10 August 1977

When Kenny Dalglish joined the club in August 1977, it was hard to see how Liverpool could top their first European Cup triumph of the previous season; but with the highly influential Scot in the team the next 13 years were to bring a succession of untold riches.

Unlike many Liverpool signings of this era, Dalglish was already a household name when he made the switch from Parkhead to Anfield. His deeds in the green and white hoops of Celtic had made him one of the most sought after figures in the British game and it required a record £440,000 fee to secure his services.

The Scotland international – who had a trial at Anfield as a teenager in the Sixties - was brought in to replace the recently departed Kop idol Kevin Keegan, who'd moved to Hamburg earlier that summer. If any player could step into Keegan's illustrious boots it was Dalglish and fears some Liverpudlians may have harboured over their new purchase were quickly laid to rest.

The forward found the back of the net within seven minutes of his league debut for the Reds against Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park, and followed that by hitting the target again on his first appearance in front of the Kop three days later as Newcastle were beaten 2-0.

He slipped seamlessly into Paisley's all-conquering red machine and achieved what many perceived to be an impossible task by helping them move up another gear or two. The new King of the Kop crowned his first season at Anfield by topping the club's goalscoring charts and chipped in with the only goal of the 1978 European Cup final against FC Bruges at Wembley, a delicate dink over the 'keeper that will live long in the memory of those fortunate enough to witness it.

His superb ball control was complemented by a world-class footballing brain. He may never have been the fastest in terms of pace but if speed of thought had been an Olympic event Dalglish would have been a record gold medal holder.

Plying his trade south of the border meant his talents were given greater exposure but, never one to seek the limelight, he was loathe to take credit for his heroic actions and remained typically modest despite his increasing superstar status.

Dalglish went on represent Liverpool 515 times, scoring 172 goals in the process.

He's regarded by many as the greatest player ever to wear the red shirt, not to mention one of our finest managers having led the club to its first ever league and cup.