Tom, there was much excitement amongst supporters when Kenny Dalglish was confirmed as permanent manager on Thursday. Was there a particular moment when it dawned on you that Kenny was the ideal man for the job?
I think we have been impressed with his leadership skills and his focus since the very beginning. Obviously, when we appointed him as interim manager we hoped he would be successful. Certainly the club is going in the right direction, he's been successful on the pitch but we're just delighted with the collaboration that he has with Damien, with Steve Clarke and with the players. He's just the right man for this job, obviously.
When Kenny was placed in temporary charge back in January, did part o
f you think then that he may emerge as the front runner for the role?
We hoped so because obviously the understanding that he has for Liverpool is unmatched, not just as a player but just as somebody who understands the Liverpool way. He certainly was the front runner then and he's just been spectacular.
What has impressed you the most about the job he has done so far at the Club?
I think that when we took over we felt the club needed a new sense of direction and Kenny has been able to instil a sense of confidence in the players. Obviously, the results speak for themselves. While we have a lot of work to do he certainly has helped turn this club around this year.
Two of the biggest improvements since Kenny took charge appear to be the style of football and the form of individual players - you must be delighted with both changes?
Absolutely and I would say that Kenny has been such a great motivator. I was talking with one of the players and they all feel, to a man, that there is a greater sense of spirit and unity and Kenny has brought that.
Kenny has proved that he's not scared to involve young players in big matches. How important is it to the Club's footballing strategy that the Club's youngsters are given a chance?
It's critical because I think that one of the issues we felt we all needed to attack when we came in was the average age of the players. You need to bring young players into the system and at least give them an opportunity, and certainly these players have again proved they were worthy of being in the squad.
Have you managed to follow the games from the States and how has Liverpool's transformation been greeted in America?
John and I have been obviously watching every match and what has been so wonderful is that we're scoring goals, we're playing with a sense of confidence. We don't feel that we are at a place where we can rest on any laurels. We haven't made the Champions League but we are certainly going in the right direction and we look forward to the match this Sunday.
....................Read complete interview on Liverpoolfc.tv
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