Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish paid tribute to Fenway Sports Group, as the club approaches the one-year anniversary of FSG’s purchase of the club from Tom Hicks and George Gillette.
Speaking in his prematch news conference, Dalglish was effusive in his praise of ownership's support, both financial and otherwise.
"The greatest compliment I can pay to them is that they're as good as the people who ran the club the first time I was here," Dalgish said.
"That's a hell of a statement because the people who ran the club then, Sir John Smith and Peter Robinson, were two of the best any football club could ever have had.
"John [W. Henry], Tom Werner and the rest of the investors that have supported this football club have been absolutely fantastic.
"Since I came in January they've been nothing but supportive towards what we have to do. Their ambitions and aims are exactly the same as our most ardent fan — they want to have the success that everyone craves. And they've started off very encouragingly.
"We wish them a happy birthday and if we can get a win to put the icing on the cake then fine, we'll be happy with that.
"But irrespective of the result it won't take away how good they are as owners."
This time last year, Liverpool supporters were glued to computer and television screens watching the club get dragged through the High Court. With the club languishing near the bottom of the table and fears over administration, the club's future had never looked so bleak.
One year in and there is still plenty of work to be done, with Champions League qualification and a resolution to the stadium issue at the top of the list. However, the club looks to be finally back on track towards reclaiming its rightful place amongst Europe's elite. Furthermore, supporters can spend this Oct. 15 focusing on what they actually care about — sending Sir Alex Ferguson and his boys back to Manchester empty handed.
