When Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish return to Wembley on Saturday for the semi-final against Everton don’t be surprised if you see Kenny ponder for a moment to take it all in. Wembley, even though it is now rebuilt, has been and integral part of Dalglish’s career both as a player and a manager. In many ways Wembley has defined Kenny success. When Kevin Keegan departed for Hamburg many Liverpool supporters, including myself, wondered how Keegan could ever be replaced. Bob Paisley solved that one when he signed Kenny from Celtic for a British transfer record of £440,000. Dalglish’s playing career at Liverpool marked one of the club’s most successful periods with him winning seven league titles, three European Cups and five domestic trophies. And where did King Kenny make his Liverpool debut, wearing Keegan’s number seven shirt? Wembley on 3 August 1977 in the Charity Shield match against Manchester United. The 82,000 crowd witnessed a 0-0 draw and with no penalty shoot-outs in those days, the shield was shared. However, Liverpool didn’t have to wait long to experience Kenny’s impact as he scored his first goal on his league debut a week later on 20 August against Middlesbrough.
Dalglish signs for Liverpool for a record fee and made his debut at Wembley in 1977
