Dalglish sacked by Liverpool

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been sacked following a disappointing season in the Premier League.



Rumours concerning his future had been circulating for the past few days and the Anfield club confirmed his departure on Wednesday, following Dalglish's meeting with principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner in the United States.

A statement by owners Fenway Sports Group read: "Following a careful review of the season, it was felt a change was needed.

"It was a tough decision but results in the Premier League have been disappointing."

The statement went on to say that the club would "identify and recruit a new manager," as soon as possible.

Despite two appearances at Wembley this season, lifting the Carling Cup but losing out to Chelsea in the FA Cup final, Liverpool registered their lowest Premier League finish since 1994.

The Reds finished eighth in the table - four points behind neighbours Everton - while losing 14 games in the process and they trailed champions Manchester City by 37 points.

During the Scot's brief time in charge, he made three big-money signings, bringing in Andy Carroll (£35m), Stewart Downing (£20m) and Jordan Henderson (£16m), none of whom turned out to be success stories this season.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was the initial favourite to take over at Anfield, but speculation later emerged that former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas in the owners' top target.