Kenny Dalglish joined his former team as director of football last year in the blaze of glory but he exited the club yesterday in a whimper. When Celtic appointed Martin O'Neill as manager he made it clear that he would not answer to Dalglish on footballing matters and this left the club with no other choice but to axe Kenny.

The deed was finally done last night when the club terminated Dalglish's contract. A Celtic statement said: "The board of directors of Celtic plc announce that the contract of Kenny Dalglish, director of football operations, has been terminated."

Dalglish is now considering legal action for wrongful dismissal. He said: "I feel empty. They have announced this without telling me. I am going to speak to my solicitor. The most important thing now is for Kenny Dalglish to look after Kenny Dalglish.

"I made a contribution to the club and I had more of a contribution to make. This has been the first day back for all the players and it should be a day when there is a great atmosphere. Instead there is this."

"I will try not to join in the mudslinging which is so often part of the club. I will try to continue to conduct myself with dignity and in a proper way. But I believe I could work with Martin O'Neill."