Kenny Dalglish has officially parted company with Liverpool. King Kenny, adored by the fans was unable to impress the owners and the Scot could not save his job during talks which took place in Boston on Monday. Rumours had circulated yesterday that Dalglish had left the club but with no confirmation it was mere speculation at that point. An official statement has since confirmed the news.

"After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. 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."

The Scot took charge at Anfield for his second term following current England manager, Roy Hodgson's termination last January. However, Dalglish has been unable to return the club to the heights of his first reign. A host of signings with hefty price tags including Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Sebastian Coates, Luis Suarez and Jose Enrique cost, first Damien Comolli, and now Dalglish, their jobs.

Suarez is perhaps the sole signing under the Comolli/Dalglish reign to offer consistent on-field performances but brought the club into disrepute due to his clash with Patrice Evra. Dalglish came out of the affair looking highly undignified and in addition to the club's poor league position of 8th Dalglish's untouchable reputation at Anfield was lost.

The fans were appeased by their former number seven's appointment following Roy Hodgson's rather humble tenure and the owners again find themselves in the unfavourable position of having to pander to the supporters. Rafa Benitez who led the club to Champions League glory is amongst those at the top of the next manager market but Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is the current favourite following his side's excellent end to the season - including victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

It is questionable whether Martinez's appointment would go down well with the fans. Others in the fray are Brendan Rodgers and Paul Lambert who both enjoyed successful maiden seasons in the Premier League whilst ex-Chelsea managers Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Andre Villas-Boas are in the mix. Former Barcelona managers Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola could also enter the running. See the full betting below.