King Kenny comes calling: Dalglish tells Liverpool he will return as manager

By Matt Lawton for the Daily Mail and John Edwards
Updated: 05:32 EDT, 9 June 2010

Kenny Dalglish has put himself forward for the Liverpool manager's job after telling the Anfield hierarchy that he wishes to withdraw from the selection panel.

After parting company with Rafa Benitez last week, the club issued a statement saying that Dalglish would lead the search for a new manager alongside managing director Christian Purslow. 

Suits you: Kenny Dalglish is said to be interested in returning to the Anfield hotseat

But the 59-year-old, who quit as Liverpool boss in 1991 before going on to manage Blackburn and Newcastle, has taken one look at the shortlist of candidates and decided he could do a better job than those who have so far been identified.

Dalglish's passion for the club has never been in question and he now believes he is the man to revive them after a difficult end to Benitez's tenure.

Despite the Scot's transition from king-maker to would-be king, Liverpool will still seek permission to meet Fulham manager Roy Hodgson by the end of the week.

The 62-year-old Hodgson (right) had been seen as the favourite to succeed Benitez, who will be confirmed as the new Inter Milan manager today.

Hodgson has made no secret of his wish for one more high-profile job, whether it be as manager of England or a leading club in the Barclays Premier League, and his feats at Fulham have not gone unnoticed.

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed is desperate to keep the veteran Englishman, who maintained his focus on the London club's future yesterday by signing Philippe Senderos from Arsenal, but the call from the Anfield hierarchy is expected soon.

Compensation is unlikely to prove an obstacle, with Hodgson on a 12-month rolling contract at Craven Cottage and a fee of around £2million should be enough to secure his release.

Liverpool were rocked by infighting last season between Benitez and top boardroom figures and the club are anxious to end the recent turbulence by bringing in an experienced figure capable of restoring harmony.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans were informed yesterday that season-ticket prices have increased by seven per cent for the next campaign.

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