Raring to go: Hodgson poses with the famous shirtKenny Dalglish gave Roy Hodgson's appointment as Liverpool manager his full seal of approval yesterday and was immediately offered a new high-profile role in the Anfield set-up.
Hodgson was chosen ahead of the Liverpool legend, who applied for the job after initially acting as adviser to the Anfield board, but there was no trace of resentment as he welcomed the new manager's arrival from Fulham.
Dalglish said: 'I look very favourably on the appointment. I have known Roy a long time and have a great respect for him. We've not had detailed conversations yet but my interests are in Liverpool.'
Hodgson, 62, dismissed suggestions that the race to succeed Rafa Benitez could have jeopardised his long-standing friendship with Dalglish. He also revealed details of a new post that will establish Liverpool's recently appointed club ambassador as the main link between the academy at Kirkby and senior squad at Melwood.
'I don't feel at all awkward about the situation,' said Hodgson after signing a three-year contract worth around £50,000 a week.
Welcome: Martin Broughton (left) with new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson'Kenny was entitled to suggest to the board that he wanted to be considered. The board made it clear to me that they didn't want that to happen, as the chairman (Martin Broughton) has outlined.
'As far as I'm concerned, it shouldn't affect my relationship with Kenny in any way. I'm happy to have him on board at this club and he has been offered a new role, with the very important title of head of football development.
'With us having to have a certain amount of homegrown players and under 21 players, the way Ken can use his football knowledge to build a bridge between Kirkby and Melwood can be hugely beneficial.
Backing: Kenny Dalglish (right)'When you have someone like Kenny Dalglish, you want him to be at the club for the foreseeable future, for 10-15 years just like Sir Bobby Charlton at Manchester United. There are so many roles he can play to help Liverpool FC and that will outlive my tenure at the club.'
Dalglish, 59, enjoyed a stellar playing career at Liverpool, winning three European Cups, seven League titles and five domestic cups between 1977 and 1989. He also managed them from 1985 to 1991, winning three titles and two FA Cups.
source: dailymail
