LIVERPOOL FC HAVE confirmed that Kenny Dalglish has been appointed manager at Anfield.

The Kop legend has signed a three-year deal after a successful spell as caretaker boss.

Former Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke has also agreed a contract for the same period.

It is of course, Dalglish’s second full-time stint in charge – and the Scot is relishing the challenge ahead.

“I insisted when I took the job on in January that I was just happy to help the club out for the remainder of the season,” he said earlier.

“Now the owners have decided in their wisdom that they want me to stay a little longer and it’s fantastic news for both myself and Steve Clarke that we have signed these contracts.

“Both John [Henry] and Tom [Werner] have taken their time to assess what was best for the football club and bring in the people they wanted to take the Club forward.  They are both winners, but understand what the supporters want from a Liverpool side and the way that we should go about things. This is a unique football Club and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help build something special here again.

“I want to salute the efforts of all the players as they have been fantastic and thank everyone at the club for the welcome they have given me since I returned in January.

“I also want to pay tribute to Steve Clarke’s input since we started working together as he has brought great experience and knowledge to the role. The players enjoy the training sessions, understand their relevance to our actual football games and have responded brilliantly.”

American Dream

Fenway Sports boss, John Henry said: ”Kenny is a legendary Liverpool figure both as a supremely gifted footballer and successful manager. Since returning in January he has shown extraordinary leadership and the ability to bring the best out of so many people associated with the club.

“It was obvious to us very early on that the atmosphere surrounding the club had been transformed by his presence. No one else could have produced such a response.

“Therefore, I’m delighted we have agreed to a new contract. We didn’t need nor want to look elsewhere for the right man to manage the team,” he said.

The Boston Red Sox supremo also revealed his pleasure at signing Jose Mourinho’s former right-hand man.

“I’m also pleased we have reached an agreement with Steve Clarke, as his contribution to Kenny’s backroom team has been significant over the past four months.”

Comeback kid

Dalglish has ultimately earned the contact since his return to the sideline. Having lost just three games, a win over Spurs would guarantee the Reds a place in next season’s Europa League.

There was some worry about the working relationship between the Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli – as well the contract’s length – but these issues have evidently been resolved.

Read the full statement from Liverpool FC | In pictures: Kenny Dalglish’s life at Anfield

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