Kenny Dalglish welcomes a 'great addition' to his staff

Liverpool - Kevin Keen is a perfect appointment

By Emdad Rahman

Original article

Following on from Sammy Lee’s departure last week, Kevin Keen was appointed Liverpool first team coach. Keen swapped Upton Park for Anfield after three times serving as caretaker manager for the Hammers.

On Monday he met his colleagues and was introduced to the team at Melwood after signing a three-year deal.

Keen, 44, enjoyed a fine playing career, making more than 600 appearances for West Ham, Wolves, Stoke City, Macclesfield and Wycombe, amassing a wealth of valuable experience,

The ex-Hammer returned to Upton Park in 2002 to coach the Under 17s, moving up to the reserves and subsequently first team coach in 2006.

Last season Keen led the Hammers in their final Premiership game after Avram Grant was sacked following West Ham’s capitulation to Wigan at the JJB. He threw his hat into the ring for the manager’s job but was overlooked for Sam Allardyce.

Liverpool swooped after a recommendation by Steve Clarke, who worked with Keen on the coaching staff at Upton Park. "I feel really privileged, proud and honoured to be here and to be part of such a fantastic club," Keen told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I grew up in the 70s and 80s, during the glory times for Liverpool when they were winning European Cups and winning the league every year. They are memories from my childhood.

In my eyes Liverpool are one of the greatest clubs in the world so I am really quite humbled to be here.

"I was back coaching at West Ham for nine years and was a player at West Ham for nine years as well, so they have been a big part of my life. When I got the call from Liverpool I thought the timing was perfect for me.

"To come here and be a part of what Kenny, Steve Clarke, Damien and the owners are looking to do in taking the club forward is very exciting.

"I know Steve very well from my West Ham days and learned a lot from him when he was assistant manager to Gianfranco Zola. He's very meticulous with his planning, he's a fantastic coach and a really nice person to work with."
Speaking to LFCTV Kenny Dalglish said of his new appointment: "I'm delighted that Kevin is joining us to work alongside Steve Clarke coaching the first team squad. He has previously worked with Steve at West Ham and has a good reputation and a good manner about him.

"He is highly respected in the game and will be a great addition to our technical staff."

One of the first things King Kenny did was to ask Keen to cast his mind back to his debut for West Ham in 1986. It was one of the biggest days in the Keen family as West Ham hosted Liverpool at Upton Park.

Kevin made a substitute appearance that September afternoon – somewhat ruined by a brace from sub Dalglish as the Reds ran out comfortable 5-2 winners.

"It's already been mentioned," piped Keen after completing his first training session at Melwood. "I was a sub that day and we lost 5-2. I think Kenny was a sub as well but he scored a couple of goals. It wasn't often that West Ham beat Liverpool!"

With Carragher, Gerrard, and Carroll providing an English spine on the pitch, it’s good to see the coaching staff taking the same route with a strong group of British coaches at the helm.