The Kenny Dalglish Return (2011-2012)

Lore & Background

Paul Dalglish is the only son of ex-footballer and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish and his wife Marina. His elder sister, Kelly Cates, was born in 1975. Both of Paul's younger sisters were born after their father's August 1977 transfer from Celtic to Liverpool. All four siblings were raised living in Southport. Aged 12, Paul was the Liverpool team mascot in the Liverpool 0–2 Arsenal (26 May 1989) league title deciding defeat.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over Anfield on that final afternoon in May. Dalglish stood on the touchline, hands clasped behind his back, watching the players push for every yard. The roar of the Kop was familiar, a sound etched into his soul since he first laced up boots here as a boy from Scotland. As the final whistle blew, securing sixth place, there was no celebration in his eyes, only a quiet resolve. He knew the medical report waiting at home would end this chapter before it truly began.

Reader's Guide

Dalglish started his career as a youth player with Celtic before joining Liverpool, but made no first team appearances for either of his father's former clubs. He was then signed by his father for Newcastle United, making 14 appearances and scoring two goals. He permanently joined Norwich City in 1999 for £300,000, but failed to establish himself. He went on to have spells with Blackpool, Linfield, and loan periods with Scunthorpe and Wigan Athletic. After a brief media career, he was signed by Livingston manager Paul Lambert, then joined Hibernian in January 2006. He moved to Houston Dynamo in August 2006, winning two MLS Cups, but was released in the 2007 post-season. He signed with Kilmarnock in February 2008, but retired at the end of the season due to injuries. His coaching career began in 2008 at the Houston Dynamo Academy. He became head coach of FC Tampa Bay in 2009, left by mutual consent in September 2010. In 2012 he became manager of Austin Aztex, leading them to the USL PDL championship in 2013 and being named coach of the year. He joined Real Salt Lake as assistant coach in 2014, returned to Austin Aztex in August 2014, then became head coach and general manager of Ottawa Fury FC in November 2015, leaving in August 2017. He was appointed head coach of Miami FC in January 2018, leading them to NPSL National Championships in 2018 and 2019. He was appointed Miami's general manager on 13 November 2019, and departed the club on 15 November 2021.

Did You Know?

• Paul Dalglish was the Liverpool team mascot at age 12 in the 1989 title-deciding defeat to Arsenal.
• He won MLS Cup MVP in 2006 with Houston Dynamo.
• He won eight coaching honours with Miami FC and Austin Aztex.
• He had a small part in the movie Goal and an interview slot on Soccer AM.