Kay was regarded as a deep thinker, and set about rebuilding the Liverpool team with several key signing, including the legendary Billy Liddell, who would go on to be classed as the greatest ever Liverpool player.  Kay was also responsible for signing a young Bob Paisley and Bishop Auckland, who would both go on to have great careers at Liverpool.

Sadly for Kay and the club, his managerial reign was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, and it was not until 1946 that he got to show his true talent.

During the 46-47 season Kay guided Liverpool to a unique quadruple, winning the League, Liverpool Senior Cup and two other local cups.  This unprecedented success was largely due to the way Kay prepared the team, by taking them on a tour of the USA.  During the tour the club played 10 games in a month, feasted on un-rationed food and built up a physical and mental strength that would see the team through to the end of the season.

Unfortunately, Kay's health would soon start to deteriorate, causing him to resign from his position in 1956.  He died a premature death in 1965.