Back in the Anfield family: Kenny Dalglish appointed as non-executive director at Liverpool

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Liverpool last night announced that they have found a way back into the club for Kenny Dalglish, appointing him as a non-executive board director 17 months after terminating his second period as manager.

Dalglish has kept a relatively low profile since his dismissal and has not been a regular presence at games. Though there was a general recognition by many that his dismissal was fair, after a second period in charge that brought an unconvincing £110m spending spree and a struggle to deal with the consequences of the Luis Suarez/Patrice Evra incident, a place for him at the club has seemed wholly appropriate.

It had initially been thought that an ambassadorial role would be found, replicating the position which he occupied when he was invited back to the club by then manager Rafael Benitez in 2009. But a seat on the board gives Dalglish the chance of input more fully on the club’s direction.

Fenway Sports Group principal owner, John W Henry, said: “Kenny has a unique insight on the values and traditions that helped to make Liverpool one of the greatest sporting institutions, not just in football, but in world sport. We are proud and honoured to have him back at the club he has represented with such distinction.”

Though Roy Hodgson, whose dismissal prompted Dalglish’s return as manager in January 2011, said he felt his presence threatening to his job, current manager Brendan Rodgers is relaxed about the Scot’s return and said at his own inaugural press conference that he would welcome a place being found for him.