Kenny Dalglish was sacked as Liverpool manager yesterday after guiding the team to a disappointing eighth place in the English Premier League.

The decision comes just two days after Liverpool's American owners John W Henry and Tom Werner held a showdown summit with Dalglish.

Alan Pardew is among the early contenders for the post along with former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas and Wigan manager Roberto Martinez.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the chance to come back to Liverpool Football Club as manager," said Dalglish in a statement.

"I would like to thank all of the staff at the club for their effort and loyalty. I said when first approached about coming back as manager that I would always be of help if I can at any time and that offer remains the same."