Andy Roberton, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool’s Scottish bond
Andy Robertson had not been born when Sir Kenny Dalglish resigned after his first spell as manager at Liverpool in 1991.
But when he joined the Reds in 2017 he was acutely aware of the legacy of some of the great Scots who had walked the same path before him.
Speaking to Kelly Cates and her father Dalglish in a BBC interview, Robertson recalled these conversations after his move 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 a Scottish player in their team. And I know usually if there’s a Scottish player that brings some success too.”
The link between Liverpool and Scotland runs deep since the days of legendary former manager Bill Shankly and there is perhaps no living figure more beloved on the Kop than Dalglish.
In his first 14-year tenure as captain and then player-manager, Dalglish scored 172 goals and helped win 18 major trophies, including eight league titles and three European Cups.
After more than 30 years, Robertson, who will play his final game at Anfield on Sunday, will depart as the last of the men from north of the border who left an indelible impression.
The defender arrived on Merseyside nine years ago when Jurgen Klopp signed him from Hull City for £8 million. Four years ago he was playing in Scotland’s fourth division for Queen’s Park.
From these humble beginnings, the 32-year-old helped redefine the full-back role under Klopp and later Arne Slot, making 60 assists in the Premier League, the second-most defensive assists of any player behind former team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He won nine major trophies in that period, including two league titles and the Champions League.
But his legacy will remain as someone who played like a fan on the field. Dalglish described him as “a great credit” to Liverpool.
After Sunday’s match is over, Robertson’s focus will be on captaining Scotland to their first men’s World Cup in 28 years. Just 10 caps away from breaking Dalglish’s record of 102.
“I’m a little sad about your number of appearances in Scotland,” the 75-year-old told him.
“And I think you should retire after the World Cup!”
