won their third league title under Dalglish. He received his third Manager of the Year award. Dalglish resigned as Liverpool manager on February 22, 1991. At that time, Liverpool was leading the league.

Hillsborough Disaster

Kenny Dalglish was Liverpool's manager during the Hillsborough disaster on April 15, 1989. This tragic event deeply affected him and the club. Dalglish showed great support to the victims' families. He attended all the funerals of those who died, sometimes four in one day. His actions during this difficult time were seen as incredibly brave and supportive. He later spoke about his regret that the match was not delayed. In 2011, a Member of Parliament suggested Dalglish should be knighted for his football career, charity work, and his actions after Hillsborough.

Managing Blackburn Rovers

Dalglish returned to management in October 1991 with Blackburn Rovers. The club had recently been bought by a rich businessman, Jack Walker. Dalglish led Blackburn from the Second Division into the new Premier League in 1992. They won the play-off final against Leicester City. This meant Blackburn was back in England's top football league for the first time since 1966.

In 1992, Dalglish signed Alan Shearer for a British record fee of £3.5 million. Even though Shearer was injured for half the season, Blackburn finished fourth in the first Premier League season. The next year, Blackburn finished second, behind Manchester United. By this time, Dalglish had also signed England players Tim Flowers and David Batty.

At the start of the 1994–95 season, Dalglish paid a record £5 million for Chris Sutton. Sutton and Shearer formed a very strong attacking partnership. On the last day of the season, Blackburn and Manchester United were both trying to win the title. Blackburn lost their game, but Manchester United also failed to win. This meant Blackburn won the Premier League title! Dalglish became only the fourth manager to win top-flight league championships with two different English clubs. In June 1995, Dalglish became the director of football at Blackburn. He left the club in 1996.

Managing Newcastle United

In January 1997, Dalglish became manager of Newcastle United. He took over from Kevin Keegan. Dalglish guided Newcastle to finish second in the Premier League that season. This earned them a place in the UEFA Champions League. However, he then changed the team a lot, selling popular players and bringing in older stars or less known players.

The 1997–98 season saw Newcastle finish in 13th place. Despite some good results, like a 3–2 Champions League win over Barcelona, and reaching the FA Cup final, Dalglish was dismissed in August 1998. He was replaced by Ruud Gullit. Some people have said his time at Newcastle was the only part of his career that was not very successful.

Managing Celtic (Interim)

In June 1999, Dalglish was appointed director of football operations at Celtic. His former Liverpool player, John Barnes, became head coach. Barnes was dismissed in February 2000, and Dalglish took temporary charge of the first team. He led them to the Scottish League Cup final, where they beat Aberdeen 2–0. Dalglish was dismissed in June 2000 after Martin O'Neill was appointed manager.

Return to Liverpool (Second Time)

Dalglish managing Liverpool in 2011

In April 2009, Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez invited Dalglish to work at the club's youth academy. He also became a club ambassador. After Benítez left in June 2010, Dalglish helped find a new manager. Roy Hodgson was appointed, but a poor run of results led to fans calling for Dalglish's return.

Hodgson left Liverpool, and Dalglish was appointed caretaker manager on January 8, 2011. His first game back was against Manchester United in the FA Cup, which Liverpool lost 1–0. His first league game was against Blackpool, which Liverpool lost 2–1. Dalglish admitted Liverpool faced "a big challenge."

Dalglish managing Liverpool in 2011

On January 19, Liverpool's chairman said the club wanted Dalglish to stay permanently. On January 22, Dalglish led Liverpool to their first win since his return. He signed Andy Carroll and Luis Suárez for large transfer fees. After a 1–0 victory against Chelsea in February 2011, many believed Dalglish would be confirmed as the long-term manager.

On May 12, 2011, Liverpool announced that Dalglish had been given a three-year contract. His second time as manager had some challenges. Dalglish also faced challenges, including a controversy involving player Luis Suárez, which led to a ban and an apology from the club.

In February 2012, Dalglish led Liverpool to win the 2011–12 Football League Cup. This was the club's first trophy in six years. They also reached the 2012 FA Cup Final but lost to Chelsea. However, Liverpool finished eighth in the league, their worst result since 1994. Because of this, Liverpool dismissed Dalglish on May 16, 2012.

In October 2013, Dalglish returned to Liverpool as a non-executive director. On October 13, 2017, the Centenary Stand at Anfield was officially renamed the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand. This was to recognise his amazing contributions to the club.

Personal Life

Dalglish in 2010

Kenny Dalglish married Marina on November 26, 1974. They have four children: Kelly, Paul, Lynsey, and Lauren. Their daughter Kelly works as a football presenter. Their son Paul also became a footballer, playing in the Premier League. He later became a coach in North America.

In March 2003, Marina Dalglish was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received treatment and recovered. She then started a charity to help fund new cancer treatment equipment for hospitals.

Dalglish was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1985 for his services to football. In 2018, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor for his work in football, charity, and for the City of Liverpool. He dedicated his knighthood to his former coaches, Jock Stein, Bill Shankly, and Bob Paisley.

In 2002, Celtic supporters voted Dalglish into their greatest Celtic XI team of all time. He was also one of the first people to be inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2004, he was also inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. Liverpool fans still lovingly call him King Kenny. In 2009, FourFourTwo magazine named Dalglish the greatest striker in British football after World War II.

In April 2020, Dalglish tested positive for COVID-19 while in hospital for another condition. He did not show any symptoms. In December 2023, Dalglish received the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award.

Charitable Work

In 2005, Kenny Dalglish and his wife Marina started a charity called The Marina Dalglish Appeal. This charity raises money to help treat cancer. Dalglish has taken part in many events to raise money for the charity. These include a replay of the 1986 FA Cup Final.

In June 2007, a Centre for Oncology was opened at Aintree University Hospital. This was possible because the charity had raised £1.5 million. In 2012, the foundation gave £2 million to The Walton Centre. This money helped them buy a new MRI scanner. Dalglish often plays in the annual Gary Player Invitational Tournament, a golf event that raises money for children's causes worldwide. On July 1, 2011, Dalglish received an honorary degree from the University of Ulster for his contributions to football and charity.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Managerial record

Honours

Player

Celtic

• Scottish Division One/Premier Division: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1976–77
• Scottish Cup: 1971–72, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1976–77; runner-up: 1972–73
• Scottish League Cup: 1974–75; runner-up: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74. 1975–76, 1976–77
• Drybrough Cup: 1974–75; runner-up: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74
• Glasgow Cup: 1974–75; runner-up: 1975–76

Liverpool

• Football League First Division: 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86
• FA Cup: 1985–86
• Football League Cup: 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84; runner-up: 1977–78
• Football League Super Cup: 1986
• FA Charity Shield: 1977 (shared), 1979, 1980, 1982, 1986 (shared); runner-up: 1983
• European Cup: 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84; runner-up: 1984–85
• European Super Cup: 1977; runner-up: 1978
• Intercontinental Cup runner-up: 1981, 1984

Scotland

• British Home Championship: 1974, 1976, 1977

Individual

• Scottish Premier Division Top-scorer: 1975–76 (24 goals)
• Ballon d'Or runner-up: 1983
• PFA Team of the Year: 1978-1979, 1979-1980, 1980-1981, 1982-1983, 1983-1984
• PFA Players' Player of the Year: 1982–83
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 1978–79, 1982–83
• Football League 100 Legends
• English Football Hall of Fame (Player): 2002
• Scottish Football Hall of Fame: 2004
• FIFA 100: 2004
• BBC Goal of the Season: 1982–83
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award: 2023
• Bleacher Report's 21st Best Footballer Of All Time: 2011
• Scotland's Greatest International Footballer: 2020
• World Soccer Greatest Players of 20th Century: 22nd

Manager

Liverpool

• Football League First Division: 1985–86, 1987–88, 1989–90
• FA Cup: 1985–86, 1988–89; runner-up: 1987-88, 2011–12
• Football League Cup: 2011–12; runner-up: 1986–87
• Football League Super Cup: 1985–86
• FA Charity Shield: 1986 (shared), 1988, 1989, 1990 (shared)

Blackburn Rovers

• Premier League: 1994–95
• Football League Second Division play-offs: 1992

Newcastle United

• FA Cup runner-up: 1997-98

Celtic

• Scottish League Cup: 1999–2000

Individual

• FWA Tribute Award: 1987
• Premier League Manager of the Season: 1994–95
• Premier League Manager of the Month: January 1994, November 1994

Orders

• Member of the Order of the British Empire: 1985
• Knight Bachelor: 2018

See also

In Spanish: Kenny Dalglish para niños

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of English football championship winning managers
• List of Scotland national football team captains
• List of Scottish football families