Dalglish Factor Lays Carling Cup Ghost To Rest

Last updated : 25 August 2011 By Philip Hale

West Brom's manager started his interview with Mihir Bose by saying, “I’m a fatalist” before rewriting history again regarding the causes of his departure. I am no psychologist but Hodgson’s apparent lack of confidence in his ability to influence events, coupled incongruously with a conflicting faith in his methods, may have led to the confused performances of the team last season (and some telling public face rubbing).

If the nadir of his time was the home defeat by Northampton, though there are competing horrors for that honour, then St James Park witnessed a performance that cemented the belief that those times are gone if not forgotten. Hard work and determination meant that an upset never looked on the cards and another live-wire Luis Suarez performance was the catalyst for victory.

“It’s going to be difficult, but in the way we’re going to approach the game we’ll have no excuse for a lack of preparation. We want to do the very best we can in this competition and although there will be some changes in the personnel we put out, the attitude should be exactly the same as it was on Saturday at the Emirates.”

This was Kenny Dalglish speaking before the Exeter game and in its simplicity it sums up his approach to both this game and the game in general; respectful of the opposition yet mindful that the focus and influence on events is in the hands of himself and his players. The effort on display demonstrated that the players continue to take the message on board.  

While Arsenal on Saturday was pleasing, Wednesday night may offer a better insight to the wind of change Kenny has blown through the dressing room. It is well documented that this competition has been devalued in recent years but eight out of the last ten finals have featured one or more of United, Arsenal and Chelsea.  Our absence from this list since 2005 has not been a result of the devaluing of the competition as much as a devaluing of the club ethos that the next game is the most important. Dalglish’s team selection was an indication that this ethos has been reinstalled.

Dalglish featured in all four of the early Eighties victories in the old Milk Cup so I am sure he, like those of us who witnessed them, has a fond feeling for the competition. He is also canny enough to know that having his side competitive whenever they take the field is key to building a winning aura around the club that will flow through to other competitions. Those four victories were not the culmination of a run of fixtures against glamorous opposition, although each final was memorable for different reasons, but were rewards for being professional, for winning because losing is unacceptable.

As Hodgson railed against the social media and talked up his prospects of being England manager (they are welcome to each other) Dalglish continued with the task of restoring the respect the players have for their club and fans. Hodgson's brief period in charge will be a footnote in the club's history but right now it serves to underline what a privilege it is to have Kenny back in charge. What a difference a year makes.