Andy Roberton, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool’s Scottish bond
Andy Robertson was not even born when Sir Kenny Dalglish stepped down after his first managerial stint at Liverpool in 1991.
But when he joined the Reds in 2017, he was aware of the legacy of some of the great Scots who had walked the same path before him.
Speaking to Kelly Cates and Dalglish – his father – in a BBC interview,
Robertson recalled those conversations after moving to Anfield.
“When I first signed, all the names were thrown at me,” he told Cates. “Your father, Alan Hansen and [Graeme] Souness…
“I know Liverpool fans love to have a Scottish player in their team. And I know usually if there’s a Scottish player, it leads to a bit of success.”
The relationship between Liverpool and Scotland has run deep since the days of great former manager Bill Shankly, and there is perhaps no man alive more beloved on the Kop than Dalglish.
During his initial 14-year tenure as captain and then player-manager, Dalglish scored 172 goals and helped deliver 18 major trophies, including eight league titles and three European Cups.
After more than 30 years, Robertson – who is set to play his final match at Anfield on Sunday – will depart as the latest in a line of men who have left an indelible impact from north of the border.
The defender arrived on Merseyside nine years ago when Jurgen Klopp signed him from Hull City for £8m. Four years ago, he was playing in Scotland’s fourth tier for Queen’s Park.
From those humble beginnings, the 32-year-old helped redefine the full-back role under Klopp and later Arne Slot, netting 60 Premier League assists – the second most by a defender behind former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
They have won nine major trophies in that time, including two league titles and the Champions League.
But his legacy will live on as a man who played like a fan on the pitch. Dalglish called him “a great credit” to Liverpool.
Once Sunday’s match is over, Robertson’s focus will turn to captaining Scotland in his first Men’s World Cup for 28 years. He is just 10 caps away from equalling Dalglish’s record of 102.
“I’m a bit disappointed with the number of caps you’ve got with Scotland,” the 75-year-old told him.
“And I think you should retire after the World Cup!”
