In a Leader Exclusive series, former Grenadier Guards RSM David Pritty, whose career began as a Boy Solider in 1955, talks to Andrew Atkinson about meeting his Sporting heroes. Part 1: Sir Kenny Dalglish MBE
“I invited Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland legend Sir Kenny Dalglish to present the BS5750 Food Accreditation Award to the staff at Burton’s Biscuits Distribution Centre at Risley, Warrington,” said David.
Sir Kenny, 72, made over 550 appearances as a player, becoming manager of Liverpool (85-91) (2011-12), Blackburn Rovers (91-95), Newcastle United (97-98) and caretaker at Celtic (2000).
At Celtic he won four Scottish league championships, four Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup as a player.
In 1977, Liverpool manager Bob Paisley paid a British transfer record of £440,000 in a move to Anfield, winning six League championships, FA Cup, four League Cups, five FA Charity Shields, three European Cups and European Super Cup.
Dalglish, capped 102 times, scored 30 goals for Scotland during 1971-86.
He became player-manager at Liverpool in 1985 after the resignation of Joe Fagan, resigning in 1991, returning to management at Blackburn Rovers, winning the Premier League title in 1995.
In 1997, Dalglish took over as manager at Newcastle United and went on to become Director of Football at Celtic in 1999, and later briefly manager, winning the Scottish League Cup in 2000.
Between 2000-10, Dalglish focused on charitable concerns, founding The Marina Dalglish Appeal with his wife to raise money for cancer care.
Dalglish returned to Liverpool as caretaker manager, taking the reins May 2011, departing a year later. In October 2013, Dalglish returned to Anfield as a non-executive director; Anfield’s Centenary Stand was renamed after him in May 2017.
Golf enthusiast Sir Kenny is an Ambassador for La Manga Club in Murcia.
Speaking in La Zenia, David, who celebrates his 85th birthday in May, who joined the Grenadier Guards in 1955, said: “Sir Kenny was marvellous in presenting the Food Accreditation Award at Burton’s Biscuits – a good day was had by all!”.
*Next week. P2: David Pritty meets Sir Stanley Matthews CBE.
