Kop legend Kenny Dalglish is not bitter over losing out to close friend Roy Hodgson for the Liverpool job. In fact, the former Liverpool player and coach backs the former Fulham boss to do well and looks “favourably” on the appointment.

Club chairman Martin Broughton yesterday confirmed that Dalglish had put himself up for the post despite being involved in the selection process but added that the Anfield giants never really considered the huge fan favourite’s eligibility for the job.

However, Dalglish revealed no trace of disappointment when asked about his thoughts on Hodgson being given the task ahead of him.

“I look very favourably on the appointment,” Dalglish said.

“I have known Roy a long time and have a great respect for him.

“We’ve not had detailed conversations yet but my interests are in Liverpool.”

Hodgson revealed that his relationship with Dalglish was never affected and that the latter has also been given a new role as head of football development that would help “build a bridge between Kirkby and Melwood”.

“I don’t feel at all awkward about the situation,” said Hodgson to the Daily Mail when asked if there would be tension between him and Dalglish.

“Kenny was entitled to suggest to the board that he wanted to be considered. The board made it clear to me that they didn’t want that to happen, as the chairman (Martin Broughton) has outlined.

“As far as I’m concerned, it shouldn’t affect my relationship with Kenny in any way. I’m happy to have him on board at this club and he has been offered a new role, with the very important title of head of football development.

“With us having to have a certain amount of homegrown players and under 21 players, the way Ken can use his football knowledge to build a bridge between Kirkby and Melwood can be hugely beneficial.

“When you have someone like Kenny Dalglish, you want him to be at the club for the foreseeable future, for 10-15 years just like Sir Bobby Charlton at Manchester United. There are so many roles he can play to help Liverpool FC and that will outlive my tenure at the club.”

Tags: English Premier League, football managers, Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool, Roy Hodgson