Liverpool chairman Tom Werner told the club’s website: “We recognise this won’t sit comfortably with Kenny’s default position of humility and self-deprecation. But as we approach the club’s 125th anniversary year, now is the right time in the club’s illustrious history to leave this legacy.

“He and his family should know the privilege and honour is all ours – his name means so much to so many and its prominence at Anfield will enrich an already prestigious sporting cathedral.

“For decades he has served the club and the city, with the steadfast attitude that the collective always comes ahead of the individual.

“This announcement isn’t about singling him out – it’s about recognising that his name embodies values we all strive to honour and his name represents all that we are proud of when identifying ourselves as Liverpool Football Club.”