Kenny Dalglish 'flattered' by fans' calls for knighthood Published duration 16 April 2011

image caption Kenny Dalglish became Liverpool manager for a second time in January

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has said he is flattered relatives of those killed in the Hillsborough disaster want him to be awarded a knighthood.

Families of those fans killed in the tragedy asked Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotherham to put down an Early Day Motion requesting the honour.

Ninety-six fans died in the crush at Sheffield Wednesday's ground in 1989.

Dalglish earned gratitude and respect for the way he represented the city and club in the aftermath of the tragedy.

He was in his first spell as the club's manager for the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.

'Out of my control'

Dalglish, now 60, attended many funerals in person and remains emotionally involved.

He said: "It is very flattering but I just go about my work, do the best I can.

"If somebody wants to do things that are outside my control that is up to them, but it is very flattering.

"But I don't think I will get carried away with it."

image caption Fans held a minute's silence at 1506 BST, the exact time the game was abandoned 22 years ago

Dalglish resigned as manager in 1991, and later admitted the stresses associated with Hillsborough had taken a heavy toll.

He returned to Anfield as manager in January, following the departure of Roy Hodgson.

He attended a memorial service at Anfield on Friday during which Mr Rotherham - the city's former Lord Mayor - told a crowd of thousands of the families' request.

All players on the club's books and many former Reds stars also attended the service for the 22nd anniversary.

Dalglish said: "It was very poignant.

"Everybody that has some feeling for Liverpool Football Club realises the importance of yesterday's day and the service.

"Every single person from the football side of the club were there, the Academy lads were all there for the first time, which was brilliant.

"You tend to forget that it was 22 years ago and some of them weren't born then."

He added: "It is fantastic to see the progress they are making in their quest for some form of justice and I just hope they get it.

"We want to make sure they get what they deserve and I don't think they have had what they deserve so far."