Emotional Kenny Tells Reds To Cool It

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits his Anfield return will be emotional but he has told his players to make sure they keep their tempers in check in Sunday's 215th Merseyside derby.

Dalglish will walk out of the Anfield tunnel as Reds boss for the first time in nearly 20 years and although the welcome he will receive will surpass anything afforded his predecessors he will have wanted to arrive in better circumstances. Dalglish is desperately in need of a win after two losses to start his latest era but that will not detract from the moment he walks under the famous Anfield sign to take his place on the bench.

"It will be emotive coming back down the steps," he said. "If the supporters are pleased to see me sitting there, they will not be as pleased as I am. It's all very well being romantic but the truth of the matter is we have got to start winning games. Me, the players, the staff, we are all responsible for trying to achieve that. It would cap off a fantastic day if we got a positive result. But Everton want a positive result, too, because they haven't exactly set the world alight this year either."

Dalglish will send out his team - without Scousers Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher through suspension and injury - at Anfield telling them to play the game and not the occasion. There have been 19 red cards in this fixture in the last 14 years and Dalglish is keen for his men not to add to that tally.

"The players here know the importance of the derby and sometimes the local lads get carried away and are too motivated and get a bit heated,'' Dalglish said. "Nowadays if you say 'Good morning' to someone you've got a chance of getting a red card. But you can't blame players for being passionate and committed - they've been highly criticized for not being passionate and committed.

"If there is a bit of understanding from the officials I'm sure it would ease things along a bit. You have to be intelligent - the fact it is a derby doesn't change the rules of the game, they are exactly the same. But you have to go and compete, just as you have in every other game. We want to see the players competing but within the rules of the game and if I have 11 players on the pitch we have a chance of winning.''

After defeats in Dalglish's opening two matches, and the team on a run of four losses in five domestic league and cup matches which have dropped them closer to the relegation zone, the significance of this derby is being hyped up. But the manager played down those suggestions.

"We're going out to win game. Where it takes us at this moment in time isn't particularly relevant,'' he added. "It's where you are at the end of the season when you add up the points that's the most relevant thing. A positive result for us gives everyone a lift. We just need a bit of confidence. The best way to do it is to start winning matches. The sooner we do that, the quicker the confidence will come.''

Fernando Torres Must Put In A Big Shift For His Team-Mates

In among the debris of Liverpool’s defeat at Blackpool there were one or two signs that Kenny Dalglish had already had a positive effect on Fernando Torres; the Spaniard’s goal for a start, when he finished forcefully after a good run.

But Dalglish and Liverpool need much more than that if the team’s fortunes are to turn around. They need Torres working hard in the right areas. They need him to be strong when the ball is played up and to constantly make runs off the back of defenders.

Not only that, they need him to do it on Sunday in the Merseyside derby, otherwise Everton could end up rubbing more salt in the wounds.

But if anybody can breathe new life into Torres, it is surely ‘King Kenny’.

As one of the cleverest strikers to ever grace this game, Dalglish can offer all sorts of tips. The first one must be to work hard, to put in the miles so that your team-mates, for one thing, can find you with a pass. Significantly, this has not always happened.

Back in October at Goodison Park, for example, Jamie Carragher had a right go at Torres when he did not get across to make himself available. Carragher got closed down because he did not have an option and, typically, was not slow to tell the forward where he went wrong.

Liverpool Tipped To Make Sensational Double Dutch Swoop

Liverpool are reportedly in line to launch a double bid for Ajax duo Luis Suarez and Urby Emanuelson.

According to The Telegraph, the Reds have been monitoring both players and now it would appear they could be set to launch a €31 million swoop on the Dutch giants.

Liverpool have consistently been linked with a move for Suarez in recent weeks in their pursuit of more potent goalscoring options.

Earlier this week an Ajax source told Goal.com that Liverpool have been in contact regarding a move for the €23 million Uruguayan striker and - although they have yet to lodge a formal offer - a concrete bid is expected to come imminently.

But Liverpool is expected to have to fight of Spurs for Suarez's signature and the 23-year-old would supposedly favour a move to London.

The source told Goal.com: “Suarez would prefer Tottenham at the moment because he is a family-orientated man with a very young child and he likes the idea of living in London.”

Conversely, €8 million-rated Emanuelson has hardly found himself at the centre of Liverpool speculation during the transfer window, but has reportedly been targeted as a potential replacement for Paul Konchesky.

The Holland international can also play in a more advanced role and would prove a versatile option for Kenny Dalglish in his quest to turn around Liverpool's season.

According to The Mirror, the new Liverpool boss will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Anfield hero Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool Line Up Shock Move For £15m New Gerrard Partner

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring West Ham star Scott Parker.

The 30-year-old has been in sensational form again for the Hammers this season and has consistently been linked with a move away from Upton Park.

Parker has stated that he has no desire to leave West Ham, but it comes as no surprise that he is wanted by a number of clubs - including Tottenham - and The Guardian now reports Liverpool are interested in his signature.

However, Liverpool is expected to have to spend big to bring the former Chelsea midfielder to Anfield, after Spurs were told that they would have to pay £15 million for his services.

“I like Scott Parker but for about £15million and at 30 years old he is not a Tottenham buy," said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

“Daniel [Levy] wouldn’t buy a player of that age. It’s a lot of money and big wages.”

But, according to The Mirror, Kenny Dalglish will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Anfield hero Steven Gerrard.

The new Liverpool boss is thought to have identified Parker as the man to play alongside Gerrard, but whether the Anfield club will launch a bid remains to be seen.

Parker would certainly provide a competent foil for the Liverpool skipper, allowing him greater freedom and the chance to link up with Fernando Torres.

The acquisition of a new striker to play with Torres is also a priority for Liverpool, and they have been linked with moves for Ajax captain Luis Suarez and Roma hotshot Mirko Vucinic.

And, despite Dalglish said to have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates, he has stated that he will allow Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli to look after transfer dealings.

"There is so much demand on a manager's time that it is important to have someone actively organising people, going to see either teams for reports on matches or individual players," said the Liverpool legend.

"I think it is a fantastic help and I don't have a problem with Damien."

Roma Would Consider Selling Mirko Vucinic To Liverpool

Mirko Vucinic is no longer untouchable, as Roma would sell him to Liverpool if budgetary constraints forced a need for immediate cash flow.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports the Italians have never generated much favour for selling the 27-year-old Montenegrin ace, but firm interest from Liverpool, and a need for cash could change their position.

It's no secret the Reds are keen on Vucinic and they see him as an ideal frontman to play off Fernando Torres.

For now Vucinic is seen as stable in the capital, but with Roma's future unknown and linked to a sale from club creditors Unicredit, player exits may be needed in future.

Dalglish Targets Sunderland Skipper To Transform Liverpool's Season

Liverpool is reportedly plotting a shock January move for Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole.

According to the Mirror, the Reds will 'check the situation' of the 22-year-old in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements during the transfer window.

Kenny Dalglish will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

The new Liverpool boss is thought to be keen to add a tough tackling enforcer to the middle of the park and, having gained a reputation as somewhat of a red card specialist, Cattermole would certainly provide that.

A move for Cattermole would appear to be more likely than one for reported target Scott Parker as the former is yet to peak in his career and would have plenty of room to develop at Liverpool.

This criteria was outlined as something of importance by NESV after their acquisition of Liverpool and Damien Comolli has been tasked with identifying potential investments.

The Liverpool director of football strategy is known to be scouting a number of young transfer candidates, with Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Belgian sensation Eden Hazard both linked with moves to Anfield.

Dalglish Warns Ryan Babel He Could Be Punished By Liverpool

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has warned his players about their responsibilities when going on social networking sites like Twitter, and admitted that the club may take action against Ryan Babel for his outburst at referee Howard Webb.

Babel caused controversy after posting a picture of Webb bedecked in a Manchester United shirt following the club's FA Cup defeat to the Red Devils and Tweeted: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH [shaking my head]."

Since then, Babel has accepted an improper conduct charge from the FA, and Dalglish admits the Dutchman could now be sanctioned by the Anfield club too.

"Ryan has to be responsible. If you are going to be on Twitter you have to be responsible," said the Reds boss, according to the Press Association.

"You know the repercussions if you say or do something which is contentious.

"He never drew it [the picture] up, he just forwarded it on.

"I think it was a bit tongue-in-cheek, it wasn't his creation and he has apologized unreservedly to the referee.

"The club will take some action I would have thought and then that should be it for me."

Kenny Happy With Comolli 'Help'

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has backed director of football strategy Damien Comolli and labelled the Frenchman a "fantastic help".

Principal owner John Henry flies in for this weekend's 215th Merseyside derby with a number of issues to address.

He will meet Dalglish for the first time in his official capacity as manager for a second spell after taking over from Roy Hodgson less than a week ago.

Director of football strategy Comolli will be party to some discussions as he and the 59-year-old Scot try to plot a path forward after a disappointing six months.

Comolli will be a key component as he has been in the post since November working on transfer policy and a long-term blueprint.

And despite Dalglish's extensive knowledge of football at many levels, even having been out of management for more than a decade, he is happy to defer to the Frenchman on such matters as he is concentrating on getting things right with the current squad.

"Forget transfers and talk about the position Damien has," said Dalglish.

"There is so much demand on a manager's time that it is important to have someone actively organising people, going to see other teams for reports on matches or individual players.

"Having conversations daily with people in the game and seeing what the movement of players are and then reporting back to the manager so the two of them can make a decision.

"I think it is a fantastic help and I don't have a problem with Damien."

A second successive defeat, at Blackpool in midweek, has made Dalglish's first home game on Sunday against Liverpool's near-neighbours even more significant.

There were few positives to take from the performance at Bloomfield Road but what is encouraging is the effect the manager appears to have already had on Fernando Torres.

The striker has struggled for goals this season but the way in which he took his third-minute strike against the Seasiders was like the Torres of old, racing onto Martin Kelly's through-ball to emphatically fire home from a tight angle.

In that moment the Spain international showed more confidence and intent than he has at any other time this campaign.

That, and a second successive good display from Kelly and a decent performance from Christian Poulsen on his first league appearance for nearly two months, gave something for Dalglish to focus on.

"It was a great goal from Fernando and he was a real positive," said the Scot.

"As was Kelly at right-back and Daniel Agger at centre-back, who felt unwell before the game, but went right through it.

"And Christian Poulsen did well in the middle, passing and moving."

Dalglish now has to get more of his players performing closer to their best as they host Everton on Sunday.

The former Reds player knows the significance of the game, having quit as manager first time around nearly 20 years ago following a 4-4 draw in the FA Cup at Goodison Park after the emotional strain of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster finally took its toll.

"The derby is always a great occasion," said Dalglish.

"Every city which has a derby thinks they have the best one of the lot but ours taking some beating."

Reds Sign Ex-Gunners Starlet

Liverpool have today confirmed that teenager Jason Banton has joined the Academy until the end of the season.

The former Arsenal and Blackburn winger was on trial at the club and was an unused substitute in the Reserves' 2-1 success over Sunderland earlier this week.

Academy director Frank McParland told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Jason has been training with us here at the Academy for the past three to four weeks.

"He's a talented winger who we feel can be a very good player for us.

"It didn't work out for him at Blackburn so we have stepped in and have signed him at least until the end of the season. It's up to him now to show that he has what it takes to wear the red shirt."

Banton, 18, played in the same youth team as Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere.

Kenny Dalglish Targets Four January Buys In Crucial Transfer Window

Kenny Dalglish will ask Liverpool's principal owner, John W Henry, to provide the funds for as many as four January signings in an attempt to rectify the club's desperately disappointing campaign when the pair meet in the next 48 hours.

Though the Scot has offered his squad staunch support in public since he replaced Roy Hodgson at Anfield – insisting after Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Blackpool that the players already at his disposal "look good enough" to move Liverpool away from the relegation zone – he is convinced he must use the transfer window to bolster his resources if he is to have any chance of salvaging the season.

Henry arrived on Merseyside on Thursday to begin a 10-day visit and will doubtless seek talks with his caretaker manager as a matter of urgency. The American can expect the 59 year-old to request that Fenway Sports Group, the club's parent company, makes substantial funds available this month, despite the uncertainty over his position and Liverpool's repeated insistence that January is a "difficult" time to buy.

Dalglish – together with Damien Comolli, the club's director of football strategy – is thought to harbour hopes that as many as four senior reinforcements could be drafted in, with a left-back, a wide player and a striker top of his agenda.

Luis Suarez, the Ajax striker, has emerged as the most likely target for the last of these positions, with the player's club minded to sell him – providing they receive an offer in excess of £18 million. Sources in Holland have confirmed that a bid from Liverpool, who has watched the player intensely over the last few months, is anticipated.

As well as Suarez, the Ajax left-back Urby Emanuelson is believed to be a target, while Lille duo Gervinho and Eden Hazard – both of whom can play either as an orthodox striker or in a wide position – have attracted Liverpool's attention. Moves for Yann M'Vila and Sylvain Marveaux, both of Rennes, are expected to wait until the summer.

Ashley Young, of Aston Villa, and Charles N'Zogbia, the Wigan winger, have also been discussed, though it is feared the former's asking price may prove prohibitive, while the DW Stadium club have received no offers for the latter. Hamburg's Eljero Elia and Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku are also under consideration.

Dalglish's determination to sign a left-back to replace Paul Konchesky may also lead to a return to Anfield for Stephen Warnock, with the club believed to be considering a loan offer with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

What the Scot will seek to learn from Henry, though, is what level of funding is likely to be available, as he admitted on Thursday. "I can always make a request [for money], but it might not always be accepted," said Dalglish. "I have never broached the subject of money being available with the owners. If there is a possibility of someone coming in then we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

FSG has made it clear it will not set a hard and fast transfer budget, preferring to judge each case on its own merit, but with just 17 days of the window remaining, the club cannot afford to waste time. It also remains uncertain as to what extent Dalglish must trim his squad before he seeks additional recruits. FSG is unimpressed with Liverpool's already bloated wage bill and is unlikely to permit its exponential growth simply for short-term gain.

Saleable assets, though, are in short supply at Anfield. Konchesky cannot be sold without dispensation from Fifa as he has already played for two clubs this season, while the wages earned by the likes of Christian Poulsen, Ryan Babel and Milan Jovanovic will make them hard to move on.

Even more pressingly, Dalglish's side, who has been defeated in both of his games in charge, must overcome the small matter of a Merseyside derby. Though Everton would be forgiven for travelling to Anfield in confident mood, Tim Cahill admits "that disharmony can bring you together".

The Australian – who in on international duty at the Asian Cup and will not be playing – is one man Dalglish perhaps should not cite to Henry as he looks for funds to bolster his squad. To Cahill, hard cash is not nearly as effective as heart, particularly amid the heat of a derby.

"In games like this you have to make sure you give everything," said the midfielder, speaking to promote the Tim Cahill Everton Experience, a fund-raising initiative to help the victims of the Queensland floods.

"It's down to your work ethic and spirit. We all know what a great spirit we have at Everton. Over the last six or seven years, at the worst times, when it's not going your way, that spirit is what has brought us through."

Anfield Side Come Up With A Good Way To Kill Two Birds With One Stone.

Damien Comolli is apparently very keen on Liverpool snapping up Dutch winger Eljero Elia and the idea of offering Hamburg some cash as well as the seemingly unneeded wide man Ryan Babel is a clever one and it could well be the type of deal the Bundesliga side accepts.

24 year old former Ajax attacker Babel has spent the past three and a half seasons at the Merseyside club trying to convince Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish that he has what it takes but it seems that his consistently inconsistent displays have left him with no future at the club and perhaps a move to Germany would help reignite a career that is danger of becoming more well known for Ryan’s Twitter Tweets than his questionable ability.

Elia is a similar style of player to Babel but it appears that during his season and a half with Hamburg he has shown a great deal of promise and now that his club have effectively placed a price on his head it would appear that Eljero is very much there for the taking.

Director of Football Comolli and new boss Dalglish will now be looking at how they can attempt to steer the troubled Liverpool shop away from danger and there are a number of passengers they can afford to lose and regardless of the occasionally effective cameo appearance, which actually seems a thing of the past, Babel is eminently losable.

Pavel Pogrebnyak Linked With Summer Switch To Anfield

Liverpool striker target Pavel Pogrebnyak could make a summer move to the Barclays Premier League.

The Russian international has been linked with a number of clubs in recent months, with former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson thought to be one of the interested parties.

New Reds chief Kenny Dalglish is expected to continue the Anfield outfit's interest in the player, although Liverpool are now unlikely to secure a switch this month.

"He will stay here until the end of the season. In summer we will make a decision," player agent Oleg Artemov told the Daily Mail.

"A number of Premier League sides are interested in him. We've received a lot of offers."

Spurs, Everton and Blackburn are also reportedly keen on the player, who has returned to the Stuttgart starting line-up for a Bundesliga relegation battle following the arrival of a new manager.

The former Zenit St. Petersburg player was thought to be considering an exit under the old regime at the German outfit, but the arrival of Bruno Labbadia has led to the striker having a change of heart.

Liverpool are thought to see the 27-year-old attacker as an ideal foil for Fernando Torres, with the player able to take some of the goalscoring and all-round pressure off the club's Spanish star.

New owners NESV have promised the Merseysiders money to spend, and the player's value is not an issue for Liverpool should they wish to move for the player.

Availability is likely to be a key issue for Liverpool, but they could turn to Pogrebnyak if they fail to land a striker in the remaining weeks of the window.

Liverpool Handed Boost In Pursuit Of Sweden Playmaker

Reported Liverpool target Sebastian Larsson has failed to reach an agreement over a move to Newcastle.

The Birmingham midfielder had been widely expected to move to St James' Park during the transfer window, but Blues boss Alex McLeish has revealed a deal is unlikely to happen.

McLeish said: "Newcastle made a bid but I don't think Seb could agree terms so he is still a Birmingham player."

This apparent rejection from the Sweden international will serve as a boost to his other suitors one of whom - according to tribalfootball - is Liverpool.

Liverpool is known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements this month in order to transform their season. The Anfield club is just five points about bottom side West Ham and is in desperate need of more potent goalscoring threats.

Aston Villa winger is Ashley Young is reportedly on the Liverpool radar, as is Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips as speculation mounts that the Reds will spend big in the transfer window.

However, Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli has moved to calm rumours that their will be plenty of new recruits moving to Anfield.

"I will stick to what I said from the beginning: if [Liverpool boss] Kenny Dalglish is not happy with a player we think could make the team better then it's always down to the manager. That hasn't changed," Comolli said at a Liverpool press conference unveiling Dalglish.

"We didn't even have chance to talk about the transfer window yet. We have been working on it with Roy [Hodgson] and the owners but I need to update Kenny on what's going on.

"Will there be some activity? I don't know. I still don't know. It's a very complicated market in January."

Liverpool And Spurs Withdraw Ricky van Wolfswinkel Bids

Ricky van Wolfswinkel's proposed move to Liverpool or Spurs appears to have fallen through after it was revealed he needs surgery to repair a damaged collarbone.

Both English clubs are thought to have been tracking the Dutch playmaker with a view to making a bid for his services this month.

However, any move has been scuppered after he broke his collarbone in a Europa League game last month - coincidentally at Anfield.

He was initially expected to recover with basic physio treatment, but the fact he needs an operation and will not play again this season has put an end to any prospects.

'There have been calls and contacts, but not any concrete offers. Now that is in the past,' said Van Wolfswinkel's agent Louis Laros, who has not ruled out a move to either of the interesting parties in the summer.

'Ricky likes English soccer and Liverpool or Spurs would be very important options,' he added.

Van Wolfswinkel's injury could see Spurs turning their attentions to fellow Dutch league star Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan international, who is also a reported target for Liverpool, has been made available by Ajax for the right price.

Liverpool Plot Summer Swoop For Inter Milan Ace

Liverpool are considering a summer swoop for Inter Milan star Victor Obinna, according to reports in Italy.

The Nigerian international is currently on loan at West Ham and has stated he would like to stay at Upton Park, but his head may be turned if there’s the possibility of a move to Anfield.

The 23-year-old has made just eight appearances for Inter Milan since joining them from Chievo, and the San Siro club is reportedly ready to sell for around £8million.

And that has alerted Liverpool’s newly appointed director of football Damien Comolli.

Obinna would fit the criteria of the club’s new American owners who are keen to recruit young players who would have a re-sale value.

Agger In Talks With Fiorentina

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is reported to be negotiating terms with Fiorentina.

Agger, 26, warned recently that he would look to leave the club if he was not a first-team regular.

There appears little reason for the player to act on that threat - he has made four appearances already in January, starting both games since Kenny Dalglish took charge - but FIFA agent Bernardo Brovarone has claimed he is now discussing a move to Italy.

"The Viola have put forward a contract proposal to Agger, offering him €1.5 million, but he wants €2 million per season," he told Lady Radio. "Now we have to wait and see what Liverpool say about it."

Agger, who joined Liverpool from Brondby in 2006, has also been linked with Tottenham, Arsenal and Juventus.

Jay Ready For First Team Fight

Jay Spearing is looking to fight for a first team place following his return from a serious training ground injury.

The former Academy youngster has been out since December 19 after he cracked a small bone just above his ankle in his fibula during training at Melwood, and is hoping to play a role in Kenny Dalglish's squad as soon as possible.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, Spearing said: "The injury was very frustrating really and it all happened on my own.

"I went to block a shot and my studs got stuck in the ground. I went over and then I heard a crack.

"Obviously we have to get on with these things, the timing of it wasn't the best for me but you just have to pick yourself up and get on with it.

"I feel a lot better now and I've got as game under my belt so I can start fighting for a game and show Kenny what I can do - hopefully at the weekend with the derby coming up."

The midfielder, who Sammy Lee called an infectious character to have around the training ground, captained the reserve side's 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday, which was his first game since picking up the injury.

"Obviously I need to get a few games before I can get back involved with the first team," he added.

"It was a good game. We started off very well and in the first half we played a lot of good football in and around their half. In the second half we seemed to tire a little bit but we kept our shape well and I think we fully deserved a win."

During the seven weeks that Spearing was out, Liverpool found a new manager in the shape of King Kenny Dalglish, and Spearing is very excited about the prospect of playing for such an illustrious figure and indeed his boyhood idol.

He added: "It's a clean slate for everyone, Kenny is our manager now and we have to listen and follow his decisions.

"Everyone has to try and get in his good books and impress.

"He's a massive influence and the stature that he has from his playing days and as a manager is huge. It gives the lads a lot of confidence and it's a big boost to the club all round.

"Kenny always has time for you and it's a great help especially for the local lads. We'll be working off his ideas."

Speaking on Spearing's return from injury, assistant manager Lee said: "He is a good player and it's no surprise to anybody here that he has been a regular member of our squad this season.

"It is great to have him back and he is chomping at the bit to play again."

Ryan Babel Admits Improper Conduct Charge

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has admitted a charge of improper conduct in relation to him posting remarks about, and a picture of, referee Howard Webb on Twitter.

The Holland international has requested a personal hearing and that will take place next Monday, 17 January.

After Sunday's FA Cup exit at Manchester United, where Liverpool conceded a controversial first-minute penalty and had captain Steven Gerrard sent off, Babel posted a mocked-up picture of Webb wearing a United shirt.

He also wrote: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH (shaking my head]."

Liverpool A Right Shower After Blackpool Loss

Liverpool’s miserable night at Blackpool ended with a cold shower!

The Reds trooped off the pitch following their shock defeat to discover the Bloomfield Road boiler had broken down.

So, after the indignity of being beaten by the Tangerines for a second time this season, they faced a freezing shower before heading home.

"That is the third time it has happened," said Blackpool boss Ian Holloway. "My lads were embarrassed and freezing again themselves. Cold showers!’’

Holloway vowed Manchester United can expect steamy scenes when they travel to the coast for their rearranged fixture on February 25, as he has persuaded chairman Karl Oyston to fork out for a new boiler that should be installed next week.

"We have managed to talk him into buying the right type of boiler now, that won’t break down," he said.

"He has told me that he will do, but he wouldn’t sanction it the other week.’’

Match Report: Blackpool 2 - 1 Liverpool

The manager and the year may have changed but Liverpool's problems away from home continued as Kenny Dalglish's first Barclays Premier League match since returning as boss ended in defeat at Blackpool.

Liverpool's troubles on the road contributed to the departure of Roy Hodgson last weekend but the Seasiders showed October's win by the same score at Anfield was no fluke.

Fernando Torres had given Dalglish the ideal start with a third-minute strike but goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher and DJ Campbell extended Liverpool's miserable away league record to just two victories in almost 13 months.

It was not the start the 59-year-old Scot was expecting on his return to the top flight after more than 12 years away.

Dalglish said when he took over at the weekend he did not think the game had altered much.

However, when he was last in charge of Liverpool almost 20 years ago, Blackpool were in the old Fourth Division and the times are changing as Blackpool secured their first league double over Liverpool since 1947.

It had all begun so well for the visitors, looking to bounce back from Sunday's FA Cup exit at Manchester United.

After that game Dalglish had promised to get Torres back to his best after a laboured season and he was true to his word as the Spaniard struck in double-quick time from the kick-off.

And the goal came from another of the manager's tactical decisions, which saw the returning Glen Johnson, whose partner gave birth to a boy last night, lined up in an unfamiliar left-back position after Martin Kelly's impressive display against United.

Dalglish was rewarded for keeping faith with youngster Kelly as he set up the opening goal.

When Dirk Kuyt span the ball out to the defender he advanced over the halfway line before rolling a pass into the inside-right channel.

Torres did not need a second invitation, racing into the area and even from a tight angle he was able to fire a ferocious shot past Richard Kingson and into the roof of the net.

It was only the Spain international's second goal in his last nine matches and just his seventh of the season.

The visitors' joy lasted only until the 12th minute, however, as when Raul Meireles carelessly gave the ball away to David Vaughan in midfield he played in Taylor-Fletcher to exact the ultimate punishment by running through the defence to roll a shot under Jose Reina.

All the players then ran to the touchline to hold up a T-shirt with the words '4 Butch you Bluenose RIP' - a reference to Macclesfield player Richard Butcher who died suddenly this week.

Blackpool had the better chances in the remainder of the half, with Campbell heading wide from five yards and Taylor-Fletcher almost catching out Reina with a lob from the right wing after the goalkeeper duffed his kick.

The home side stepped up the pressure after the break with Charlie Adam's left-footed drive beaten away by Reina, who then tipped over Vaughan's shot.

Liverpool almost produced an eye-catching response when Milan Jovanovic's left-wing cross to the far post saw Torres volley well over, with the Spaniard also forcing a low save from Kingson this time from the left of the area.

Meireles then cut in from the right to hit a left-footed shot wide while Kuyt's low effort forced Kingson to save at the expense of a corner.

With 21 minutes remaining the Seasiders struck the killer blow when Ian Evatt beat Martin Skrtel to Eardley's deep cross and Campbell headed home.

Meireles' header from Torres' cross at the other end was not as accurate and dropped just over the crossbar.

Liverpool could have had a penalty in the 79th minute when the ball hit Craig Cathcart's arm, which was raised well above his head, but referee Michael Oliver blew for a foul by Torres.

The Reds have now lost 10 of their 21 league matches and eight out of 11 on the road.

If Dalglish wants the job on a permanent basis he will have to find a way of eliminating results such as this.