THE HIGHS
Return of the King
It was a special welcome back to Anfield for Dalglish when he replaced the ineffective Roy Hodgson for a second stint as manager in January 2011. The appointment of a Liverpool legend, who was the club's greatest player and a former successful manager, delighted all Reds fans.
Manc double
Late in the 2010-11 season, Liverpool beat both Manchester clubs at Anfield, spanking Manchester City 3-0 and beating Manchester United 3-1, when Dirk Kuyt scored a hat trick.
Noisy neighbours
In a minor burst of pre-Christmas joy, Liverpool comfortably beat Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Some silverware
In February, Liverpool ended a six-year trophy drought. It was only the League Cup. Against Cardiff. On penalties. But it was a trophy. The Reds would go on to reach the FA Cup final, falling short of a double by losing to Chelsea.
THE LOWS
You spent how much?
Andy Carroll (35 million), Stewart Downing (20 million), Jordan Henderson (16 million), Charlie Adam (7 million). I happen to think both Carroll and Henderson will develop into decent players. But the amount of money spent on this quartet still makes absolutely no sense.
Just apologise, already
Dalglish and the club did themselves no favours by burying their heads in the sand during the Luis Suarez racism case. Suarez served a ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. The manager's reply? Wear a T-shirt supporting Suarez, and spend weeks denying there was a problem.
Eighth. Eighth?
Eighth place. Just 47 goals in 38 games. A record low 52 points. The fourth-worst club in the league in 2012. Losses at home to Fulham, West Brom and Wigan. And that's all we have to say about that.
Long live the King
"Results in the Premier League have been disappointing and we believe to build on the progress that has already been made, we need to make a change."
- Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.
"Liverpool have made a decision to part company with their glorious past. The nostalgia trip is over. Now they have to accelerate into the future."
- Soccernet writer Richard Jolly.
