Bob Paisley - iconic Liverpool manager
As far as legendary managers are concerned, they don't come much bigger than Bob Paisley. Perhaps only Bill Shankly can stand above him among the most important figures in the history of Liverpool Football Club.
Paisley secured six First Division titles and lifted the European Cup on three occasions, having also tasted league success as a player at Anfield. His managerial tenure from 1974 to 1983 represented an extraordinary golden era for the club.
Unsurprisingly, he worked with and managed a host of exceptional players. Yet Paisley believed there was one Liverpool star who ultimately stood apart from the rest.
Paisley Loved "Great Professional" Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
For many supporters, Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish are the first two names that come to mind when considering the standout players of Paisley’s era. The English manager brought one in to succeed the other in 1977, and the decision proved remarkably successful.
Indeed, Paisley was insistent that Dalglish was the 'most talented' player he ever worked with, once saying (via LFC History):
“Of all the players I have played alongside, managed and coached in more than 40 years at Anfield, he is the most talented.”
Keegan had won three league titles, an FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and a European Cup between 1972 and 1977 before moving to Hamburg. Understandably, the club and its supporters wondered how they would cope following the departure of their talisman. Nevertheless, Liverpool paid an English record £440,000 for Dalglish, which was £60,000 below the fee they received for Keegan.
After completing the signing, Paisley told Peter Robinson: “We’d better get out of Glasgow before they realise what they’ve done.”
Paisley would later look back on the signing, saying: “I just hoped that after the trials and tribulations of my early years in management, someone up high would smile on me and guide my hand. My plea was answered when we got Kenny Dalglish. What a player, what a great professional!”
Dalglish Thrived In Place of Kevin Keegan
Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
Dalglish inherited Keegan’s number seven shirt, inevitably inviting comparisons between the two. However, the Scotland international appeared unfazed by the expectations, scoring 30 goals during his debut campaign, including the winning goal in the 1978 European Cup Final at Wembley.
Although Keegan remains hugely respected, Dalglish went on to eclipse his legacy and, for many, remains the greatest player in the club's history. Affectionately known as 'King Kenny', he collected six English league championships, the FA Cup, four League Cups, five FA Charity Shields, three European Cups and one European Super Cup with the Reds.
Players such as Steven Gerrard and Mohamed Salah have enjoyed remarkable careers in the modern era, but the enduring legacy of 'King Kenny' remains difficult to match.