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When I started as the Echo's Liverpool FC correspondent in early 2011 the club was in a mess.

The iconic figure of Kenny Dalglish had just been tasked with lifting the Reds off their knees after the disastrous shortlived reign of Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool were playing catch-up – both on and off the pitch – after the divisive and highly damaging ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Eight-and-a-half years on, I'm leaving to pursue a new challenge with the Reds sitting pretty as Kings of Europe. It's been an incredible journey.

When I first joined the Echo's sports desk back in the summer of 2005, it was always my dream to cover the Reds. I'd grown up idolising the likes of Dalglish, Ian Rush, John Aldridge and Jan Molby.

I was fortunate enough to learn a great deal from working with Liverpool reporters of the calibre of Chris Bascombe, Tony Barrett and Dominic King before being given the opportunity to step into their shoes.

It's been a privilege to follow Liverpool across the world for most of the past decade.

When you are present to witness 95,000 fans sing a spine-tingling rendition of You'll Never Walk in the Melbourne Cricket Ground or feel the raw passion of 80,000 in Jakarta, it really opens your eyes to the unique global appeal of the Reds.

From Luis Suarez's antics to the spellbinding magic of Mohamed Salah, there's rarely been a dull day in the job. The rise of social media and the switch from being print based to satisfying online demands, added new dimensions to the role.

I've reported on some amazing feats and been lucky enough to speak with so many inspirational figures.

First there was the Dalglish-fuelled resurgence which put smiles back on Kopites' faces and led Liverpool to League Cup glory at Wembley in 2012.

Owners Fenway Sports Group then went in a different direction in search of the riches available from qualifying for the Champions League.

In Brendan Rodgers, they appointed a young manager who was tasked with off-loading overpaid under-achievers and signing largely untapped potential.

Liverpool simply weren't in a position to compete at the top end of the transfer market back then so they had to find a different way to succeed.

Rodgers proved himself to be an excellent coach. The fact that some still dismiss the thrilling Premier League title challenge of 2013/14 as simply down to Suarez is grossly unfair.

The Northern Irishman certainly made some mistakes along the way. Defensive frailties ultimately proved costly but his brand of attacking football was great to watch.

Rodgers got Daniel Sturridge producing the best form of his career, helped Raheem Sterling break through and reinvented Steven Gerrard as a holding midfielder.

After that agonising near miss, of course his reign went swiftly downhill. Friction between him and the transfer committee didn't help.

Trust was an issue. Rodgers felt they didn't back his judgement enough at times. But would Liverpool really have been better off with the likes of Clint Dempsey and Ashley Williams on board?

The summer of 2014 was painful to cover as the Reds made a hash of replacing Suarez. Signing Mario Balotelli in his place was akin to swapping a Porsche for a Reliant Robin.

The lowest point was undoubtedly the 6-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the 2014/15 season. Gerrard, the most complete player I've had the honour to write about, didn't deserve to be a part of that shambles after such a stellar career.

Rodgers limped on but when Jurgen Klopp indicated to FSG early the following campaign that he was willing to cut short his sabbatical, it was a no-brainer for the owners.

With so much euphoria surrounding Klopp's appointment, it was difficult to see how he could possibly live up to expectations. After all a major overhaul was required.

However, the biggest tribute you can pay the German is that he's proved to be everything Kopites thought they were getting and more.

The progress he has masterminded since October 2015 has been constant and startling. His passion, his empathy, his honesty and his knowledge make him the perfect fit for Liverpool.

He energised both the dressing room and the fanbase. He has a truly special ability to get the very best out of everyone he works alongside.

The improvement across all areas has been huge. They avoid the limelight but the contribution of FSG president Mike Gordon and sporting director Michael Edwards has been massive.

Recruitment in recent years has been so good that Liverpool are now the model that other top clubs seek to emulate.

With their business acumen, FSG have ensured that the Reds are in a position of strength both on and off the field.

Finally on that magical night in Madrid last month, Klopp had something tangible to show for all that hard graft.

The pain of those three major final defeats and coming up just short to Manchester City in the title race was washed away.

It would have been a travesty if a squad which delivered a season of such breathtaking brilliance had finished empty-handed.

Liverpool's inactivity in the transfer market so far this summer is a sign of strength rather than weakness. The pool of players available who could realistically improve what they have already got is small.

Madrid is just the start for Klopp's “mentality monsters”. It wasn't a glorious one-off. This Liverpool team are only going to get better.

Star names are all signed up for the long-term and have yet to reach their peak.

Klopp has made Anfield a final destination for elite talent rather than a stepping stone to the Spanish giants.

To be able to say I wrote the Echo's match report when Liverpool lifted the European Cup for the sixth time is something I'll cherish forever.

Doubters to believers to sky-high achievers. What a way to sign off. It was a night of pure ecstasy.

The future for Liverpool is so bright. Whoever steps into my shoes will be very lucky. They will be embarking on some ride.