http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/getFeed.kickAction?quantity=25 New blogs from Markp on The Kop Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:59:10 GMT Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:59:10 GMT reportedposts@liverpoolfc.tv (lfcAdmin) reportedposts@liverpoolfc.tv (lfcAdmin) KickApps Feed Builder 2013-03-12T09:59:10Z 15 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=173471&sortType=recent&tags=null 0 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-six/blog/6515932/173471.html Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the sixth of our 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’... 70.   Dave Ashworth (Manager 1919-22) As the man who guided the club to its third League title triumph in 1921/22 Dave Ashworth is fully deserving of his place in Anfield’s managerial hall of fame yet his Liverpool epitaph remains a case of ‘what might have been.’ A former referee, Irish-born Ashworth was recruited after impressing as a coach with Stockport County. Commonly known as ‘Little Dave’ in reference to his small stature, he inherited a promising group of players at Anfield and, with a bit of fine-tuning, which included the shrewd acquisition of Fred Hopkin, molded them into champions. It was a team that is still regarded as one of the best in Liverpool history but midway through following season, with them on course to retain their crown, he dropped a bombshell of epic proportions when announcing that he would be relinquishing his position at Anfield to take up a similar role with relegation-threatened Oldham Athletic, bring an abrupt end to short but successful managerial reign.   69.   Ronnie Whelan (Player 1979-94) During a distinguished 15-year association with the club Ronnie Whelan netted some of Liverpool’s most important and spectacular goals, while, at the same time, performing an influential role for the team that was often overlooked by those on the outside. He first shot to prominence as 'the Milk Cup kid' in the early eighties, courtesy of his match-winning performances in successive final victories over Tottenham and Manchester United. A cultured left-sided midfielder who later moved into a more central role, he was tenacious in the tackle and possessed an impressive range of passing. Always a man for the big occasion, he remained a consistent performer as trophy after trophy returned to the Anfield sideboard. Highly valued by the Liverpool management, he took over the captaincy from Alan Hansen in 1989 and famously lifted the FA Cup at Wembley the same year, finally receiving the kind of acclaim that had previously been heaped on his more famous team-mate.   68.   Harry Chambers (Player 1915-28) With his bandy-legged gait and hefty frame Harry Chambers was one of the most unlikely Liverpool goalscoring heroes. Looks can be deceptive though and ‘Smiler’, as he was commonly known by team-mates and fans alike, is right up there with the best of them when it comes to hitting the back of the net on a regular basis. There can no underestimating the importance of the goals he scored in a red shirt and his shooting prowess was instrumental in the club winning back-to-back League Championships in the early twenties. A native of the north-east, Chambers signed for Liverpool from North Shields Athletic in April 1915 shortly before the suspension of competitive football due to the outbreak of the World War One. It would be over four years before he made his debut but once league action resumed it didn’t take the Geordie inside-forward long to make his mark, scoring on his official Liverpool bow and going on to establish himself as the undisputed goal king of Anfield in the immediate post-war years.   67.   Brian Hall – (Player 1968-76 & Head of Public Relations 1991-2011 ) A fine club servant in more ways than one, Brian Hall’s loyalty to the Liverpool cause knew no bounds. A university graduate who initially signed professional forms for the club in 1968, his diminutive frame and academic background famously earned him the nickname  'Little Bamber'. Small in stature but possessing the heart of a lion, he was a terrier-like midfielder whose stamina and sheer hard work made him a valuable asset in Bill Shankly's second great team. A member of the squad that tasted League Championship and UEFA Cup success in 1973, he memorably netted in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton at Old Trafford two year before and missed just one game during the unforgettable cup run of ‘74, scoring the crucial opener in the semi-final replay victory over Leicester. He eventually lost his place in the side halfway through the 1975/76 season but that didn’t diminish his love for Liverpool and when he later returned as head of public relations he proved himself to be a leading light in this field and the perfect club ambassador.   66.   Kevin Lewis  (Player 1960-63) An unsung hero in Liverpool’s momentous promotion-winning campaign of 1961/62, Kevin Lewis scored arguably two of the most important goals in Anfield history. Signed from Sheffield United for a then joint club record fee, Lewis was a fast and tricky winger who could also operate as an inside-forward. He possessed a keen eye for goal; scoring on his debut and finishing that first season as the club’s top scorer. His best was yet to come though and in April 1962, with Liverpool requiring a win to seal a long-awaited top-flight return, Lewis netted twice in a famous 2-0 win over Southampton to spark wild celebrations throughout the red half of the city. He followed that up by scoring the club’s first goal back in Division One but a combination of injury and fierce competition for places soon brought his Anfield career to a premature end but an impressive strike rate of 44 goals in 81 games, including the aforementioned two that remain highly cherished to this day, meant he could move on with his head held extremely high.   65.   Arthur Riley (Player 1925-39) A safe and sound South African goalkeeper, Arthur Riley made history as the club’s first overseas player. He was signed in August 1925, a year after starring for a touring Springbok side in a friendly at Anfield, and initially served as understudy to the great Elisha Scott. Renowned for his courage and agility, Riley eventually displaced Scott and proved himself a more than worthy of filling those illustrious gloves. His reign as Liverpool number one though unfortunately coincided with too many heavy defeats and a long barren spell in terms of success. Yet without him between the sticks Liverpool’s plight could have been so much worse, with one save in particular – away at Sheffield Wednesday in 1934 - proving decisive in the battle to beat the drop. His importance to the team was appreciated by both the fans and the local press, who very rarely blamed him for a defeat in any of the 388 games he played for the club.   64.   Sami Hyypia (Player 1999-2009) The defensive rock upon which Liverpool’s trophy triumphs of the noughties were built, Sami Hyypia must be regarded as one of the club’s most inspired signings. A virtual unknown when bought from Dutch outfit Willem II, Hyypia was instrumental in helping shore up a previously much-maligned defence. A great reader of the game who was strong in the air, calm under pressure and firm in the tackle, the towering 6ft 3in Finn became widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe during his decade with the Reds. In 2001 he was the stand-in captain as Liverpool completed an unprecedented cup treble with thrilling victories over Arsenal in the FA Cup Final and Alaves in the UEFA equivalent. To complete a memorable few months he then skippered the side to success in the Charity Shield and Super Cup, before being given the armband on a permanent basis the following year. A Champions League winner in 2005 he was always held in the highest esteem by the fans and remains one of the most decorated Liverpool players of recent times.   63.   Ray Kennedy (Player 1974-82) Of all the great players to have pulled on the red shirt during the glory-laden Anfield managerial reign of Bob Paisley none attracted more transfer enquiries from rival clubs than Ray Kennedy. An immensely gifted, if slightly unsung, left-sided midfielder, Kennedy's contribution to Liverpool's success of this time was priceless. His arrival from Arsenal, for a then club record fee of £180,000 during the summer of 1974 went almost unnoticed amid the sensational resignation of Bill Shankly on the same day. Originally a centre-forward, it wasn’t until he dropped back into a more deep-lying position that his talent fully blossomed on Merseyside. Powerful, skilful and with the ability to find the back of the net at crucial times, Kennedy’s reputation soared as Liverpool went from strength to strength at home and abroad. With the build of a heavyweight boxer, he could also pack a punch, adding an extra touch of steel to a midfield quartet that is still genuinely regarded as the finest in Anfield history.   62.   Gerry Marsden (Singer) The lead singer of popular Merseybeat group of the sixties ‘Gerry and the Pacemakers’, Marsden ’s third number one hit single ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was adopted by the Kop in 1963 and has since become famous throughout the world as the undisputed anthem of Liverpool Football Club. A lifelong Liverpool fan who was born in Toxteth, Marsden’s vocals have been heard at Anfield at almost every single home game since the song’s release. When played over the Anfield tannoy system just prior to kick-off, his spine-tingling rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is the cue for the fans on the Kop to let the team know they are with them every step of the way. It’s a song that has come to symbolise so much down the years and at the FA Cup Final in 1989 a highly emotional Marsden performed it at Wembley in honour of those supporters who had lost their lives at Hillsborough the previous month.   61.   Bruce Grobbelaar (Player 1981-94) From handstands at Wembley to spaghetti legs in Rome, Bruce Grobbelaar was an eccentric goalkeeper who would have you tearing your hair out in frustration one minute and jumping with joy the next. A former soldier in the Rhodesian army his ability to pull off saves of the highest quality played a major role in Liverpool remaining at the forefront of the chase for honours throughout the eighties. His antics on the line in the 1984 European Cup Final penalty shoot-out against AS Roma will forever live in the memory, while his stunning ‘kangaroo leap’ save from Graeme Sharp in the 1986 FA Cup Final has since passed into legend. One of the most flamboyant characters to have ever played the game, his goalkeeping style may, at times, have been a little unorthodox but there can be no doubt that he helped put the fun back into football and trophies in the Anfield cabinet. Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the sixth of our 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’... 70.   Dave Ashworth (Manager 1919-22) As the man who guided the club to its third League title triumph in 1921/22 Dave Ashworth is fully deserving of his place in Anfield’s managerial hall of fame yet his Liverpool epitaph remains a case of ‘what might have been.’ A former referee, Irish-born Ashworth was recruited after impressing as a coach with Stockport County. Commonly known as ‘Little Dave’ in reference to his small stature, he inherited a promising group of players at Anfield and, with a bit of fine-tuning, which included the shrewd acquisition of Fred Hopkin, molded them into champions. It was a team that is still regarded as one of the best in Liverpool history but midway through following season, with them on course to retain their crown, he dropped a bombshell of epic proportions when announcing that he would be relinquishing his position at Anfield to take up a similar role with relegation-threatened Oldham Athletic, bring an abrupt end to short but successful managerial reign.   69.   Ronnie Whelan (Player 1979-94) During a distinguished 15-year association with the club Ronnie Whelan netted some of Liverpool’s most important and spectacular goals, while, at the same time, performing an influential role for the team that was often overlooked by those on the outside. He first shot to prominence as 'the Milk Cup kid' in the early eighties, courtesy of his match-winning performances in successive final victories over Tottenham and Manchester United. A cultured left-sided midfielder who later moved into a more central role, he was tenacious in the tackle and possessed an impressive range of passing. Always a man for the big occasion, he remained a consistent performer as trophy after trophy returned to the Anfield sideboard. Highly valued by the Liverpool management, he took over the captaincy from Alan Hansen in 1989 and famously lifted the FA Cup at Wembley the same year, finally receiving the kind of acclaim that had previously been heaped on his more famous team-mate.   68.   Harry Chambers (Player 1915-28) With his bandy-legged gait and hefty frame Harry Chambers was one of the most unlikely Liverpool goalscoring heroes. Looks can be deceptive though and ‘Smiler’, as he was commonly known by team-mates and fans alike, is right up there with the best of them when it comes to hitting the back of the net on a regular basis. There can no underestimating the importance of the goals he scored in a red shirt and his shooting prowess was instrumental in the club winning back-to-back League Championships in the early twenties. A native of the north-east, Chambers signed for Liverpool from North Shields Athletic in April 1915 shortly before the suspension of competitive football due to the outbreak of the World War One. It would be over four years before he made his debut but once league action resumed it didn’t take the Geordie inside-forward long to make his mark, scoring on his official Liverpool bow and going on to establish himself as the undisputed goal king of Anfield in the immediate post-war years.   67.   Brian Hall – (Player 1968-76 & Head of Public Relations 1991-2011 ) A fine club servant in more ways than one, Brian Hall’s loyalty to the Liverpool cause knew no bounds. A university graduate who initially signed professional forms for the club in 1968, his diminutive frame and academic background famously earned him the nickname  'Little Bamber'. Small in stature but possessing the heart of a lion, he was a terrier-like midfielder whose stamina and sheer hard work made him a valuable asset in Bill Shankly's second great team. A member of the squad that tasted League Championship and UEFA Cup success in 1973, he memorably netted in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton at Old Trafford two year before and missed just one game during the unforgettable cup run of ‘74, scoring the crucial opener in the semi-final replay victory over Leicester. He eventually lost his place in the side halfway through the 1975/76 season but that didn’t diminish his love for Liverpool and when he later returned as head of public relations he proved himself to be a leading light in this field and the perfect club ambassador.   66.   Kevin Lewis  (Player 1960-63) An unsung hero in Liverpool’s momentous promotion-winning campaign of 1961/62, Kevin Lewis scored arguably two of the most important goals in Anfield history. Signed from Sheffield United for a then joint club record fee, Lewis was a fast and tricky winger who could also operate as an inside-forward. He possessed a keen eye for goal; scoring on his debut and finishing that first season as the club’s top scorer. His best was yet to come though and in April 1962, with Liverpool requiring a win to seal a long-awaited top-flight return, Lewis netted twice in a famous 2-0 win over Southampton to spark wild celebrations throughout the red half of the city. He followed that up by scoring the club’s first goal back in Division One but a combination of injury and fierce competition for places soon brought his Anfield career to a premature end but an impressive strike rate of 44 goals in 81 games, including the aforementioned two that remain highly cherished to this day, meant he could move on with his head held extremely high.   65.   Arthur Riley (Player 1925-39) A safe and sound South African goalkeeper, Arthur Riley made history as the club’s first overseas player. He was signed in August 1925, a year after starring for a touring Springbok side in a friendly at Anfield, and initially served as understudy to the great Elisha Scott. Renowned for his courage and agility, Riley eventually displaced Scott and proved himself a more than worthy of filling those illustrious gloves. His reign as Liverpool number one though unfortunately coincided with too many heavy defeats and a long barren spell in terms of success. Yet without him between the sticks Liverpool’s plight could have been so much worse, with one save in particular – away at Sheffield Wednesday in 1934 - proving decisive in the battle to beat the drop. His importance to the team was appreciated by both the fans and the local press, who very rarely blamed him for a defeat in any of the 388 games he played for the club.   64.   Sami Hyypia (Player 1999-2009) The defensive rock upon which Liverpool’s trophy triumphs of the noughties were built, Sami Hyypia must be regarded as one of the club’s most inspired signings. A virtual unknown when bought from Dutch outfit Willem II, Hyypia was instrumental in helping shore up a previously much-maligned defence. A great reader of the game who was strong in the air, calm under pressure and firm in the tackle, the towering 6ft 3in Finn became widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe during his decade with the Reds. In 2001 he was the stand-in captain as Liverpool completed an unprecedented cup treble with thrilling victories over Arsenal in the FA Cup Final and Alaves in the UEFA equivalent. To complete a memorable few months he then skippered the side to success in the Charity Shield and Super Cup, before being given the armband on a permanent basis the following year. A Champions League winner in 2005 he was always held in the highest esteem by the fans and remains one of the most decorated Liverpool players of recent times.   63.   Ray Kennedy (Player 1974-82) Of all the great players to have pulled on the red shirt during the glory-laden Anfield managerial reign of Bob Paisley none attracted more transfer enquiries from rival clubs than Ray Kennedy. An immensely gifted, if slightly unsung, left-sided midfielder, Kennedy's contribution to Liverpool's success of this time was priceless. His arrival from Arsenal, for a then club record fee of £180,000 during the summer of 1974 went almost unnoticed amid the sensational resignation of Bill Shankly on the same day. Originally a centre-forward, it wasn’t until he dropped back into a more deep-lying position that his talent fully blossomed on Merseyside. Powerful, skilful and with the ability to find the back of the net at crucial times, Kennedy’s reputation soared as Liverpool went from strength to strength at home and abroad. With the build of a heavyweight boxer, he could also pack a punch, adding an extra touch of steel to a midfield quartet that is still genuinely regarded as the finest in Anfield history.   62.   Gerry Marsden (Singer) The lead singer of popular Merseybeat group of the sixties ‘Gerry and the Pacemakers’, Marsden ’s third number one hit single ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was adopted by the Kop in 1963 and has since become famous throughout the world as the undisputed anthem of Liverpool Football Club. A lifelong Liverpool fan who was born in Toxteth, Marsden’s vocals have been heard at Anfield at almost every single home game since the song’s release. When played over the Anfield tannoy system just prior to kick-off, his spine-tingling rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is the cue for the fans on the Kop to let the team know they are with them every step of the way. It’s a song that has come to symbolise so much down the years and at the FA Cup Final in 1989 a highly emotional Marsden performed it at Wembley in honour of those supporters who had lost their lives at Hillsborough the previous month.   61.   Bruce Grobbelaar (Player 1981-94) From handstands at Wembley to spaghetti legs in Rome, Bruce Grobbelaar was an eccentric goalkeeper who would have you tearing your hair out in frustration one minute and jumping with joy the next. A former soldier in the Rhodesian army his ability to pull off saves of the highest quality played a major role in Liverpool remaining at the forefront of the chase for honours throughout the eighties. His antics on the line in the 1984 European Cup Final penalty shoot-out against AS Roma will forever live in the memory, while his stunning ‘kangaroo leap’ save from Graeme Sharp in the 1986 FA Cup Final has since passed into legend. One of the most flamboyant characters to have ever played the game, his goalkeeping style may, at times, have been a little unorthodox but there can be no doubt that he helped put the fun back into football and trophies in the Anfield cabinet. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:59:10 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-six/blog/6515932/173471.html Markp 2013-03-12T09:59:10Z The Kop Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the sixth of our 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’... 70.   Dave Ashworth (Manager 1919-22) As the man who guided the club to its third League title triumph in 1921/22 Dave Ashworth is fully deserving of his place in Anfield’s managerial hall of fame yet his Liverpool epitaph remains a case of ‘what might have been.’ A former referee, Irish-born Ashworth was recruited after impressing as a coach with Stockport County. Commonly known as ‘Little Dave’ in reference to his small stature, he inherited a promising group of players at Anfield and, with a bit of fine-tuning, which included the shrewd acquisition of Fred Hopkin, molded them into champions. It was a team that is still regarded as one of the best in Liverpool history but midway through following season, with them on course to retain their crown, he dropped a bombshell of epic proportions when announcing that he would be relinquishing his position at Anfield to take up a similar role with relegation-threatened Oldham Athletic, bring an abrupt end to short but successful managerial reign.   69.   Ronnie Whelan (Player 1979-94) During a distinguished 15-year association with the club Ronnie Whelan netted some of Liverpool’s most important and spectacular goals, while, at the same time, performing an influential role for the team that was often overlooked by those on the outside. He first shot to prominence as 'the Milk Cup kid' in the early eighties, courtesy of his match-winning performances in successive final victories over Tottenham and Manchester United. A cultured left-sided midfielder who later moved into a more central role, he was tenacious in the tackle and possessed an impressive range of passing. Always a man for the big occasion, he remained a consistent performer as trophy after trophy returned to the Anfield sideboard. Highly valued by the Liverpool management, he took over the captaincy from Alan Hansen in 1989 and famously lifted the FA Cup at Wembley the same year, finally receiving the kind of acclaim that had previously been heaped on his more famous team-mate.   68.   Harry Chambers (Player 1915-28) With his bandy-legged gait and hefty frame Harry Chambers was one of the most unlikely Liverpool goalscoring heroes. Looks can be deceptive though and ‘Smiler’, as he was commonly known by team-mates and fans alike, is right up there with the best of them when it comes to hitting the back of the net on a regular basis. There can no underestimating the importance of the goals he scored in a red shirt and his shooting prowess was instrumental in the club winning back-to-back League Championships in the early twenties. A native of the north-east, Chambers signed for Liverpool from North Shields Athletic in April 1915 shortly before the suspension of competitive football due to the outbreak of the World War One. It would be over four years before he made his debut but once league action resumed it didn’t take the Geordie inside-forward long to make his mark, scoring on his official Liverpool bow and going on to establish himself as the undisputed goal king of Anfield in the immediate post-war years.   67.   Brian Hall – (Player 1968-76 & Head of Public Relations 1991-2011 ) A fine club servant in more ways than one, Brian Hall’s loyalty to the Liverpool cause knew no bounds. A university graduate who initially signed professional forms for the club in 1968, his diminutive frame and academic background famously earned him the nickname  'Little Bamber'. Small in stature but possessing the heart of a lion, he was a terrier-like midfielder whose stamina and sheer hard work made him a valuable asset in Bill Shankly's second great team. A member of the squad that tasted League Championship and UEFA Cup success in 1973, he memorably netted in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton at Old Trafford two year before and missed just one game during the unforgettable cup run of ‘74, scoring the crucial opener in the semi-final replay victory over Leicester. He eventually lost his place in the side halfway through the 1975/76 season but that didn’t diminish his love for Liverpool and when he later returned as head of public relations he proved himself to be a leading light in this field and the perfect club ambassador.   66.   Kevin Lewis  (Player 1960-63) An unsung hero in Liverpool’s momentous promotion-winning campaign of 1961/62, Kevin Lewis scored arguably two of the most important goals in Anfield history. Signed from Sheffield United for a then joint club record fee, Lewis was a fast and tricky winger who could also operate as an inside-forward. He possessed a keen eye for goal; scoring on his debut and finishing that first season as the club’s top scorer. His best was yet to come though and in April 1962, with Liverpool requiring a win to seal a long-awaited top-flight return, Lewis netted twice in a famous 2-0 win over Southampton to spark wild celebrations throughout the red half of the city. He followed that up by scoring the club’s first goal back in Division One but a combination of injury and fierce competition for places soon brought his Anfield career to a premature end but an impressive strike rate of 44 goals in 81 games, including the aforementioned two that remain highly cherished to this day, meant he could move on with his head held extremely high.   65.   Arthur Riley (Player 1925-39) A safe and sound South African goalkeeper, Arthur Riley made history as the club’s first overseas player. He was signed in August 1925, a year after starring for a touring Springbok side in a friendly at Anfield, and initially served as understudy to the great Elisha Scott. Renowned for his courage and agility, Riley eventually displaced Scott and proved himself a more than worthy of filling those illustrious gloves. His reign as Liverpool number one though unfortunately coincided with too many heavy defeats and a long barren spell in terms of success. Yet without him between the sticks Liverpool’s plight could have been so much worse, with one save in particular – away at Sheffield Wednesday in 1934 - proving decisive in the battle to beat the drop. His importance to the team was appreciated by both the fans and the local press, who very rarely blamed him for a defeat in any of the 388 games he played for the club.   64.   Sami Hyypia (Player 1999-2009) The defensive rock upon which Liverpool’s trophy triumphs of the noughties were built, Sami Hyypia must be regarded as one of the club’s most inspired signings. A virtual unknown when bought from Dutch outfit Willem II, Hyypia was instrumental in helping shore up a previously much-maligned defence. A great reader of the game who was strong in the air, calm under pressure and firm in the tackle, the towering 6ft 3in Finn became widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe during his decade with the Reds. In 2001 he was the stand-in captain as Liverpool completed an unprecedented cup treble with thrilling victories over Arsenal in the FA Cup Final and Alaves in the UEFA equivalent. To complete a memorable few months he then skippered the side to success in the Charity Shield and Super Cup, before being given the armband on a permanent basis the following year. A Champions League winner in 2005 he was always held in the highest esteem by the fans and remains one of the most decorated Liverpool players of recent times.   63.   Ray Kennedy (Player 1974-82) Of all the great players to have pulled on the red shirt during the glory-laden Anfield managerial reign of Bob Paisley none attracted more transfer enquiries from rival clubs than Ray Kennedy. An immensely gifted, if slightly unsung, left-sided midfielder, Kennedy's contribution to Liverpool's success of this time was priceless. His arrival from Arsenal, for a then club record fee of £180,000 during the summer of 1974 went almost unnoticed amid the sensational resignation of Bill Shankly on the same day. Originally a centre-forward, it wasn’t until he dropped back into a more deep-lying position that his talent fully blossomed on Merseyside. Powerful, skilful and with the ability to find the back of the net at crucial times, Kennedy’s reputation soared as Liverpool went from strength to strength at home and abroad. With the build of a heavyweight boxer, he could also pack a punch, adding an extra touch of steel to a midfield quartet that is still genuinely regarded as the finest in Anfield history.   62.   Gerry Marsden (Singer) The lead singer of popular Merseybeat group of the sixties ‘Gerry and the Pacemakers’, Marsden ’s third number one hit single ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was adopted by the Kop in 1963 and has since become famous throughout the world as the undisputed anthem of Liverpool Football Club. A lifelong Liverpool fan who was born in Toxteth, Marsden’s vocals have been heard at Anfield at almost every single home game since the song’s release. When played over the Anfield tannoy system just prior to kick-off, his spine-tingling rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is the cue for the fans on the Kop to let the team know they are with them every step of the way. It’s a song that has come to symbolise so much down the years and at the FA Cup Final in 1989 a highly emotional Marsden performed it at Wembley in honour of those supporters who had lost their lives at Hillsborough the previous month.   61.   Bruce Grobbelaar (Player 1981-94) From handstands at Wembley to spaghetti legs in Rome, Bruce Grobbelaar was an eccentric goalkeeper who would have you tearing your hair out in frustration one minute and jumping with joy the next. A former soldier in the Rhodesian army his ability to pull off saves of the highest quality played a major role in Liverpool remaining at the forefront of the chase for honours throughout the eighties. His antics on the line in the 1984 European Cup Final penalty shoot-out against AS Roma will forever live in the memory, while his stunning ‘kangaroo leap’ save from Graeme Sharp in the 1986 FA Cup Final has since passed into legend. One of the most flamboyant characters to have ever played the game, his goalkeeping style may, at times, have been a little unorthodox but there can be no doubt that he helped put the fun back into football and trophies in the Anfield cabinet. nonadult false 120 Men Who Made LFC - part six text blog 9360 2 4.5 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 6515932 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-five/blog/6509245/173471.html Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the fifth of our 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   80.   Peter Thompson (Player 1963-74) It took a then club record fee of £40,000 for Liverpool to acquire the services of the highly talented Peter Thompson in August 1963, a deal Bill Shankly later described as 'daylight robbery'. The flying winger, who possessed lightening pace and intricate footwork, went on to become one of the games great entertainers during his decade at Anfield. His capture was viewed as the last piece in the jigsaw of Shankly’s first great team and success duly followed with the FA Cup triumph of 1965, including his memorable semi-final strike versus Chelsea, sandwiched between two First Division Championship triumphs. One of the finest wingers to ever grace the red shirt, Thommo’s silky skills forever kept fans on the edge of their seats and he continued to mesmerize opposing defenders until leaving for Bolton in 1974.   79.   Tom Bush (Player 1933-47, Coach & Administrator 1947-69) A fine club servant, Bush dedicated the best part of his life to Liverpool Football Club as a player, coach and administrator. Signed initially on a free transfer from Shrewsbury as a 19-year old amateur in March 1933, he was just starting to establish himself as a first team regular, with 69 appearances under his belt, when war broke out. He made three appearances during the title-winning 1946/47 season and hung up his boots shortly after but following a brief spell coaching in Holland, Bush returned to Anfield in a youth development capacity, working closely with the scouts and helping to nurture some of the players who would take the club on to even greater glory during the sixties. He also became an integral member of the administration staff at Anfield and was a hugely popular figure at the club until his death in December 1969.   78.   Terry McDermott (Player 1974-82) A tireless and spectacular midfield performer, Terry Mac was a vital member of the Liverpool team that dominated Europe in the late seventies/early eighties. A boyhood Red who had been on the losing Newcastle side against Liverpool in the 1974 FA Cup Final, he developed into a player of supreme ability during a glory-laden eight years at Anfield. With his trademark bouncing perm, gringo-style moustache and laid-back persona he played the game with a beaming smile on his face. Gifted with unlimited reserves of stamina, his penchant for the odd pint or ten never detracted from his performances and his penetrating runs from deep became a priceless asset, as too did his uncanny knack of scoring great goals. His name featured with regular prominence in almost every goal of the season contest, with more than a fair share of the 81 he netted for the Reds still considered to be among the best ever scored by this club.   77.   Sam Hardy (Player 1905-12) One of the greatest goalkeepers of the Victorian era, ‘safe and steady’ Sam Hardy set the standard for a succession of famous custodians to follow at Anfield. Signed from Chesterfield for £340 in October 1905, he once conceded six goals in a game against the Reds yet still done enough to impress. His arrival inspired an immediate upturn in results, culminating in a second League title success come the end of his first season at the club. Not surprisingly Hardy became a firm favourite of the crowd and was an automatic choice in Liverpool’s goal for seven years. Such was his standing in the game, he was also England’s long-time number one, winning his first cap while a Liverpool player in 1907. He failed to win any more honours at Anfield but added an FA Cup winners medal to his collection as an Aston Villa player in 1913.   76.   Jimmy McInnes (Player 1938-39, Admin Staff 1946-55 & Secretary 1955-65) A diminutive left-half who played 51 games for the Reds after joining from Third Lanark in March 1938, the story of Ayrshire-born McInnes is ultimately a tragic one. Until the onset of the Second World War he had looked set for a lengthy playing career at Anfield, taking the place of fellow Scot Jimmy McDougall and establishing himself as a regular in the team. By the time competitive football resumed he had retired and joined the club’s administrative staff, rising to the role of secretary come 1955. Well educated, with a quiet and kind demeanour, he went about his job in a calm and efficient manner but the renewed success of side under Shankly brought added stress and the pressure eventually told. A day after the European Cup semi-final first leg against Internazionale, McInnes, aged just 53, hung himself in a turnstile enclosure at the back of the Kop.   75.   Geoff Strong (Player 1964-70) In the six years that he spent at Anfield Geoff Strong played in almost every position apart from goalkeeper and excelled in them all, his versatility a invaluable commodity in Liverpool's quest for honours during the success-filled mid-sixties. Signed from Arsenal for £40,000 in November 1964, with whom he had made his name as an inside forward, the likeable Geordie’s first season with the Reds ended with him famously stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Gordon Milne in the victorious FA Cup Final victory over Leeds. The following season, despite carrying an injury, he rose majestically to head home one of Anfield's most celebrated goals against Celtic in the semi-final of the European Cup Winners Cup. One of the few Liverpool players of this era not to be honoured at international level, he later enjoyed an effective spell at left-back before losing his place for good at the turn of the decade.   74.   Mark Lawrenson (Player 1981-88) A central defender who oozed class in every department, Mark Lawrenson is one of the most elegant players to have graced Anfield. A club record signing from Brighton just prior to the start of the 1981/82 season, he slotted seamlessly into the all-conquering Liverpool side of the time, although it was as a utility man that he first made an impression, filling in at left-back and in the centre of midfield before forming arguably one the finest centre-back pairings ever seen. Cool under pressure and commanding in the air, Lawrenson had pace to burn and could be relied upon to never mis-time a tackle. His reading of the game was immaculate and he’d regularly bring the ball out of defence to set up attacks, occasionally even popping up with the odd crucial goal himself. Injury curtailed his glittering playing career but by then he’d already done more than enough to be considered among the best centre-backs Liverpool have had.   73.   Arthur Riley (Groundsman 1928-82) During an association with the club that lasted over half a century Arther Riley upheld a family tradition that begun with his father Bert way back in 1908. Not to be mistaken with the former Liverpool goalkeeper of the same name, Riley followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a groundsman and joined the Anfield staff straight from school in 1928. A hugely popular figure within the club during his lengthy tenure, he witnessed many changes through the years, including the installation of floodlights and undersoil heating, but ensured that the overall appearance of the ground was always maintained to the highest standard. Such was his reputation, Wembley officials often turned to him for advice. He took great pride in the fact that Anfield was always considered to be one of the finest playing surfaces in the country and constantly strove to keep it in as immaculate condition as possible until his eventual retirement in 1982.   72.   Steve McManaman (Player 1989-99) One of the most exciting homegrown talents Liverpool have produced, Steve McManaman was a shining light at Anfield during a decade in which the club suffered an unfortunate downturn in fortunes. A winger, blessed with exceptional close control and dribbling skills, he broke into the team as a precocious teenager and was instrumental in the club’s two trophy triumphs of the 1990s. His talismanic displays beneath the twin towers against Sunderland in the 1992 FA Cup Final and Bolton in the Coca-Cola Cup three years later were the undoubted highlights of his time here but equally memorable are some of the spectacular goals he netted during this time, such as those at Celtic and Arsenal. The much-craved Premier League title may have evaded Liverpool’s grasp but with McManaman in the team there always seemed to be hope. He captained the team in his last season at the club before joining Real Madrid where he twice became a European Champion.   71.   Willie Fagan (Player 1937-51) A strong, hardworking and outstandingly skilful inside-forward, who could also operate through the middle, flame-haired Fagan was a key figure at Anfield either side of the Second World War. Having originally made his name with Preston, he cost Liverpool a then joint club record transfer fee when signed in 1937 but quickly proved to be a sound acquisition. The Scot had few equals when it came to bringing a ball under control and was a frequent goalscorer, thanks in part to his uncanny knack of drifting unnoticed into the opposition box and the effectiveness of his powerful toe-end shot. He was held in such high esteem at Anfield that he was a popular choice to inherit the captain’s armband when Matt Busby departed in 1945 and two years later he proudly skippered Liverpool to the inaugural post-war First Division Championship. In 1950, an ageing Fagan then appeared in the club’s FA Cup Final defeat to Arsenal but chipped in with four goals on route to that first Wembley outing. Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the fifth of our 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   80.   Peter Thompson (Player 1963-74) It took a then club record fee of £40,000 for Liverpool to acquire the services of the highly talented Peter Thompson in August 1963, a deal Bill Shankly later described as 'daylight robbery'. The flying winger, who possessed lightening pace and intricate footwork, went on to become one of the games great entertainers during his decade at Anfield. His capture was viewed as the last piece in the jigsaw of Shankly’s first great team and success duly followed with the FA Cup triumph of 1965, including his memorable semi-final strike versus Chelsea, sandwiched between two First Division Championship triumphs. One of the finest wingers to ever grace the red shirt, Thommo’s silky skills forever kept fans on the edge of their seats and he continued to mesmerize opposing defenders until leaving for Bolton in 1974.   79.   Tom Bush (Player 1933-47, Coach & Administrator 1947-69) A fine club servant, Bush dedicated the best part of his life to Liverpool Football Club as a player, coach and administrator. Signed initially on a free transfer from Shrewsbury as a 19-year old amateur in March 1933, he was just starting to establish himself as a first team regular, with 69 appearances under his belt, when war broke out. He made three appearances during the title-winning 1946/47 season and hung up his boots shortly after but following a brief spell coaching in Holland, Bush returned to Anfield in a youth development capacity, working closely with the scouts and helping to nurture some of the players who would take the club on to even greater glory during the sixties. He also became an integral member of the administration staff at Anfield and was a hugely popular figure at the club until his death in December 1969.   78.   Terry McDermott (Player 1974-82) A tireless and spectacular midfield performer, Terry Mac was a vital member of the Liverpool team that dominated Europe in the late seventies/early eighties. A boyhood Red who had been on the losing Newcastle side against Liverpool in the 1974 FA Cup Final, he developed into a player of supreme ability during a glory-laden eight years at Anfield. With his trademark bouncing perm, gringo-style moustache and laid-back persona he played the game with a beaming smile on his face. Gifted with unlimited reserves of stamina, his penchant for the odd pint or ten never detracted from his performances and his penetrating runs from deep became a priceless asset, as too did his uncanny knack of scoring great goals. His name featured with regular prominence in almost every goal of the season contest, with more than a fair share of the 81 he netted for the Reds still considered to be among the best ever scored by this club.   77.   Sam Hardy (Player 1905-12) One of the greatest goalkeepers of the Victorian era, ‘safe and steady’ Sam Hardy set the standard for a succession of famous custodians to follow at Anfield. Signed from Chesterfield for £340 in October 1905, he once conceded six goals in a game against the Reds yet still done enough to impress. His arrival inspired an immediate upturn in results, culminating in a second League title success come the end of his first season at the club. Not surprisingly Hardy became a firm favourite of the crowd and was an automatic choice in Liverpool’s goal for seven years. Such was his standing in the game, he was also England’s long-time number one, winning his first cap while a Liverpool player in 1907. He failed to win any more honours at Anfield but added an FA Cup winners medal to his collection as an Aston Villa player in 1913.   76.   Jimmy McInnes (Player 1938-39, Admin Staff 1946-55 & Secretary 1955-65) A diminutive left-half who played 51 games for the Reds after joining from Third Lanark in March 1938, the story of Ayrshire-born McInnes is ultimately a tragic one. Until the onset of the Second World War he had looked set for a lengthy playing career at Anfield, taking the place of fellow Scot Jimmy McDougall and establishing himself as a regular in the team. By the time competitive football resumed he had retired and joined the club’s administrative staff, rising to the role of secretary come 1955. Well educated, with a quiet and kind demeanour, he went about his job in a calm and efficient manner but the renewed success of side under Shankly brought added stress and the pressure eventually told. A day after the European Cup semi-final first leg against Internazionale, McInnes, aged just 53, hung himself in a turnstile enclosure at the back of the Kop.   75.   Geoff Strong (Player 1964-70) In the six years that he spent at Anfield Geoff Strong played in almost every position apart from goalkeeper and excelled in them all, his versatility a invaluable commodity in Liverpool's quest for honours during the success-filled mid-sixties. Signed from Arsenal for £40,000 in November 1964, with whom he had made his name as an inside forward, the likeable Geordie’s first season with the Reds ended with him famously stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Gordon Milne in the victorious FA Cup Final victory over Leeds. The following season, despite carrying an injury, he rose majestically to head home one of Anfield's most celebrated goals against Celtic in the semi-final of the European Cup Winners Cup. One of the few Liverpool players of this era not to be honoured at international level, he later enjoyed an effective spell at left-back before losing his place for good at the turn of the decade.   74.   Mark Lawrenson (Player 1981-88) A central defender who oozed class in every department, Mark Lawrenson is one of the most elegant players to have graced Anfield. A club record signing from Brighton just prior to the start of the 1981/82 season, he slotted seamlessly into the all-conquering Liverpool side of the time, although it was as a utility man that he first made an impression, filling in at left-back and in the centre of midfield before forming arguably one the finest centre-back pairings ever seen. Cool under pressure and commanding in the air, Lawrenson had pace to burn and could be relied upon to never mis-time a tackle. His reading of the game was immaculate and he’d regularly bring the ball out of defence to set up attacks, occasionally even popping up with the odd crucial goal himself. Injury curtailed his glittering playing career but by then he’d already done more than enough to be considered among the best centre-backs Liverpool have had.   73.   Arthur Riley (Groundsman 1928-82) During an association with the club that lasted over half a century Arther Riley upheld a family tradition that begun with his father Bert way back in 1908. Not to be mistaken with the former Liverpool goalkeeper of the same name, Riley followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a groundsman and joined the Anfield staff straight from school in 1928. A hugely popular figure within the club during his lengthy tenure, he witnessed many changes through the years, including the installation of floodlights and undersoil heating, but ensured that the overall appearance of the ground was always maintained to the highest standard. Such was his reputation, Wembley officials often turned to him for advice. He took great pride in the fact that Anfield was always considered to be one of the finest playing surfaces in the country and constantly strove to keep it in as immaculate condition as possible until his eventual retirement in 1982.   72.   Steve McManaman (Player 1989-99) One of the most exciting homegrown talents Liverpool have produced, Steve McManaman was a shining light at Anfield during a decade in which the club suffered an unfortunate downturn in fortunes. A winger, blessed with exceptional close control and dribbling skills, he broke into the team as a precocious teenager and was instrumental in the club’s two trophy triumphs of the 1990s. His talismanic displays beneath the twin towers against Sunderland in the 1992 FA Cup Final and Bolton in the Coca-Cola Cup three years later were the undoubted highlights of his time here but equally memorable are some of the spectacular goals he netted during this time, such as those at Celtic and Arsenal. The much-craved Premier League title may have evaded Liverpool’s grasp but with McManaman in the team there always seemed to be hope. He captained the team in his last season at the club before joining Real Madrid where he twice became a European Champion.   71.   Willie Fagan (Player 1937-51) A strong, hardworking and outstandingly skilful inside-forward, who could also operate through the middle, flame-haired Fagan was a key figure at Anfield either side of the Second World War. Having originally made his name with Preston, he cost Liverpool a then joint club record transfer fee when signed in 1937 but quickly proved to be a sound acquisition. The Scot had few equals when it came to bringing a ball under control and was a frequent goalscorer, thanks in part to his uncanny knack of drifting unnoticed into the opposition box and the effectiveness of his powerful toe-end shot. He was held in such high esteem at Anfield that he was a popular choice to inherit the captain’s armband when Matt Busby departed in 1945 and two years later he proudly skippered Liverpool to the inaugural post-war First Division Championship. In 1950, an ageing Fagan then appeared in the club’s FA Cup Final defeat to Arsenal but chipped in with four goals on route to that first Wembley outing. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:43:01 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-five/blog/6509245/173471.html Markp 2013-02-04T20:43:01Z The Kop Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the fifth of our 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   80.   Peter Thompson (Player 1963-74) It took a then club record fee of £40,000 for Liverpool to acquire the services of the highly talented Peter Thompson in August 1963, a deal Bill Shankly later described as 'daylight robbery'. The flying winger, who possessed lightening pace and intricate footwork, went on to become one of the games great entertainers during his decade at Anfield. His capture was viewed as the last piece in the jigsaw of Shankly’s first great team and success duly followed with the FA Cup triumph of 1965, including his memorable semi-final strike versus Chelsea, sandwiched between two First Division Championship triumphs. One of the finest wingers to ever grace the red shirt, Thommo’s silky skills forever kept fans on the edge of their seats and he continued to mesmerize opposing defenders until leaving for Bolton in 1974.   79.   Tom Bush (Player 1933-47, Coach & Administrator 1947-69) A fine club servant, Bush dedicated the best part of his life to Liverpool Football Club as a player, coach and administrator. Signed initially on a free transfer from Shrewsbury as a 19-year old amateur in March 1933, he was just starting to establish himself as a first team regular, with 69 appearances under his belt, when war broke out. He made three appearances during the title-winning 1946/47 season and hung up his boots shortly after but following a brief spell coaching in Holland, Bush returned to Anfield in a youth development capacity, working closely with the scouts and helping to nurture some of the players who would take the club on to even greater glory during the sixties. He also became an integral member of the administration staff at Anfield and was a hugely popular figure at the club until his death in December 1969.   78.   Terry McDermott (Player 1974-82) A tireless and spectacular midfield performer, Terry Mac was a vital member of the Liverpool team that dominated Europe in the late seventies/early eighties. A boyhood Red who had been on the losing Newcastle side against Liverpool in the 1974 FA Cup Final, he developed into a player of supreme ability during a glory-laden eight years at Anfield. With his trademark bouncing perm, gringo-style moustache and laid-back persona he played the game with a beaming smile on his face. Gifted with unlimited reserves of stamina, his penchant for the odd pint or ten never detracted from his performances and his penetrating runs from deep became a priceless asset, as too did his uncanny knack of scoring great goals. His name featured with regular prominence in almost every goal of the season contest, with more than a fair share of the 81 he netted for the Reds still considered to be among the best ever scored by this club.   77.   Sam Hardy (Player 1905-12) One of the greatest goalkeepers of the Victorian era, ‘safe and steady’ Sam Hardy set the standard for a succession of famous custodians to follow at Anfield. Signed from Chesterfield for £340 in October 1905, he once conceded six goals in a game against the Reds yet still done enough to impress. His arrival inspired an immediate upturn in results, culminating in a second League title success come the end of his first season at the club. Not surprisingly Hardy became a firm favourite of the crowd and was an automatic choice in Liverpool’s goal for seven years. Such was his standing in the game, he was also England’s long-time number one, winning his first cap while a Liverpool player in 1907. He failed to win any more honours at Anfield but added an FA Cup winners medal to his collection as an Aston Villa player in 1913.   76.   Jimmy McInnes (Player 1938-39, Admin Staff 1946-55 & Secretary 1955-65) A diminutive left-half who played 51 games for the Reds after joining from Third Lanark in March 1938, the story of Ayrshire-born McInnes is ultimately a tragic one. Until the onset of the Second World War he had looked set for a lengthy playing career at Anfield, taking the place of fellow Scot Jimmy McDougall and establishing himself as a regular in the team. By the time competitive football resumed he had retired and joined the club’s administrative staff, rising to the role of secretary come 1955. Well educated, with a quiet and kind demeanour, he went about his job in a calm and efficient manner but the renewed success of side under Shankly brought added stress and the pressure eventually told. A day after the European Cup semi-final first leg against Internazionale, McInnes, aged just 53, hung himself in a turnstile enclosure at the back of the Kop.   75.   Geoff Strong (Player 1964-70) In the six years that he spent at Anfield Geoff Strong played in almost every position apart from goalkeeper and excelled in them all, his versatility a invaluable commodity in Liverpool's quest for honours during the success-filled mid-sixties. Signed from Arsenal for £40,000 in November 1964, with whom he had made his name as an inside forward, the likeable Geordie’s first season with the Reds ended with him famously stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Gordon Milne in the victorious FA Cup Final victory over Leeds. The following season, despite carrying an injury, he rose majestically to head home one of Anfield's most celebrated goals against Celtic in the semi-final of the European Cup Winners Cup. One of the few Liverpool players of this era not to be honoured at international level, he later enjoyed an effective spell at left-back before losing his place for good at the turn of the decade.   74.   Mark Lawrenson (Player 1981-88) A central defender who oozed class in every department, Mark Lawrenson is one of the most elegant players to have graced Anfield. A club record signing from Brighton just prior to the start of the 1981/82 season, he slotted seamlessly into the all-conquering Liverpool side of the time, although it was as a utility man that he first made an impression, filling in at left-back and in the centre of midfield before forming arguably one the finest centre-back pairings ever seen. Cool under pressure and commanding in the air, Lawrenson had pace to burn and could be relied upon to never mis-time a tackle. His reading of the game was immaculate and he’d regularly bring the ball out of defence to set up attacks, occasionally even popping up with the odd crucial goal himself. Injury curtailed his glittering playing career but by then he’d already done more than enough to be considered among the best centre-backs Liverpool have had.   73.   Arthur Riley (Groundsman 1928-82) During an association with the club that lasted over half a century Arther Riley upheld a family tradition that begun with his father Bert way back in 1908. Not to be mistaken with the former Liverpool goalkeeper of the same name, Riley followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a groundsman and joined the Anfield staff straight from school in 1928. A hugely popular figure within the club during his lengthy tenure, he witnessed many changes through the years, including the installation of floodlights and undersoil heating, but ensured that the overall appearance of the ground was always maintained to the highest standard. Such was his reputation, Wembley officials often turned to him for advice. He took great pride in the fact that Anfield was always considered to be one of the finest playing surfaces in the country and constantly strove to keep it in as immaculate condition as possible until his eventual retirement in 1982.   72.   Steve McManaman (Player 1989-99) One of the most exciting homegrown talents Liverpool have produced, Steve McManaman was a shining light at Anfield during a decade in which the club suffered an unfortunate downturn in fortunes. A winger, blessed with exceptional close control and dribbling skills, he broke into the team as a precocious teenager and was instrumental in the club’s two trophy triumphs of the 1990s. His talismanic displays beneath the twin towers against Sunderland in the 1992 FA Cup Final and Bolton in the Coca-Cola Cup three years later were the undoubted highlights of his time here but equally memorable are some of the spectacular goals he netted during this time, such as those at Celtic and Arsenal. The much-craved Premier League title may have evaded Liverpool’s grasp but with McManaman in the team there always seemed to be hope. He captained the team in his last season at the club before joining Real Madrid where he twice became a European Champion.   71.   Willie Fagan (Player 1937-51) A strong, hardworking and outstandingly skilful inside-forward, who could also operate through the middle, flame-haired Fagan was a key figure at Anfield either side of the Second World War. Having originally made his name with Preston, he cost Liverpool a then joint club record transfer fee when signed in 1937 but quickly proved to be a sound acquisition. The Scot had few equals when it came to bringing a ball under control and was a frequent goalscorer, thanks in part to his uncanny knack of drifting unnoticed into the opposition box and the effectiveness of his powerful toe-end shot. He was held in such high esteem at Anfield that he was a popular choice to inherit the captain’s armband when Matt Busby departed in 1945 and two years later he proudly skippered Liverpool to the inaugural post-war First Division Championship. In 1950, an ageing Fagan then appeared in the club’s FA Cup Final defeat to Arsenal but chipped in with four goals on route to that first Wembley outing. 120, lfc, made, men, part, who nonadult false 120 Men Who Made LFC - part five text blog 120,lfc,made,men,part,who 12777 4 3.75 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 3 6509245 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-four/blog/6483457/173471.html Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the fourth of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   90.    Tom Bradshaw (Player 1930-38) A strapping six-footer more commonly, and ironically, known as ‘Tiny’, Tom Bradshaw was an imposing figure at the heart of the Liverpool defence for the majority of the 1930s. For a player of his build though he possessed impressive agility and won his solitary Scotland cap as a member of their famous ‘Wembley Wizards’ team that had defeated England in 1928. Signed from Bury for £8,000 two years later he went on to play 291 games for the club, mainly at centre-back, and was the proud owner of the captain’s armband between 1931 and ’34. Legendary Everton forward Dixie Dean described him as one of the finest sportsmen he ever came up against, while Liverpool Echo journalist of the time Leslie Edwards rated him as one of the best players to pull on the red shirt during the inter-war years.   89.   Joe Hewitt (Player 1904-10, Various roles 1911-71) Top scorer in the 1905/06 title-winning team and long-serving member of the Liverpool staff after hanging up his boots, Joe Hewitt was considered very much part of the Anfield furniture for almost seven decades. He shot to prominence as a player in the early years of the last century. Signed from Sunderland in 1904, he could do little to stop the Reds sliding through the First Division trap-door in his first season at the club but when they returned in 1905/06 he had switched position from inside-left to centre-forward and the effect was devastating; Hewitt’s 24 goals in 37 appearances blasting Liverpool to a second League Championship success. He played on in front of the Kop until 1910 but that was the undoubted high-point of his playing career. A year after being sold to Bolton he had hung up his boots and returned to Anfield, where he remained a popular figure behind the scenes right up until his death in 1971, during which time he fulfilled the roles of trainer, club steward and press box attendant.   88.   John Toshack (Player 1970-78) For the best part of the 1970s the towering presence of John Toshack struck fear into opposition defences and was a key factor in the success achieved by Liverpool at home and abroad during this time. Signed for £110,000 from his hometown club Cardiff in 1970 he made an immediate impact at Anfield when netting on his home debut in a famous 3-2 victory over Everton but is perhaps best remembered for his historic winner in the Nou Camp six years later. Standing tall at just over six foot, ‘Tosh’ was renowned for his aerial power but also possessed a deft touch and displayed great mobility for a big man. He struck up an almost telepathic understanding with strike partner Kevin Keegan; ‘Toshack, Keegan one nil’ becoming a familiar refrain of commentators up and down the country. Always popular with the fans, Kopites roared that he was their King and by the time he left to take up a player/manager role at Swansea in 1978 he did so having helped Liverpool to an impressive collection of domestic and European honours.   87.   Laurie Hughes (Player 1943-59) The first Liverpool player to appear at the World Cup, Laurie Hughes was a classy centre-back whose lengthy Anfield career began during the war and finished shortly before the Shankly revolution. During this time he was a familiar figure in defence, collecting a League Championship medal in 1947, appearing in the FA Cup Final three years later and captaining the club during the season after relegation. Tall and gangly but deceptively skilful, his most notable attributes were his clever reading of the game and ability in the air. A former Liverpool schoolboys star, Hughes was signed from Tranmere and, although a late developer physically, matured into a fine defender. He won three England caps, all at the 1950 World Cup, and continued to serve the club with distinction in Division Two before seeing out his career in the Central League where he acted as an ideal role model to the club’s up and coming youngsters.   86.   Rick Parry (Chief Executive 1998-2009) Rick Parry’s eleven years at the Anfield helm coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s history. Born and bred on Merseyside, a lifelong Liverpudlian and a graduate of Liverpool University his background was in accountancy and management consultancy. Prior to joining the club he’d played a major role in the formation of the Premier League, becoming its first chief executive in 1992. He took up a similar role at Liverpool six years later, replacing Peter Robinson, and was to oversee the accumulation of ten major trophies during his time in office. Other notable achievements include the construction of the club’s ground-breaking youth Academy in Kirkby and the appointment of Champions League winning manager Rafael Benitez. However, the club’s constant battle to maintain financial parity with their closest rivals, coupled with the team’s ongoing inability to regain its former glories in the league was to become the cause of much behind-the-scenes turmoil and he ultimately paid the price, being relieved of his position by then owners Hicks and Gillett in February 2009.   85.   Steve Nicol (Player 1981-95) The £300,000 paid to Ayr United for Steve Nicol in October 1981 must go down as one of the shrewdest transfer acquisitions in Liverpool history. His arrival as a relative unknown 19-year old went almost unnoticed but he left 14 years later having distinguished himself as the latest in a long line of legendary Anfield Scots. Enthusiastic, determined and highly consistent, Nicol could pass, tackle and run all day. His versatility was also a priceless asset. Principally a right-back, he was equally adept at operating on the right side of midfield and also slotted in on the left of defence with devastating effect when given license to roam forward, especially during the 1987/88 season. The butt of many a dressing room joke he may have been but on the pitch Nicol was a player who commanded the ultimate respect of his colleagues and in 1988/89 he was deservedly voted Footballer of the Year. There seemed to be no end to the Scotsman's talents and a competent spell at centre-half in the absence of Alan Hansen was further proof of his indispensable value to the team.   84.   Tom Bromilow (Player 1919-30) A cultured double title-winning half-back, local lad Tom Bromilow was a virtual ever-present in the Liverpool team for an entire decade. He was signed on after leaving the army, having initially turned up at Anfield in uniform and asking for a trial. The impact he made was immediate and the then club secretary George Patterson described it as ‘one of the luckiest signings I have made.’ It was 1919, the Reds were on the cusp of a glorious new era and Bromilow had a key role to play, missing just three games as the First Division Championship was won in successive seasons during the early twenties. The artistry in his play acted as the perfect complement to the more robust nature of his fellow half-backs Wadsworth and McNab, and he was deservedly honoured at international level. Went into management when eventually leaving Liverpool in 1930 but maintained a strong affection for the club and lost out to George Kay for the manager’s job at Anfield six years later.   83.   WE Barclay (Secretary/Manager 1892-96) A prominent member of the club’s hierarchy during the formative years of its existence, Walter Barclay had previously held the role of Vice-President at Everton. Following the acrimonious split of 1892 he was one of the few who remained loyal to John Houlding and together with John McKenna immediately assumed responsibility for assembling the first-ever Liverpool team, travelling extensively in the search for new talent. Although McKenna was viewed by many as the senior figure in this partnership, Barclay’s contribution was equally important. Renowned throughout football for his great enthusiasm, knowledge and organisational skills, Barclay was also the Headmaster of a local school and a highly-respected figure within the city. His tenure as secretary/manager lasted only four years but brought great success, including two Second Division Championships as rapid strides were made in establishing the club as force to be reckoned with.   82.   Chris Lawler (Player 1963-76 & Reserve Team Manager 1983-86) One of the most prolific full-back's in football history, Chris Lawler played a prominent role in both of Bill Shankly's great Anfield teams and later returned to successfully serve on the backroom staff. Quiet and self-effacing off the field - qualities which earned him the nickname 'Silent Knight' - Lawler oozed class and composure on it. In total, he amassed a remarkable 61 goals for the Reds – a stat that is even more amazing when you consider he achieved this without the aid of penalties. A master at the art of making blind side runs, he was a potent weapon as honours came Liverpool’s way both domestically and on the continent. He came back to coach the club’s reserve team for three years in the mid-eighties, leading them to two Central League titles, but it was his time as a player for which he made the biggest impact.   81.   Matt Busby (Player 1936-39) He’s revered at the wrong end of the East Lancashire Road for his managerial achievements but let it not be forgotten that Matt Busby was also a highly influential player at Anfield during the late 1930s. A stylish half-back who was signed from Manchester City for £8,000 in February 1936, his capture was a major coup for a Liverpool side that fallen on hard times. His intelligent distribution and tireless work ethic instantly earmarked him as a shining light in the club’s ongoing battle against mediocrity. Seemingly always one step ahead of the game he became a huge favourite among the fans, so much so that three decades later when a poll was conducted to select an all-time Reds XI, Busby was voted captain. The outbreak of War, when he had just turned 30, was to bring his playing career to a halt and although offered a job on the Anfield backroom staff the ambitious Scot had other plans. Liverpool’s loss was Manchester United’s gain but his parting gift was the recommendation that the club sign a young Billy Liddell.  Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the fourth of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   90.    Tom Bradshaw (Player 1930-38) A strapping six-footer more commonly, and ironically, known as ‘Tiny’, Tom Bradshaw was an imposing figure at the heart of the Liverpool defence for the majority of the 1930s. For a player of his build though he possessed impressive agility and won his solitary Scotland cap as a member of their famous ‘Wembley Wizards’ team that had defeated England in 1928. Signed from Bury for £8,000 two years later he went on to play 291 games for the club, mainly at centre-back, and was the proud owner of the captain’s armband between 1931 and ’34. Legendary Everton forward Dixie Dean described him as one of the finest sportsmen he ever came up against, while Liverpool Echo journalist of the time Leslie Edwards rated him as one of the best players to pull on the red shirt during the inter-war years.   89.   Joe Hewitt (Player 1904-10, Various roles 1911-71) Top scorer in the 1905/06 title-winning team and long-serving member of the Liverpool staff after hanging up his boots, Joe Hewitt was considered very much part of the Anfield furniture for almost seven decades. He shot to prominence as a player in the early years of the last century. Signed from Sunderland in 1904, he could do little to stop the Reds sliding through the First Division trap-door in his first season at the club but when they returned in 1905/06 he had switched position from inside-left to centre-forward and the effect was devastating; Hewitt’s 24 goals in 37 appearances blasting Liverpool to a second League Championship success. He played on in front of the Kop until 1910 but that was the undoubted high-point of his playing career. A year after being sold to Bolton he had hung up his boots and returned to Anfield, where he remained a popular figure behind the scenes right up until his death in 1971, during which time he fulfilled the roles of trainer, club steward and press box attendant.   88.   John Toshack (Player 1970-78) For the best part of the 1970s the towering presence of John Toshack struck fear into opposition defences and was a key factor in the success achieved by Liverpool at home and abroad during this time. Signed for £110,000 from his hometown club Cardiff in 1970 he made an immediate impact at Anfield when netting on his home debut in a famous 3-2 victory over Everton but is perhaps best remembered for his historic winner in the Nou Camp six years later. Standing tall at just over six foot, ‘Tosh’ was renowned for his aerial power but also possessed a deft touch and displayed great mobility for a big man. He struck up an almost telepathic understanding with strike partner Kevin Keegan; ‘Toshack, Keegan one nil’ becoming a familiar refrain of commentators up and down the country. Always popular with the fans, Kopites roared that he was their King and by the time he left to take up a player/manager role at Swansea in 1978 he did so having helped Liverpool to an impressive collection of domestic and European honours.   87.   Laurie Hughes (Player 1943-59) The first Liverpool player to appear at the World Cup, Laurie Hughes was a classy centre-back whose lengthy Anfield career began during the war and finished shortly before the Shankly revolution. During this time he was a familiar figure in defence, collecting a League Championship medal in 1947, appearing in the FA Cup Final three years later and captaining the club during the season after relegation. Tall and gangly but deceptively skilful, his most notable attributes were his clever reading of the game and ability in the air. A former Liverpool schoolboys star, Hughes was signed from Tranmere and, although a late developer physically, matured into a fine defender. He won three England caps, all at the 1950 World Cup, and continued to serve the club with distinction in Division Two before seeing out his career in the Central League where he acted as an ideal role model to the club’s up and coming youngsters.   86.   Rick Parry (Chief Executive 1998-2009) Rick Parry’s eleven years at the Anfield helm coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s history. Born and bred on Merseyside, a lifelong Liverpudlian and a graduate of Liverpool University his background was in accountancy and management consultancy. Prior to joining the club he’d played a major role in the formation of the Premier League, becoming its first chief executive in 1992. He took up a similar role at Liverpool six years later, replacing Peter Robinson, and was to oversee the accumulation of ten major trophies during his time in office. Other notable achievements include the construction of the club’s ground-breaking youth Academy in Kirkby and the appointment of Champions League winning manager Rafael Benitez. However, the club’s constant battle to maintain financial parity with their closest rivals, coupled with the team’s ongoing inability to regain its former glories in the league was to become the cause of much behind-the-scenes turmoil and he ultimately paid the price, being relieved of his position by then owners Hicks and Gillett in February 2009.   85.   Steve Nicol (Player 1981-95) The £300,000 paid to Ayr United for Steve Nicol in October 1981 must go down as one of the shrewdest transfer acquisitions in Liverpool history. His arrival as a relative unknown 19-year old went almost unnoticed but he left 14 years later having distinguished himself as the latest in a long line of legendary Anfield Scots. Enthusiastic, determined and highly consistent, Nicol could pass, tackle and run all day. His versatility was also a priceless asset. Principally a right-back, he was equally adept at operating on the right side of midfield and also slotted in on the left of defence with devastating effect when given license to roam forward, especially during the 1987/88 season. The butt of many a dressing room joke he may have been but on the pitch Nicol was a player who commanded the ultimate respect of his colleagues and in 1988/89 he was deservedly voted Footballer of the Year. There seemed to be no end to the Scotsman's talents and a competent spell at centre-half in the absence of Alan Hansen was further proof of his indispensable value to the team.   84.   Tom Bromilow (Player 1919-30) A cultured double title-winning half-back, local lad Tom Bromilow was a virtual ever-present in the Liverpool team for an entire decade. He was signed on after leaving the army, having initially turned up at Anfield in uniform and asking for a trial. The impact he made was immediate and the then club secretary George Patterson described it as ‘one of the luckiest signings I have made.’ It was 1919, the Reds were on the cusp of a glorious new era and Bromilow had a key role to play, missing just three games as the First Division Championship was won in successive seasons during the early twenties. The artistry in his play acted as the perfect complement to the more robust nature of his fellow half-backs Wadsworth and McNab, and he was deservedly honoured at international level. Went into management when eventually leaving Liverpool in 1930 but maintained a strong affection for the club and lost out to George Kay for the manager’s job at Anfield six years later.   83.   WE Barclay (Secretary/Manager 1892-96) A prominent member of the club’s hierarchy during the formative years of its existence, Walter Barclay had previously held the role of Vice-President at Everton. Following the acrimonious split of 1892 he was one of the few who remained loyal to John Houlding and together with John McKenna immediately assumed responsibility for assembling the first-ever Liverpool team, travelling extensively in the search for new talent. Although McKenna was viewed by many as the senior figure in this partnership, Barclay’s contribution was equally important. Renowned throughout football for his great enthusiasm, knowledge and organisational skills, Barclay was also the Headmaster of a local school and a highly-respected figure within the city. His tenure as secretary/manager lasted only four years but brought great success, including two Second Division Championships as rapid strides were made in establishing the club as force to be reckoned with.   82.   Chris Lawler (Player 1963-76 & Reserve Team Manager 1983-86) One of the most prolific full-back's in football history, Chris Lawler played a prominent role in both of Bill Shankly's great Anfield teams and later returned to successfully serve on the backroom staff. Quiet and self-effacing off the field - qualities which earned him the nickname 'Silent Knight' - Lawler oozed class and composure on it. In total, he amassed a remarkable 61 goals for the Reds – a stat that is even more amazing when you consider he achieved this without the aid of penalties. A master at the art of making blind side runs, he was a potent weapon as honours came Liverpool’s way both domestically and on the continent. He came back to coach the club’s reserve team for three years in the mid-eighties, leading them to two Central League titles, but it was his time as a player for which he made the biggest impact.   81.   Matt Busby (Player 1936-39) He’s revered at the wrong end of the East Lancashire Road for his managerial achievements but let it not be forgotten that Matt Busby was also a highly influential player at Anfield during the late 1930s. A stylish half-back who was signed from Manchester City for £8,000 in February 1936, his capture was a major coup for a Liverpool side that fallen on hard times. His intelligent distribution and tireless work ethic instantly earmarked him as a shining light in the club’s ongoing battle against mediocrity. Seemingly always one step ahead of the game he became a huge favourite among the fans, so much so that three decades later when a poll was conducted to select an all-time Reds XI, Busby was voted captain. The outbreak of War, when he had just turned 30, was to bring his playing career to a halt and although offered a job on the Anfield backroom staff the ambitious Scot had other plans. Liverpool’s loss was Manchester United’s gain but his parting gift was the recommendation that the club sign a young Billy Liddell.  Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:33:53 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-four/blog/6483457/173471.html Markp 2012-12-04T10:33:53Z The Kop Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the fourth of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   90.    Tom Bradshaw (Player 1930-38) A strapping six-footer more commonly, and ironically, known as ‘Tiny’, Tom Bradshaw was an imposing figure at the heart of the Liverpool defence for the majority of the 1930s. For a player of his build though he possessed impressive agility and won his solitary Scotland cap as a member of their famous ‘Wembley Wizards’ team that had defeated England in 1928. Signed from Bury for £8,000 two years later he went on to play 291 games for the club, mainly at centre-back, and was the proud owner of the captain’s armband between 1931 and ’34. Legendary Everton forward Dixie Dean described him as one of the finest sportsmen he ever came up against, while Liverpool Echo journalist of the time Leslie Edwards rated him as one of the best players to pull on the red shirt during the inter-war years.   89.   Joe Hewitt (Player 1904-10, Various roles 1911-71) Top scorer in the 1905/06 title-winning team and long-serving member of the Liverpool staff after hanging up his boots, Joe Hewitt was considered very much part of the Anfield furniture for almost seven decades. He shot to prominence as a player in the early years of the last century. Signed from Sunderland in 1904, he could do little to stop the Reds sliding through the First Division trap-door in his first season at the club but when they returned in 1905/06 he had switched position from inside-left to centre-forward and the effect was devastating; Hewitt’s 24 goals in 37 appearances blasting Liverpool to a second League Championship success. He played on in front of the Kop until 1910 but that was the undoubted high-point of his playing career. A year after being sold to Bolton he had hung up his boots and returned to Anfield, where he remained a popular figure behind the scenes right up until his death in 1971, during which time he fulfilled the roles of trainer, club steward and press box attendant.   88.   John Toshack (Player 1970-78) For the best part of the 1970s the towering presence of John Toshack struck fear into opposition defences and was a key factor in the success achieved by Liverpool at home and abroad during this time. Signed for £110,000 from his hometown club Cardiff in 1970 he made an immediate impact at Anfield when netting on his home debut in a famous 3-2 victory over Everton but is perhaps best remembered for his historic winner in the Nou Camp six years later. Standing tall at just over six foot, ‘Tosh’ was renowned for his aerial power but also possessed a deft touch and displayed great mobility for a big man. He struck up an almost telepathic understanding with strike partner Kevin Keegan; ‘Toshack, Keegan one nil’ becoming a familiar refrain of commentators up and down the country. Always popular with the fans, Kopites roared that he was their King and by the time he left to take up a player/manager role at Swansea in 1978 he did so having helped Liverpool to an impressive collection of domestic and European honours.   87.   Laurie Hughes (Player 1943-59) The first Liverpool player to appear at the World Cup, Laurie Hughes was a classy centre-back whose lengthy Anfield career began during the war and finished shortly before the Shankly revolution. During this time he was a familiar figure in defence, collecting a League Championship medal in 1947, appearing in the FA Cup Final three years later and captaining the club during the season after relegation. Tall and gangly but deceptively skilful, his most notable attributes were his clever reading of the game and ability in the air. A former Liverpool schoolboys star, Hughes was signed from Tranmere and, although a late developer physically, matured into a fine defender. He won three England caps, all at the 1950 World Cup, and continued to serve the club with distinction in Division Two before seeing out his career in the Central League where he acted as an ideal role model to the club’s up and coming youngsters.   86.   Rick Parry (Chief Executive 1998-2009) Rick Parry’s eleven years at the Anfield helm coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s history. Born and bred on Merseyside, a lifelong Liverpudlian and a graduate of Liverpool University his background was in accountancy and management consultancy. Prior to joining the club he’d played a major role in the formation of the Premier League, becoming its first chief executive in 1992. He took up a similar role at Liverpool six years later, replacing Peter Robinson, and was to oversee the accumulation of ten major trophies during his time in office. Other notable achievements include the construction of the club’s ground-breaking youth Academy in Kirkby and the appointment of Champions League winning manager Rafael Benitez. However, the club’s constant battle to maintain financial parity with their closest rivals, coupled with the team’s ongoing inability to regain its former glories in the league was to become the cause of much behind-the-scenes turmoil and he ultimately paid the price, being relieved of his position by then owners Hicks and Gillett in February 2009.   85.   Steve Nicol (Player 1981-95) The £300,000 paid to Ayr United for Steve Nicol in October 1981 must go down as one of the shrewdest transfer acquisitions in Liverpool history. His arrival as a relative unknown 19-year old went almost unnoticed but he left 14 years later having distinguished himself as the latest in a long line of legendary Anfield Scots. Enthusiastic, determined and highly consistent, Nicol could pass, tackle and run all day. His versatility was also a priceless asset. Principally a right-back, he was equally adept at operating on the right side of midfield and also slotted in on the left of defence with devastating effect when given license to roam forward, especially during the 1987/88 season. The butt of many a dressing room joke he may have been but on the pitch Nicol was a player who commanded the ultimate respect of his colleagues and in 1988/89 he was deservedly voted Footballer of the Year. There seemed to be no end to the Scotsman's talents and a competent spell at centre-half in the absence of Alan Hansen was further proof of his indispensable value to the team.   84.   Tom Bromilow (Player 1919-30) A cultured double title-winning half-back, local lad Tom Bromilow was a virtual ever-present in the Liverpool team for an entire decade. He was signed on after leaving the army, having initially turned up at Anfield in uniform and asking for a trial. The impact he made was immediate and the then club secretary George Patterson described it as ‘one of the luckiest signings I have made.’ It was 1919, the Reds were on the cusp of a glorious new era and Bromilow had a key role to play, missing just three games as the First Division Championship was won in successive seasons during the early twenties. The artistry in his play acted as the perfect complement to the more robust nature of his fellow half-backs Wadsworth and McNab, and he was deservedly honoured at international level. Went into management when eventually leaving Liverpool in 1930 but maintained a strong affection for the club and lost out to George Kay for the manager’s job at Anfield six years later.   83.   WE Barclay (Secretary/Manager 1892-96) A prominent member of the club’s hierarchy during the formative years of its existence, Walter Barclay had previously held the role of Vice-President at Everton. Following the acrimonious split of 1892 he was one of the few who remained loyal to John Houlding and together with John McKenna immediately assumed responsibility for assembling the first-ever Liverpool team, travelling extensively in the search for new talent. Although McKenna was viewed by many as the senior figure in this partnership, Barclay’s contribution was equally important. Renowned throughout football for his great enthusiasm, knowledge and organisational skills, Barclay was also the Headmaster of a local school and a highly-respected figure within the city. His tenure as secretary/manager lasted only four years but brought great success, including two Second Division Championships as rapid strides were made in establishing the club as force to be reckoned with.   82.   Chris Lawler (Player 1963-76 & Reserve Team Manager 1983-86) One of the most prolific full-back's in football history, Chris Lawler played a prominent role in both of Bill Shankly's great Anfield teams and later returned to successfully serve on the backroom staff. Quiet and self-effacing off the field - qualities which earned him the nickname 'Silent Knight' - Lawler oozed class and composure on it. In total, he amassed a remarkable 61 goals for the Reds – a stat that is even more amazing when you consider he achieved this without the aid of penalties. A master at the art of making blind side runs, he was a potent weapon as honours came Liverpool’s way both domestically and on the continent. He came back to coach the club’s reserve team for three years in the mid-eighties, leading them to two Central League titles, but it was his time as a player for which he made the biggest impact.   81.   Matt Busby (Player 1936-39) He’s revered at the wrong end of the East Lancashire Road for his managerial achievements but let it not be forgotten that Matt Busby was also a highly influential player at Anfield during the late 1930s. A stylish half-back who was signed from Manchester City for £8,000 in February 1936, his capture was a major coup for a Liverpool side that fallen on hard times. His intelligent distribution and tireless work ethic instantly earmarked him as a shining light in the club’s ongoing battle against mediocrity. Seemingly always one step ahead of the game he became a huge favourite among the fans, so much so that three decades later when a poll was conducted to select an all-time Reds XI, Busby was voted captain. The outbreak of War, when he had just turned 30, was to bring his playing career to a halt and although offered a job on the Anfield backroom staff the ambitious Scot had other plans. Liverpool’s loss was Manchester United’s gain but his parting gift was the recommendation that the club sign a young Billy Liddell.  nonadult false 120 Men Who Made LFC - part four text blog 11180 4 4.75 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 6483457 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-three/blog/6435813/173471.html Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the third of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   100.Walter Wadsworth (Player 1915-26) A formidable presence in the back-to-back title winning team of early twenties Bootle-born Wadsworth was one of the hardest players to ever represent the Reds. Known to team-mates and fans as ‘Big Waddy’ he took no prisoners on the pitch and was described by the legendary Charles Buchan as the most difficult half-back he ever faced. Signed on as an amateur in 1912, he made his debut three years later but saw his career interrupted by the War before establishing himself as an integral member of the side. His uncompromising reputation went before him though and he experienced several run-ins with officials, not least when handed a lengthy suspension after punching an opponent in the face. When not in the team Wadsworth’s fiery temperament and leadership qualities were sorely missed. He was the central pivot in a talented half-back line with his peak years being between 1921 and ’23 when Liverpool ruled the English game.   99.   David Moores (Chairman 1991-2007 & Honorary Life-President) During his time as Liverpool’s chief benefactor, David Moores’ oversaw success in every competition bar the Premier League. The nephew of Littlewoods Pools founder and former Everton chairman Sir John Moores, he aligned himself with the red half of Merseyside from an early age. His family had also long been financially involved at Anfield and he carried on the tradition; gradually increasing his stake in the club and eventually succeeding Noel White as chairman in September 1991. His 16-year chairmanship brought joy and despair; the accumulation of silverware tempered by the club’s decline as a Premier League force. With Liverpool clearly unable to match their rivals financially, Moores reluctantly came to the conclusion that he had no option but to sell his majority shareholding. A protracted sales process ensued before an ill-fated deal was struck with American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks, for which Moores later expressed his regret and resigned from the board.   98.   Bill Jones (Player 1938-54 & Scout) An invaluable utility player long before the term became commonplace in footballing parlance, Bill Jones played in almost every position during his lengthy playing career with the Reds. Initially signed as forward but more regularly deployed at centre-back, he was deemed by Sports Spectator Magazine to be Liverpool’s, ‘outstanding player,’ of the 1946/47 League title triumph. Unquestionably committed to the cause, Jones would do whatever was asked of him if it benefitted the team. Powerfully built with a bold streak to match, he could head, pass and tackle, and had few flaws in his game. He was selected ahead of Bob Paisley for the 1950 FA Cup Final against Arsenal and was a hugely popular member of the dressing room; taking over the club captaincy in 1953. He hung up his boots following Liverpool’s relegation a season later but continued to serve in a scouting capacity and was credited with discovering a young Roger Hunt.   97.   Jimmy Case (Player 1973-83) Tough tackling hard-man Jimmy Case was arguably the most powerful striker of a ball in Liverpool history and an unsung member of the all-conquering side of the mid-to-late 1970's. Never one to shirk a challenge, Case relished a battle and his fighting spirit on the right side of midfield was seen as the ideal foil for the more cultured play of those around him. That’s not to say he couldn’t play too and at his peak he was without doubt one of the finest young midfielders in Europe. The explosive shooting power for which he became renowned was an important weapon in Liverpool's attacking armory and although full international honours remarkably eluded him he collected an impressive array of winners’ medals at club level. Highly valued by his team-mates, respected by the fans and feared by the opposition, it was inconceivable that he could play for any other team but a series of highly-publicised off-field scrapes eventually led to him being offloaded at a surprisingly early age.   96.   Charlie Wilson (Player 1897-1905, Scout 1905-28 , Trainer 1928-38) A League title winner in 1901, Wilson was a highly-regarded wing-half whose eight year spell as a Liverpool player was surpassed by the sterling service he gave after hanging up his boots. Signed from Stockport in 1897 he clocked up 91 first team appearances, including 25 in the victorious first full campaign of the new century. In 1903 the combative defender suffered a broken leg after having a premonition about it the night before and, despite fighting back to full fitness, was never the same again. When eventually forced to hang up his boots he was retained by the club in a scouting capacity and in 1921 took responsibility for managing the Reds newly formed third team. Having proved his coaching credentials, he was promoted to first team trainer seven years later, a post he occupied for the next decade until retirement.   95.   Jerzy Dudek (Player 2001-07) More gifted custodians have kept goal for Liverpool but none have done more to win European club football’s most prized possession than Jerzy Dudek. A Poland international, he arrived on Merseyside in a dramatic deadline day swoop in August 2001 but experienced varying degrees of success during his six-year spell at Anfield. At the Millennium Stadium in 2003 he atoned for an earlier calamitous error against Manchester United by keeping a clean sheet as Liverpool overcame their bitter rivals to win the Worthington Cup but it was only following the Champions League Final of two years later that his name was forever etched into folklore. His heroics against AC Milan at the Ataturk were the stuff dreams are made of; a once-in-a-lifetime performance that defied the odds, first denying Shevchenko with a miraculous double-reflex save during extra-time then thwarting the same man with the decisive save in the nail-biting penalty shoot-out.   94.   James Jackson (Player 1925-33) A devout Christian who studied Greek and Philosophy at Cambridge University, James Jackson is one of the most unlikely of Liverpool’s footballing heroes. Nicknamed ‘Parson’ because of his connections to the church, Jackson was a colourful character in the team during a time of major mediocrity. Signed from Aberdeen in 1925, he was a wholehearted and intelligent defender whose versatility proved to be a key asset as Liverpool struggled to recapture the success enjoyed earlier that decade. At his best when playing centre-back but equally adept when filling in at right-back, he worked tirelessly for the team and took over as captain in 1929. Despite his best efforts Liverpool’s frustrating failure to challenge for the top honours meant he retired in 1933 with no silverware to his name. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister after hanging up his boots, he maintained a strong affection for the club and returned in 1947 to officiate at the funeral of Chairman WH McConnell.   93.   Alan A’Court (Player 1953-63) A winger whose talents would have graced any of the great Liverpool sides, A’Court displayed tremendous loyalty to the Anfield cause during one of this club’s most barren spells. Signed as an apprentice in the early 1950s he rapidly worked his way through the ranks to establish himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet as the Reds strove in vain to reclaim the top-flight status. A speedy outside-left who packed a powerful shot, his outstanding form brought him international recognition and also attracted strong interest from several First Division clubs, most notably Arsenal. He went on to represent England at the 1958 World Cup, yet still refused to turn his back on the Second Division Reds. Leaving was never an option he seriously considered and his loyalty paid off. In 1962 he was an ever-present as promotion back to the big time was finally secured and, two years later, won a First Division championship medal.   92.   Archibald Leitch (Architect) If any one person can be credited with the building of Liverpool’s home ground it is Archibald Leitch, a Glasgow-born architect who shot to fame in the early part of the last century for his work on over 20 football stadiums across Britain. He was hired by Liverpool in 1906, shortly after the club’s second League title triumph. Anfield had changed very little since the days when Everton had been tenants but the directors decided it was time for a revolutionary re-design and Leitch delivered. He changed the appearance of the ground almost entirely, with the stand-out new additions being a Main Stand that featured his trademark gable roof and a huge bank of uncovered terracing that would soon become known as the Spion Kop. As a finishing touch large exit gates on each side and a smart new perimeter wall were also erected, making Anfield one of the finest grounds in the land.   91.   Dietmar Hamann (Player 1999-2006) His contribution helped change the destiny of the two most dramatic Liverpool cup finals ever, yet there was much more to Didi Hamann’s Anfield career than just the highs of Istanbul ’05 and Cardiff ‘06. Widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in Europe during his time with the Reds, the German performed to a consistently high level on a weekly basis, with his number one quality being the ability to break up opposition attacks. His wiry frame may have lulled the opposition into thinking he a soft touch but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. His tenacity in the tackle was coupled with an astute eye for a pass. A man for the big occasion, he was an integral member of the treble cup winning side of 2001 but will forever be best remembered for his impact as a substitute in the Champions League Final of 2005 and FA Cup Final of the following year. Part four of this series is revealed in the November issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now.   Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the third of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   100.Walter Wadsworth (Player 1915-26) A formidable presence in the back-to-back title winning team of early twenties Bootle-born Wadsworth was one of the hardest players to ever represent the Reds. Known to team-mates and fans as ‘Big Waddy’ he took no prisoners on the pitch and was described by the legendary Charles Buchan as the most difficult half-back he ever faced. Signed on as an amateur in 1912, he made his debut three years later but saw his career interrupted by the War before establishing himself as an integral member of the side. His uncompromising reputation went before him though and he experienced several run-ins with officials, not least when handed a lengthy suspension after punching an opponent in the face. When not in the team Wadsworth’s fiery temperament and leadership qualities were sorely missed. He was the central pivot in a talented half-back line with his peak years being between 1921 and ’23 when Liverpool ruled the English game.   99.   David Moores (Chairman 1991-2007 & Honorary Life-President) During his time as Liverpool’s chief benefactor, David Moores’ oversaw success in every competition bar the Premier League. The nephew of Littlewoods Pools founder and former Everton chairman Sir John Moores, he aligned himself with the red half of Merseyside from an early age. His family had also long been financially involved at Anfield and he carried on the tradition; gradually increasing his stake in the club and eventually succeeding Noel White as chairman in September 1991. His 16-year chairmanship brought joy and despair; the accumulation of silverware tempered by the club’s decline as a Premier League force. With Liverpool clearly unable to match their rivals financially, Moores reluctantly came to the conclusion that he had no option but to sell his majority shareholding. A protracted sales process ensued before an ill-fated deal was struck with American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks, for which Moores later expressed his regret and resigned from the board.   98.   Bill Jones (Player 1938-54 & Scout) An invaluable utility player long before the term became commonplace in footballing parlance, Bill Jones played in almost every position during his lengthy playing career with the Reds. Initially signed as forward but more regularly deployed at centre-back, he was deemed by Sports Spectator Magazine to be Liverpool’s, ‘outstanding player,’ of the 1946/47 League title triumph. Unquestionably committed to the cause, Jones would do whatever was asked of him if it benefitted the team. Powerfully built with a bold streak to match, he could head, pass and tackle, and had few flaws in his game. He was selected ahead of Bob Paisley for the 1950 FA Cup Final against Arsenal and was a hugely popular member of the dressing room; taking over the club captaincy in 1953. He hung up his boots following Liverpool’s relegation a season later but continued to serve in a scouting capacity and was credited with discovering a young Roger Hunt.   97.   Jimmy Case (Player 1973-83) Tough tackling hard-man Jimmy Case was arguably the most powerful striker of a ball in Liverpool history and an unsung member of the all-conquering side of the mid-to-late 1970's. Never one to shirk a challenge, Case relished a battle and his fighting spirit on the right side of midfield was seen as the ideal foil for the more cultured play of those around him. That’s not to say he couldn’t play too and at his peak he was without doubt one of the finest young midfielders in Europe. The explosive shooting power for which he became renowned was an important weapon in Liverpool's attacking armory and although full international honours remarkably eluded him he collected an impressive array of winners’ medals at club level. Highly valued by his team-mates, respected by the fans and feared by the opposition, it was inconceivable that he could play for any other team but a series of highly-publicised off-field scrapes eventually led to him being offloaded at a surprisingly early age.   96.   Charlie Wilson (Player 1897-1905, Scout 1905-28 , Trainer 1928-38) A League title winner in 1901, Wilson was a highly-regarded wing-half whose eight year spell as a Liverpool player was surpassed by the sterling service he gave after hanging up his boots. Signed from Stockport in 1897 he clocked up 91 first team appearances, including 25 in the victorious first full campaign of the new century. In 1903 the combative defender suffered a broken leg after having a premonition about it the night before and, despite fighting back to full fitness, was never the same again. When eventually forced to hang up his boots he was retained by the club in a scouting capacity and in 1921 took responsibility for managing the Reds newly formed third team. Having proved his coaching credentials, he was promoted to first team trainer seven years later, a post he occupied for the next decade until retirement.   95.   Jerzy Dudek (Player 2001-07) More gifted custodians have kept goal for Liverpool but none have done more to win European club football’s most prized possession than Jerzy Dudek. A Poland international, he arrived on Merseyside in a dramatic deadline day swoop in August 2001 but experienced varying degrees of success during his six-year spell at Anfield. At the Millennium Stadium in 2003 he atoned for an earlier calamitous error against Manchester United by keeping a clean sheet as Liverpool overcame their bitter rivals to win the Worthington Cup but it was only following the Champions League Final of two years later that his name was forever etched into folklore. His heroics against AC Milan at the Ataturk were the stuff dreams are made of; a once-in-a-lifetime performance that defied the odds, first denying Shevchenko with a miraculous double-reflex save during extra-time then thwarting the same man with the decisive save in the nail-biting penalty shoot-out.   94.   James Jackson (Player 1925-33) A devout Christian who studied Greek and Philosophy at Cambridge University, James Jackson is one of the most unlikely of Liverpool’s footballing heroes. Nicknamed ‘Parson’ because of his connections to the church, Jackson was a colourful character in the team during a time of major mediocrity. Signed from Aberdeen in 1925, he was a wholehearted and intelligent defender whose versatility proved to be a key asset as Liverpool struggled to recapture the success enjoyed earlier that decade. At his best when playing centre-back but equally adept when filling in at right-back, he worked tirelessly for the team and took over as captain in 1929. Despite his best efforts Liverpool’s frustrating failure to challenge for the top honours meant he retired in 1933 with no silverware to his name. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister after hanging up his boots, he maintained a strong affection for the club and returned in 1947 to officiate at the funeral of Chairman WH McConnell.   93.   Alan A’Court (Player 1953-63) A winger whose talents would have graced any of the great Liverpool sides, A’Court displayed tremendous loyalty to the Anfield cause during one of this club’s most barren spells. Signed as an apprentice in the early 1950s he rapidly worked his way through the ranks to establish himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet as the Reds strove in vain to reclaim the top-flight status. A speedy outside-left who packed a powerful shot, his outstanding form brought him international recognition and also attracted strong interest from several First Division clubs, most notably Arsenal. He went on to represent England at the 1958 World Cup, yet still refused to turn his back on the Second Division Reds. Leaving was never an option he seriously considered and his loyalty paid off. In 1962 he was an ever-present as promotion back to the big time was finally secured and, two years later, won a First Division championship medal.   92.   Archibald Leitch (Architect) If any one person can be credited with the building of Liverpool’s home ground it is Archibald Leitch, a Glasgow-born architect who shot to fame in the early part of the last century for his work on over 20 football stadiums across Britain. He was hired by Liverpool in 1906, shortly after the club’s second League title triumph. Anfield had changed very little since the days when Everton had been tenants but the directors decided it was time for a revolutionary re-design and Leitch delivered. He changed the appearance of the ground almost entirely, with the stand-out new additions being a Main Stand that featured his trademark gable roof and a huge bank of uncovered terracing that would soon become known as the Spion Kop. As a finishing touch large exit gates on each side and a smart new perimeter wall were also erected, making Anfield one of the finest grounds in the land.   91.   Dietmar Hamann (Player 1999-2006) His contribution helped change the destiny of the two most dramatic Liverpool cup finals ever, yet there was much more to Didi Hamann’s Anfield career than just the highs of Istanbul ’05 and Cardiff ‘06. Widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in Europe during his time with the Reds, the German performed to a consistently high level on a weekly basis, with his number one quality being the ability to break up opposition attacks. His wiry frame may have lulled the opposition into thinking he a soft touch but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. His tenacity in the tackle was coupled with an astute eye for a pass. A man for the big occasion, he was an integral member of the treble cup winning side of 2001 but will forever be best remembered for his impact as a substitute in the Champions League Final of 2005 and FA Cup Final of the following year. Part four of this series is revealed in the November issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now.   Tue, 30 Oct 2012 22:32:20 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-three/blog/6435813/173471.html Markp 2012-10-30T22:32:20Z The Kop Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the third of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   100.Walter Wadsworth (Player 1915-26) A formidable presence in the back-to-back title winning team of early twenties Bootle-born Wadsworth was one of the hardest players to ever represent the Reds. Known to team-mates and fans as ‘Big Waddy’ he took no prisoners on the pitch and was described by the legendary Charles Buchan as the most difficult half-back he ever faced. Signed on as an amateur in 1912, he made his debut three years later but saw his career interrupted by the War before establishing himself as an integral member of the side. His uncompromising reputation went before him though and he experienced several run-ins with officials, not least when handed a lengthy suspension after punching an opponent in the face. When not in the team Wadsworth’s fiery temperament and leadership qualities were sorely missed. He was the central pivot in a talented half-back line with his peak years being between 1921 and ’23 when Liverpool ruled the English game.   99.   David Moores (Chairman 1991-2007 & Honorary Life-President) During his time as Liverpool’s chief benefactor, David Moores’ oversaw success in every competition bar the Premier League. The nephew of Littlewoods Pools founder and former Everton chairman Sir John Moores, he aligned himself with the red half of Merseyside from an early age. His family had also long been financially involved at Anfield and he carried on the tradition; gradually increasing his stake in the club and eventually succeeding Noel White as chairman in September 1991. His 16-year chairmanship brought joy and despair; the accumulation of silverware tempered by the club’s decline as a Premier League force. With Liverpool clearly unable to match their rivals financially, Moores reluctantly came to the conclusion that he had no option but to sell his majority shareholding. A protracted sales process ensued before an ill-fated deal was struck with American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks, for which Moores later expressed his regret and resigned from the board.   98.   Bill Jones (Player 1938-54 & Scout) An invaluable utility player long before the term became commonplace in footballing parlance, Bill Jones played in almost every position during his lengthy playing career with the Reds. Initially signed as forward but more regularly deployed at centre-back, he was deemed by Sports Spectator Magazine to be Liverpool’s, ‘outstanding player,’ of the 1946/47 League title triumph. Unquestionably committed to the cause, Jones would do whatever was asked of him if it benefitted the team. Powerfully built with a bold streak to match, he could head, pass and tackle, and had few flaws in his game. He was selected ahead of Bob Paisley for the 1950 FA Cup Final against Arsenal and was a hugely popular member of the dressing room; taking over the club captaincy in 1953. He hung up his boots following Liverpool’s relegation a season later but continued to serve in a scouting capacity and was credited with discovering a young Roger Hunt.   97.   Jimmy Case (Player 1973-83) Tough tackling hard-man Jimmy Case was arguably the most powerful striker of a ball in Liverpool history and an unsung member of the all-conquering side of the mid-to-late 1970's. Never one to shirk a challenge, Case relished a battle and his fighting spirit on the right side of midfield was seen as the ideal foil for the more cultured play of those around him. That’s not to say he couldn’t play too and at his peak he was without doubt one of the finest young midfielders in Europe. The explosive shooting power for which he became renowned was an important weapon in Liverpool's attacking armory and although full international honours remarkably eluded him he collected an impressive array of winners’ medals at club level. Highly valued by his team-mates, respected by the fans and feared by the opposition, it was inconceivable that he could play for any other team but a series of highly-publicised off-field scrapes eventually led to him being offloaded at a surprisingly early age.   96.   Charlie Wilson (Player 1897-1905, Scout 1905-28 , Trainer 1928-38) A League title winner in 1901, Wilson was a highly-regarded wing-half whose eight year spell as a Liverpool player was surpassed by the sterling service he gave after hanging up his boots. Signed from Stockport in 1897 he clocked up 91 first team appearances, including 25 in the victorious first full campaign of the new century. In 1903 the combative defender suffered a broken leg after having a premonition about it the night before and, despite fighting back to full fitness, was never the same again. When eventually forced to hang up his boots he was retained by the club in a scouting capacity and in 1921 took responsibility for managing the Reds newly formed third team. Having proved his coaching credentials, he was promoted to first team trainer seven years later, a post he occupied for the next decade until retirement.   95.   Jerzy Dudek (Player 2001-07) More gifted custodians have kept goal for Liverpool but none have done more to win European club football’s most prized possession than Jerzy Dudek. A Poland international, he arrived on Merseyside in a dramatic deadline day swoop in August 2001 but experienced varying degrees of success during his six-year spell at Anfield. At the Millennium Stadium in 2003 he atoned for an earlier calamitous error against Manchester United by keeping a clean sheet as Liverpool overcame their bitter rivals to win the Worthington Cup but it was only following the Champions League Final of two years later that his name was forever etched into folklore. His heroics against AC Milan at the Ataturk were the stuff dreams are made of; a once-in-a-lifetime performance that defied the odds, first denying Shevchenko with a miraculous double-reflex save during extra-time then thwarting the same man with the decisive save in the nail-biting penalty shoot-out.   94.   James Jackson (Player 1925-33) A devout Christian who studied Greek and Philosophy at Cambridge University, James Jackson is one of the most unlikely of Liverpool’s footballing heroes. Nicknamed ‘Parson’ because of his connections to the church, Jackson was a colourful character in the team during a time of major mediocrity. Signed from Aberdeen in 1925, he was a wholehearted and intelligent defender whose versatility proved to be a key asset as Liverpool struggled to recapture the success enjoyed earlier that decade. At his best when playing centre-back but equally adept when filling in at right-back, he worked tirelessly for the team and took over as captain in 1929. Despite his best efforts Liverpool’s frustrating failure to challenge for the top honours meant he retired in 1933 with no silverware to his name. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister after hanging up his boots, he maintained a strong affection for the club and returned in 1947 to officiate at the funeral of Chairman WH McConnell.   93.   Alan A’Court (Player 1953-63) A winger whose talents would have graced any of the great Liverpool sides, A’Court displayed tremendous loyalty to the Anfield cause during one of this club’s most barren spells. Signed as an apprentice in the early 1950s he rapidly worked his way through the ranks to establish himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet as the Reds strove in vain to reclaim the top-flight status. A speedy outside-left who packed a powerful shot, his outstanding form brought him international recognition and also attracted strong interest from several First Division clubs, most notably Arsenal. He went on to represent England at the 1958 World Cup, yet still refused to turn his back on the Second Division Reds. Leaving was never an option he seriously considered and his loyalty paid off. In 1962 he was an ever-present as promotion back to the big time was finally secured and, two years later, won a First Division championship medal.   92.   Archibald Leitch (Architect) If any one person can be credited with the building of Liverpool’s home ground it is Archibald Leitch, a Glasgow-born architect who shot to fame in the early part of the last century for his work on over 20 football stadiums across Britain. He was hired by Liverpool in 1906, shortly after the club’s second League title triumph. Anfield had changed very little since the days when Everton had been tenants but the directors decided it was time for a revolutionary re-design and Leitch delivered. He changed the appearance of the ground almost entirely, with the stand-out new additions being a Main Stand that featured his trademark gable roof and a huge bank of uncovered terracing that would soon become known as the Spion Kop. As a finishing touch large exit gates on each side and a smart new perimeter wall were also erected, making Anfield one of the finest grounds in the land.   91.   Dietmar Hamann (Player 1999-2006) His contribution helped change the destiny of the two most dramatic Liverpool cup finals ever, yet there was much more to Didi Hamann’s Anfield career than just the highs of Istanbul ’05 and Cardiff ‘06. Widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in Europe during his time with the Reds, the German performed to a consistently high level on a weekly basis, with his number one quality being the ability to break up opposition attacks. His wiry frame may have lulled the opposition into thinking he a soft touch but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. His tenacity in the tackle was coupled with an astute eye for a pass. A man for the big occasion, he was an integral member of the treble cup winning side of 2001 but will forever be best remembered for his impact as a substitute in the Champions League Final of 2005 and FA Cup Final of the following year. Part four of this series is revealed in the November issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now.   nonadult false 120 Men Who Made LFC - part three text blog 21899 5 4.8 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 4 1 6435813 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Elisha-Scott-memories-wanted/blog/6379629/173471.html [image] New Years Day 2013 will mark the 100th anniversary of the great Elisha Scott’s first appearance between the sticks for Liverpool.   The legendary Irish goalkeeper went on to clock up 468 appearances during a remarkable 22-year stay at Anfield and is rightly remembered as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.   After playing his last game for Liverpool in 1934 Scott returned to his native Belfast and died 15 years later.   There won’t be many supporters out there old enough to recall his playing days but if you know of anyone who may remember him and would be able and willing to speak on camera then please let me know.   I can be contacted via email mark.platt@liverpoolfc.com or twitter @markplatt73 Thank-you. [image] New Years Day 2013 will mark the 100th anniversary of the great Elisha Scott’s first appearance between the sticks for Liverpool.   The legendary Irish goalkeeper went on to clock up 468 appearances during a remarkable 22-year stay at Anfield and is rightly remembered as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.   After playing his last game for Liverpool in 1934 Scott returned to his native Belfast and died 15 years later.   There won’t be many supporters out there old enough to recall his playing days but if you know of anyone who may remember him and would be able and willing to speak on camera then please let me know.   I can be contacted via email mark.platt@liverpoolfc.com or twitter @markplatt73 Thank-you. Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:49:01 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Elisha-Scott-memories-wanted/blog/6379629/173471.html Markp 2012-10-03T17:49:01Z The Kop [image] New Years Day 2013 will mark the 100th anniversary of the great Elisha Scott’s first appearance between the sticks for Liverpool.   The legendary Irish goalkeeper went on to clock up 468 appearances during a remarkable 22-year stay at Anfield and is rightly remembered as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.   After playing his last game for Liverpool in 1934 Scott returned to his native Belfast and died 15 years later.   There won’t be many supporters out there old enough to recall his playing days but if you know of anyone who may remember him and would be able and willing to speak on camera then please let me know.   I can be contacted via email mark.platt@liverpoolfc.com or twitter @markplatt73 Thank-you. bling18ct nonadult false Elisha Scott - memories wanted text blog bling18ct 3375 6 4.83333 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 6 1 6379629 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-two/blog/6378041/173471.html Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the second of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   110.John Aldridge (Player 1987-89) One of British football's all-time great goalscorers, former Kopite John Aldridge earned cult-status at Anfield during his brief spell with the club in the late eighties. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ian Rush, Aldo was bought to replace the prolific Juventus-bound Welshman in January 1987 and proved to be every bit as successful in front of goal for the Reds. He spearheaded one of the most exciting attacking triumvirates in Liverpool history and was top scorer in the club’s scintillating title win of 87/88. Strong in the air and a selfless forward runner, the ever-popular Scouser was deeply affected by the Hillsborough tragedy of the following year but then embarked on an almost personal mission to win the FA Cup in honour of those who had lost their lives in Sheffield. He reluctantly left for Real Sociedad just a few months later but had more than made his mark.   109.Joseph Watson Cabre (Architect) An unknown name to the majority of Kopites, Joseph Watson Cabre is the man who, for 66 years, quite literally put a roof over their heads and ultimately helped cultivate their worldwide reputation. A Crosby-based architect, Cabre was commissioned by the club in 1928 to draw up plans to protect supporters on Anfield’s huge open terrace from the all-too-regular seasonal downpours and biting wind that would blow in off the Irish Sea. Given that his previous work had been in private housing he was initially viewed as a surprise choice for such a massive project but on 25 August the same year the new-look covered structure was unveiled to much acclaim.  His roof enabled supporters to watch the game in more comfort while also amplifying the already raucous atmosphere generated by those who stood below. It would soon become the stuff of legend and credited as a key factor in many famous Liverpool victories.   108.Ray Lambert (Player 1936-56) Lambert was just 13 years and 189 days old when he joined Liverpool as an amateur in July 1936, making him the youngest-ever player to be signed by a Football League club at that time. He progressed through the ranks and was an important member of post-war title-winning side in 1947. A reliable and consistent one-club man, he also played in Liverpool’s first Wembley final three years later before seeing out his career in Division Two following relegation in 1954. His rapidly receding hairline saw him dubbed old before his time but the stocky Welshman was anything but past it on the pitch. Two-footed and able to play on either side, Lambert is remembered as a courageous and composed full-back who was solid in the tackle and possessed blistering pace. He finally hung up his boots in 1956, ending a loyal 20-year association with Anfield.   107.Patrice Bergues (First team coach 1998-2001) Gerard Houllier’s right-hand man for the first three years of his managerial reign at Anfield, Bergues exerted a huge influence both on and off the pitch during this time. A trained PE teacher, he enjoyed a modest playing career before taking up coaching. Recruited to the Anfield backroom staff after having worked alongside old school friend Houllier at the French Football Federation, he was brought in with the aim of introducing some fresh training techniques. However, there was much more to his role than that. Not only was he the manager’s eyes and ears around Melwood, Bergues was also the vital go-between for the players. Always willing to listen and advise in equal measure he earned their utmost respect and was an immensely popular figure around the club. In turn, he helped restore Liverpool’s pride, culminating in the unprecedented cup treble of 2001. In the wake of that success though he left to become general manager RC Lens and it was no coincidence that in his absence Liverpool’s fortunes dipped.   106.Berry Nieuwenhuys (Player 1933-47) One of many South African’s to join the club in the 1930s, ‘Nivvy’ played the game with a smile on his face and lit up what was an often gloomy Anfield during this time. Tall and slim with a loping stride, his pace could be deceptive, while his inventive wing play added a new dimension to the Liverpool attack. A good header of the ball, he also possessed a potent right-foot shot and scored many a spectacular goal. His constant willingness to work hard for the cause also endeared him to the fans, as did a goal against Everton on his home debut. His staunch service to the club was rewarded with a benefit match in 1938 and, although considered to be a veteran of the team immediately after the war, he won a First Division title medal in 1947 in what was his last season with the club.   105.Gordon Milne (Player 1960-67) Despite his status as arguably the least heralded member of Liverpool’s great sixties side Gordon Milne was a pivotal figure in the team that rose from the depths of Division Two to the First Division title within such a short space of time. Selfless and straightforward in his play but one of the most cultured footballers of his era, Milne efficiently went about his business with little fanfare, happy for those around him to steal the plaudits. One of Bill Shankly’s earliest and most astute signings, he was an ever-present in the promotion-winning campaign of 1961/62 and again two years later when the Reds were crowned champions for the first time in 17 years. He won a second League Championship medal in 1966 but is perhaps best remembered for suffering the cruel disappointment of missing out through injury on the club’s first-ever FA Cup triumph the previous season.   104.Billy Dunlop (Player 1895-1910) One of the club’s earliest stalwarts, Billy Dunlop gave 15-years sterling service to the Liverpool cause. A ball-playing, tough-tackling full-back who operated on both the left and right, he was signed for a then club record fee of £35 in 1895 and quickly became one of the big characters within the Anfield dressing room. Just a year after joining, the silver-haired Scot was part of the team that won promotion to the top-flight for the first time and a key member of the inaugural Championship winning side of 1900/01. He collected another Second Division medal four years later and became a title winner for a second time the following season – the only player to figure in all four triumphs. When describing Dunlop’s best qualities the matchday programme of the time once wrote of him, ‘a better club servant no club ever possessed’. It summed up his contribution perfectly.   103.Jan Molby (Player 1984-96) Liverpool’s greatest Dane was an undisputed cult-hero among Kopites. His lengthy Anfield career may have too often been blighted by injury problems and at times dogged in controversy but, with an accent that was famously more Kirkdale than his native Kolding, the fans loved him. Signed from Ajax during the summer of 1984, he initially struggled with the faster pace of the English game became but he soon became one of this country’s finest footballing imports; his visionary passing, subtle touches and general midfield power play helping Liverpool to the coveted League and FA Cup double in 1986. A year previous to that he netted one of Anfield’s best-ever goals in a Milk Cup tie versus Manchester United. He was also a tremendous set-piece exponent and particularly prolific from the penalty spot, netting a club record 42 times. An infamous three-month spell behind bars only added to his iconic status in supporters’ eyes and he remains a big favourite to this day.   102.Arthur Goddard (Player 1902-14) A classy and graceful right winger, Arthur (Artie) Goddard was one of Liverpool’s leading lights in the early part of the twentieth century. Signed in 1902, his consistency shone through over the next 12 years, during which time he was an almost ever-present. Despite being in the side that suffered relegation in 1903/04, he more than played his part in quickly restoring Liverpool’s reputation; playing a prominent role as a top-flight return was secured at the first time of asking and then being only player to figure in every game as the First Division title was won the following season. Tricky and skilful, Goddard was only slight in stature but possessed a durability that ensured he was very difficult to be knocked off the ball. Quiet and unassuming off the pitch, he was regarded as one of the games true gentleman and in 1909 succeeded the great Alex Raisbeck as captain, further enhancing his legendary standing.   101.Tommy Lawrence (Player 1957-71) As the last line of defence in Bill Shankly’s first great Liverpool team, Tommy Lawrence’s contribution to the success of the sixties should never be underestimated. Affectionately known as 'The Flying Pig', he was a key member of the side that swept all before them between 1964 and 1966. He initially joined the Reds as an apprentice and progressed through the ranks to become Anfield’s undisputed number one for the best part of a decade. At 14 stone you'd assume he wasn't the most agile of keepers but he often thwarted opposition forwards with spectacular flying saves, hence the nickname. He was also renowned for the speed at which he'd rush off his line to sniff out danger and was famously dubbed football's first 'sweeper keeper'. An amazingly consistent performer, Lawrence very rarely missed games and was an ever-present in the 65/66 title-winning campaign, having already won a Championship medal two seasons earlier, and played in every match during the memorable run to a first FA Cup triumph in 1965.    Part three of this series is revealed in the October issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now. Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the second of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   110.John Aldridge (Player 1987-89) One of British football's all-time great goalscorers, former Kopite John Aldridge earned cult-status at Anfield during his brief spell with the club in the late eighties. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ian Rush, Aldo was bought to replace the prolific Juventus-bound Welshman in January 1987 and proved to be every bit as successful in front of goal for the Reds. He spearheaded one of the most exciting attacking triumvirates in Liverpool history and was top scorer in the club’s scintillating title win of 87/88. Strong in the air and a selfless forward runner, the ever-popular Scouser was deeply affected by the Hillsborough tragedy of the following year but then embarked on an almost personal mission to win the FA Cup in honour of those who had lost their lives in Sheffield. He reluctantly left for Real Sociedad just a few months later but had more than made his mark.   109.Joseph Watson Cabre (Architect) An unknown name to the majority of Kopites, Joseph Watson Cabre is the man who, for 66 years, quite literally put a roof over their heads and ultimately helped cultivate their worldwide reputation. A Crosby-based architect, Cabre was commissioned by the club in 1928 to draw up plans to protect supporters on Anfield’s huge open terrace from the all-too-regular seasonal downpours and biting wind that would blow in off the Irish Sea. Given that his previous work had been in private housing he was initially viewed as a surprise choice for such a massive project but on 25 August the same year the new-look covered structure was unveiled to much acclaim.  His roof enabled supporters to watch the game in more comfort while also amplifying the already raucous atmosphere generated by those who stood below. It would soon become the stuff of legend and credited as a key factor in many famous Liverpool victories.   108.Ray Lambert (Player 1936-56) Lambert was just 13 years and 189 days old when he joined Liverpool as an amateur in July 1936, making him the youngest-ever player to be signed by a Football League club at that time. He progressed through the ranks and was an important member of post-war title-winning side in 1947. A reliable and consistent one-club man, he also played in Liverpool’s first Wembley final three years later before seeing out his career in Division Two following relegation in 1954. His rapidly receding hairline saw him dubbed old before his time but the stocky Welshman was anything but past it on the pitch. Two-footed and able to play on either side, Lambert is remembered as a courageous and composed full-back who was solid in the tackle and possessed blistering pace. He finally hung up his boots in 1956, ending a loyal 20-year association with Anfield.   107.Patrice Bergues (First team coach 1998-2001) Gerard Houllier’s right-hand man for the first three years of his managerial reign at Anfield, Bergues exerted a huge influence both on and off the pitch during this time. A trained PE teacher, he enjoyed a modest playing career before taking up coaching. Recruited to the Anfield backroom staff after having worked alongside old school friend Houllier at the French Football Federation, he was brought in with the aim of introducing some fresh training techniques. However, there was much more to his role than that. Not only was he the manager’s eyes and ears around Melwood, Bergues was also the vital go-between for the players. Always willing to listen and advise in equal measure he earned their utmost respect and was an immensely popular figure around the club. In turn, he helped restore Liverpool’s pride, culminating in the unprecedented cup treble of 2001. In the wake of that success though he left to become general manager RC Lens and it was no coincidence that in his absence Liverpool’s fortunes dipped.   106.Berry Nieuwenhuys (Player 1933-47) One of many South African’s to join the club in the 1930s, ‘Nivvy’ played the game with a smile on his face and lit up what was an often gloomy Anfield during this time. Tall and slim with a loping stride, his pace could be deceptive, while his inventive wing play added a new dimension to the Liverpool attack. A good header of the ball, he also possessed a potent right-foot shot and scored many a spectacular goal. His constant willingness to work hard for the cause also endeared him to the fans, as did a goal against Everton on his home debut. His staunch service to the club was rewarded with a benefit match in 1938 and, although considered to be a veteran of the team immediately after the war, he won a First Division title medal in 1947 in what was his last season with the club.   105.Gordon Milne (Player 1960-67) Despite his status as arguably the least heralded member of Liverpool’s great sixties side Gordon Milne was a pivotal figure in the team that rose from the depths of Division Two to the First Division title within such a short space of time. Selfless and straightforward in his play but one of the most cultured footballers of his era, Milne efficiently went about his business with little fanfare, happy for those around him to steal the plaudits. One of Bill Shankly’s earliest and most astute signings, he was an ever-present in the promotion-winning campaign of 1961/62 and again two years later when the Reds were crowned champions for the first time in 17 years. He won a second League Championship medal in 1966 but is perhaps best remembered for suffering the cruel disappointment of missing out through injury on the club’s first-ever FA Cup triumph the previous season.   104.Billy Dunlop (Player 1895-1910) One of the club’s earliest stalwarts, Billy Dunlop gave 15-years sterling service to the Liverpool cause. A ball-playing, tough-tackling full-back who operated on both the left and right, he was signed for a then club record fee of £35 in 1895 and quickly became one of the big characters within the Anfield dressing room. Just a year after joining, the silver-haired Scot was part of the team that won promotion to the top-flight for the first time and a key member of the inaugural Championship winning side of 1900/01. He collected another Second Division medal four years later and became a title winner for a second time the following season – the only player to figure in all four triumphs. When describing Dunlop’s best qualities the matchday programme of the time once wrote of him, ‘a better club servant no club ever possessed’. It summed up his contribution perfectly.   103.Jan Molby (Player 1984-96) Liverpool’s greatest Dane was an undisputed cult-hero among Kopites. His lengthy Anfield career may have too often been blighted by injury problems and at times dogged in controversy but, with an accent that was famously more Kirkdale than his native Kolding, the fans loved him. Signed from Ajax during the summer of 1984, he initially struggled with the faster pace of the English game became but he soon became one of this country’s finest footballing imports; his visionary passing, subtle touches and general midfield power play helping Liverpool to the coveted League and FA Cup double in 1986. A year previous to that he netted one of Anfield’s best-ever goals in a Milk Cup tie versus Manchester United. He was also a tremendous set-piece exponent and particularly prolific from the penalty spot, netting a club record 42 times. An infamous three-month spell behind bars only added to his iconic status in supporters’ eyes and he remains a big favourite to this day.   102.Arthur Goddard (Player 1902-14) A classy and graceful right winger, Arthur (Artie) Goddard was one of Liverpool’s leading lights in the early part of the twentieth century. Signed in 1902, his consistency shone through over the next 12 years, during which time he was an almost ever-present. Despite being in the side that suffered relegation in 1903/04, he more than played his part in quickly restoring Liverpool’s reputation; playing a prominent role as a top-flight return was secured at the first time of asking and then being only player to figure in every game as the First Division title was won the following season. Tricky and skilful, Goddard was only slight in stature but possessed a durability that ensured he was very difficult to be knocked off the ball. Quiet and unassuming off the pitch, he was regarded as one of the games true gentleman and in 1909 succeeded the great Alex Raisbeck as captain, further enhancing his legendary standing.   101.Tommy Lawrence (Player 1957-71) As the last line of defence in Bill Shankly’s first great Liverpool team, Tommy Lawrence’s contribution to the success of the sixties should never be underestimated. Affectionately known as 'The Flying Pig', he was a key member of the side that swept all before them between 1964 and 1966. He initially joined the Reds as an apprentice and progressed through the ranks to become Anfield’s undisputed number one for the best part of a decade. At 14 stone you'd assume he wasn't the most agile of keepers but he often thwarted opposition forwards with spectacular flying saves, hence the nickname. He was also renowned for the speed at which he'd rush off his line to sniff out danger and was famously dubbed football's first 'sweeper keeper'. An amazingly consistent performer, Lawrence very rarely missed games and was an ever-present in the 65/66 title-winning campaign, having already won a Championship medal two seasons earlier, and played in every match during the memorable run to a first FA Cup triumph in 1965.    Part three of this series is revealed in the October issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now. Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:46:59 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-two/blog/6378041/173471.html Markp 2012-10-01T17:46:59Z The Kop Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the second of a brand new 12-part series we continue our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   110.John Aldridge (Player 1987-89) One of British football's all-time great goalscorers, former Kopite John Aldridge earned cult-status at Anfield during his brief spell with the club in the late eighties. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ian Rush, Aldo was bought to replace the prolific Juventus-bound Welshman in January 1987 and proved to be every bit as successful in front of goal for the Reds. He spearheaded one of the most exciting attacking triumvirates in Liverpool history and was top scorer in the club’s scintillating title win of 87/88. Strong in the air and a selfless forward runner, the ever-popular Scouser was deeply affected by the Hillsborough tragedy of the following year but then embarked on an almost personal mission to win the FA Cup in honour of those who had lost their lives in Sheffield. He reluctantly left for Real Sociedad just a few months later but had more than made his mark.   109.Joseph Watson Cabre (Architect) An unknown name to the majority of Kopites, Joseph Watson Cabre is the man who, for 66 years, quite literally put a roof over their heads and ultimately helped cultivate their worldwide reputation. A Crosby-based architect, Cabre was commissioned by the club in 1928 to draw up plans to protect supporters on Anfield’s huge open terrace from the all-too-regular seasonal downpours and biting wind that would blow in off the Irish Sea. Given that his previous work had been in private housing he was initially viewed as a surprise choice for such a massive project but on 25 August the same year the new-look covered structure was unveiled to much acclaim.  His roof enabled supporters to watch the game in more comfort while also amplifying the already raucous atmosphere generated by those who stood below. It would soon become the stuff of legend and credited as a key factor in many famous Liverpool victories.   108.Ray Lambert (Player 1936-56) Lambert was just 13 years and 189 days old when he joined Liverpool as an amateur in July 1936, making him the youngest-ever player to be signed by a Football League club at that time. He progressed through the ranks and was an important member of post-war title-winning side in 1947. A reliable and consistent one-club man, he also played in Liverpool’s first Wembley final three years later before seeing out his career in Division Two following relegation in 1954. His rapidly receding hairline saw him dubbed old before his time but the stocky Welshman was anything but past it on the pitch. Two-footed and able to play on either side, Lambert is remembered as a courageous and composed full-back who was solid in the tackle and possessed blistering pace. He finally hung up his boots in 1956, ending a loyal 20-year association with Anfield.   107.Patrice Bergues (First team coach 1998-2001) Gerard Houllier’s right-hand man for the first three years of his managerial reign at Anfield, Bergues exerted a huge influence both on and off the pitch during this time. A trained PE teacher, he enjoyed a modest playing career before taking up coaching. Recruited to the Anfield backroom staff after having worked alongside old school friend Houllier at the French Football Federation, he was brought in with the aim of introducing some fresh training techniques. However, there was much more to his role than that. Not only was he the manager’s eyes and ears around Melwood, Bergues was also the vital go-between for the players. Always willing to listen and advise in equal measure he earned their utmost respect and was an immensely popular figure around the club. In turn, he helped restore Liverpool’s pride, culminating in the unprecedented cup treble of 2001. In the wake of that success though he left to become general manager RC Lens and it was no coincidence that in his absence Liverpool’s fortunes dipped.   106.Berry Nieuwenhuys (Player 1933-47) One of many South African’s to join the club in the 1930s, ‘Nivvy’ played the game with a smile on his face and lit up what was an often gloomy Anfield during this time. Tall and slim with a loping stride, his pace could be deceptive, while his inventive wing play added a new dimension to the Liverpool attack. A good header of the ball, he also possessed a potent right-foot shot and scored many a spectacular goal. His constant willingness to work hard for the cause also endeared him to the fans, as did a goal against Everton on his home debut. His staunch service to the club was rewarded with a benefit match in 1938 and, although considered to be a veteran of the team immediately after the war, he won a First Division title medal in 1947 in what was his last season with the club.   105.Gordon Milne (Player 1960-67) Despite his status as arguably the least heralded member of Liverpool’s great sixties side Gordon Milne was a pivotal figure in the team that rose from the depths of Division Two to the First Division title within such a short space of time. Selfless and straightforward in his play but one of the most cultured footballers of his era, Milne efficiently went about his business with little fanfare, happy for those around him to steal the plaudits. One of Bill Shankly’s earliest and most astute signings, he was an ever-present in the promotion-winning campaign of 1961/62 and again two years later when the Reds were crowned champions for the first time in 17 years. He won a second League Championship medal in 1966 but is perhaps best remembered for suffering the cruel disappointment of missing out through injury on the club’s first-ever FA Cup triumph the previous season.   104.Billy Dunlop (Player 1895-1910) One of the club’s earliest stalwarts, Billy Dunlop gave 15-years sterling service to the Liverpool cause. A ball-playing, tough-tackling full-back who operated on both the left and right, he was signed for a then club record fee of £35 in 1895 and quickly became one of the big characters within the Anfield dressing room. Just a year after joining, the silver-haired Scot was part of the team that won promotion to the top-flight for the first time and a key member of the inaugural Championship winning side of 1900/01. He collected another Second Division medal four years later and became a title winner for a second time the following season – the only player to figure in all four triumphs. When describing Dunlop’s best qualities the matchday programme of the time once wrote of him, ‘a better club servant no club ever possessed’. It summed up his contribution perfectly.   103.Jan Molby (Player 1984-96) Liverpool’s greatest Dane was an undisputed cult-hero among Kopites. His lengthy Anfield career may have too often been blighted by injury problems and at times dogged in controversy but, with an accent that was famously more Kirkdale than his native Kolding, the fans loved him. Signed from Ajax during the summer of 1984, he initially struggled with the faster pace of the English game became but he soon became one of this country’s finest footballing imports; his visionary passing, subtle touches and general midfield power play helping Liverpool to the coveted League and FA Cup double in 1986. A year previous to that he netted one of Anfield’s best-ever goals in a Milk Cup tie versus Manchester United. He was also a tremendous set-piece exponent and particularly prolific from the penalty spot, netting a club record 42 times. An infamous three-month spell behind bars only added to his iconic status in supporters’ eyes and he remains a big favourite to this day.   102.Arthur Goddard (Player 1902-14) A classy and graceful right winger, Arthur (Artie) Goddard was one of Liverpool’s leading lights in the early part of the twentieth century. Signed in 1902, his consistency shone through over the next 12 years, during which time he was an almost ever-present. Despite being in the side that suffered relegation in 1903/04, he more than played his part in quickly restoring Liverpool’s reputation; playing a prominent role as a top-flight return was secured at the first time of asking and then being only player to figure in every game as the First Division title was won the following season. Tricky and skilful, Goddard was only slight in stature but possessed a durability that ensured he was very difficult to be knocked off the ball. Quiet and unassuming off the pitch, he was regarded as one of the games true gentleman and in 1909 succeeded the great Alex Raisbeck as captain, further enhancing his legendary standing.   101.Tommy Lawrence (Player 1957-71) As the last line of defence in Bill Shankly’s first great Liverpool team, Tommy Lawrence’s contribution to the success of the sixties should never be underestimated. Affectionately known as 'The Flying Pig', he was a key member of the side that swept all before them between 1964 and 1966. He initially joined the Reds as an apprentice and progressed through the ranks to become Anfield’s undisputed number one for the best part of a decade. At 14 stone you'd assume he wasn't the most agile of keepers but he often thwarted opposition forwards with spectacular flying saves, hence the nickname. He was also renowned for the speed at which he'd rush off his line to sniff out danger and was famously dubbed football's first 'sweeper keeper'. An amazingly consistent performer, Lawrence very rarely missed games and was an ever-present in the 65/66 title-winning campaign, having already won a Championship medal two seasons earlier, and played in every match during the memorable run to a first FA Cup triumph in 1965.    Part three of this series is revealed in the October issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now. nonadult false 120 Men Who Made LFC - part two text blog 31623 7 5.0 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 1 6378041 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-one/blog/6320079/173471.html Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the first of a brand new 12-part series we begin our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   120.Jim Aspinall (Youth Scout) Served Liverpool for over a quarter of a century and is best remembered for unearthing, among many others, the precocious talents of Liverpool legends Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler. Formerly a scout with Derby County, Aspinall was a well-known figure on the Merseyside junior football scene and started working for the Reds in the late seventies. His eye for talent was second to none, as proved by his discovery of McManaman and Fowler when they were both just 11 years of age, and Gary Ablett before that. When the purpose-built Liverpool Academy opened in 1999 he took on a more prominent role with the club and rose through the ranks to become Head of Recruitment, a post he held until going part-time in 2003. Before then though he also played a part in persuading both Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard that their futures lay with Liverpool, ensuring that he left even more of a lasting legacy.   119.Ernest ‘Bee’ Edwards (Journalist) A former Liverpool Echo sports editor, who famously wrote under the pseudonym ‘Bee’, Edwards is the man responsible for christening the Kop. Born and educated in the Midlands, he began his journalistic career in Exeter before moving to Merseyside in 1902, quickly establishing close links with the players and officials at Anfield and becoming an influential figure in local football circles. It was in the wake of Liverpool’s title triumph of 1906 that a new bank of terracing was built at the Walton Breck Road end of the ground and it was Edwards who proposed the idea of naming it the Spion Kop in honour of the many Scouse soldiers who had died on a South African hill of the same name during the Boer War. Little did he know it would become the most famous football terrace in the world.   118.Peter Beardsley (Player 1987-91) A club record signing from Newcastle United during the summer of 1987, Beardsley helped form one of the most potent attacking line-ups in Liverpool history. Although overshadowed to some extent by fellow new arrival John Barnes, his twinkle toed trickery constantly had the crowd on the edge of their seats during his four years at the club. Short in size, but not in stature, he was an unlikely looking footballer. His hunched shoulders, pudding bowl haircut and twisted jaw however, belied a player of supreme class. The Anfield crowd recognized this and although never a prolific scorer of goals he was a joy to watch as the Reds embarked on a trophy-winning spree that yielded him two league titles and the FA Cup before he was surprisingly sold to neighbours Everton.   117.Andrew Hannah (Player 1892-95) The backbone of Liverpool’s first ever team, Dumbartonshire-born Hannah also holds the distinction of being the first player to captain the club. Signed from the famous Scottish amateur side of the time Renton, in readiness for Liverpool’s inaugural 1892/93 season, Hannah had previously captained Everton to the First Division title and his capture was viewed as a major coup. A highly-respected figure within the game during this era, he led by example on and off the pitch, playing a key role in the early development of the fledgling team. Fearless and athletic, he played mainly at right-back and was considered to possess ‘mature judgement and excellent defensive tactics’. During the club’s first two years of existence he was a virtual ever-present, winning both the Lancashire League and Second Division titles, and although his last season at Anfield coincided with relegation Andrew Hannah had more than done his bit in helping establish Liverpool as a Football League club.   116.Albert Shelley (Trainer 1936-59, General Staff 1959-71) Joined the club from Southampton with manager George Kay in 1936 and devoted the rest of his life to the Liverpool cause. Born in Hampshire, Shelley had enjoyed a lengthy playing career at The Dell and at one-time was the club’s record appearance holder. A knowledgeable and trusted lieutenant of Kay he quickly became a popular and influential figure at Anfield, helping the Reds to League title success in 1946/47 and the FA Cup Final three years later. Famed for his ‘no-nonsense’ approach and his ‘cold bucket of water’ treatment for most injuries, he remained on the staff long after Kay had stepped down, working under both Don Welsh and Phil Taylor. Stepped down from his training duties in 1959 but continued his involvement with the club by looking after the Anfield treatment room and generally helping out wherever else he could until his death in 1971.   115.Willie Stevenson (Player 1962-67) A cultured left-half and key member of the successful Liverpool team of the mid-sixties, Stevenson was a tenacious tackler who could also distribute the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Signed from Glasgow Rangers in 1962, with whom he had won Scottish League and Cup honours, he initially took time to settle on Merseyside but once he did there was no looking back. A joker in the dressing room and favourite among the fans, it was his penalty – the first he had taken for the club – that sealed victory over Chelsea at Villa Park in the 1965 FA Cup Final. The following season he missed just one game as title was won for a second time in three years before losing his place to Emlyn Hughes in 1967 and leaving for Stoke.   114.Martin Broughton (Chairman 2010) His time at the club was brief but Martin Broughton will forever be held in the highest esteem by supporters who feared the club was heading towards bankruptcy during the ill-fated reign of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Like a knight in shining armour the Chelsea-supporting chairman of British Airways rode to Liverpool’s rescue in April 2010. He was commissioned with the task of finding a new buyer for the club. Six turbulent months later, amid much acclaim, he walked proudly out of the High Court in London having done just that. Liverpudlians everywhere breathed a huge sigh of relief and although Broughton’s time at the club would soon be up his niche in history had been secured.   113.Fred Hopkin (Player 1921-31) One of the star players in the back-to-back title-winning team of the early twenties, Hopkin provided the club with a decade of sterling service. Signed from Manchester United in May 1921 his arrival proved to be the last piece of the jigsaw as manager Dave Ashworth assembled a team good enough to be crowned champions for the first time in 16 years. A balding winger who possessed pace in abundance and a relentless work-rate, the crowd took to him immediately. A lack of goals was the one major flaw in his game but he more than compensated for that with the amount of goalscoring opportunities he supplied for the likes of Harry Chambers and Dick Forshaw. In 360 games for the Reds he netted himself just 12 times, the first of which has gone down in folklore for infamously coinciding with a fire in the main stand.   112. George Sephton  (Stadium Announcer) The renowned ‘voice of Anfield’ for over 40 years, Sephton’s dulcet tones are as much a part of every Liverpudlian’s match-going experience as a pie, a pint and a programme. A lifelong supporter of the club, Sephton got his big chance after writing to the then secretary Peter Robinson back in the early seventies. His first game on the gantry was the 1971/72 season opener against Nottingham Forest and he has missed only a handful of matches since. During this time he has kept supporters entertained and informed in equal measure; whether it be playing records, reading out the teams, passing on important messages and informing us of the scores from around the grounds. For generations of fans, going to Anfield just wouldn’t seem the same without him.   111.Jimmy McDougall (Player 1928-38) An almost ever-present in the Liverpool line-up during his ten years at the club, Scottish half-back Jimmy McDougall played during one of the most barren spells in Anfield history but was a key figure in helping to maintain the club’s top-flight status. Originally an inside-forward McDougall was signed from Partick Thistle in 1928 and went on to form a defensive back-line of some repute alongside fellow Scots Tom Bradshaw and Matt Busby. His calm assurance, dependability and the sheer consistency of his performances ensured that twice captain of Scotland was always one of the first names on the team-sheet. He retired from professional football in 1938 but made Liverpool his home and continued to follow the club’s fortunes with a keen interest right up until his death in 1984. Part two of this series is revealed in the September issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now.               Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the first of a brand new 12-part series we begin our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   120.Jim Aspinall (Youth Scout) Served Liverpool for over a quarter of a century and is best remembered for unearthing, among many others, the precocious talents of Liverpool legends Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler. Formerly a scout with Derby County, Aspinall was a well-known figure on the Merseyside junior football scene and started working for the Reds in the late seventies. His eye for talent was second to none, as proved by his discovery of McManaman and Fowler when they were both just 11 years of age, and Gary Ablett before that. When the purpose-built Liverpool Academy opened in 1999 he took on a more prominent role with the club and rose through the ranks to become Head of Recruitment, a post he held until going part-time in 2003. Before then though he also played a part in persuading both Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard that their futures lay with Liverpool, ensuring that he left even more of a lasting legacy.   119.Ernest ‘Bee’ Edwards (Journalist) A former Liverpool Echo sports editor, who famously wrote under the pseudonym ‘Bee’, Edwards is the man responsible for christening the Kop. Born and educated in the Midlands, he began his journalistic career in Exeter before moving to Merseyside in 1902, quickly establishing close links with the players and officials at Anfield and becoming an influential figure in local football circles. It was in the wake of Liverpool’s title triumph of 1906 that a new bank of terracing was built at the Walton Breck Road end of the ground and it was Edwards who proposed the idea of naming it the Spion Kop in honour of the many Scouse soldiers who had died on a South African hill of the same name during the Boer War. Little did he know it would become the most famous football terrace in the world.   118.Peter Beardsley (Player 1987-91) A club record signing from Newcastle United during the summer of 1987, Beardsley helped form one of the most potent attacking line-ups in Liverpool history. Although overshadowed to some extent by fellow new arrival John Barnes, his twinkle toed trickery constantly had the crowd on the edge of their seats during his four years at the club. Short in size, but not in stature, he was an unlikely looking footballer. His hunched shoulders, pudding bowl haircut and twisted jaw however, belied a player of supreme class. The Anfield crowd recognized this and although never a prolific scorer of goals he was a joy to watch as the Reds embarked on a trophy-winning spree that yielded him two league titles and the FA Cup before he was surprisingly sold to neighbours Everton.   117.Andrew Hannah (Player 1892-95) The backbone of Liverpool’s first ever team, Dumbartonshire-born Hannah also holds the distinction of being the first player to captain the club. Signed from the famous Scottish amateur side of the time Renton, in readiness for Liverpool’s inaugural 1892/93 season, Hannah had previously captained Everton to the First Division title and his capture was viewed as a major coup. A highly-respected figure within the game during this era, he led by example on and off the pitch, playing a key role in the early development of the fledgling team. Fearless and athletic, he played mainly at right-back and was considered to possess ‘mature judgement and excellent defensive tactics’. During the club’s first two years of existence he was a virtual ever-present, winning both the Lancashire League and Second Division titles, and although his last season at Anfield coincided with relegation Andrew Hannah had more than done his bit in helping establish Liverpool as a Football League club.   116.Albert Shelley (Trainer 1936-59, General Staff 1959-71) Joined the club from Southampton with manager George Kay in 1936 and devoted the rest of his life to the Liverpool cause. Born in Hampshire, Shelley had enjoyed a lengthy playing career at The Dell and at one-time was the club’s record appearance holder. A knowledgeable and trusted lieutenant of Kay he quickly became a popular and influential figure at Anfield, helping the Reds to League title success in 1946/47 and the FA Cup Final three years later. Famed for his ‘no-nonsense’ approach and his ‘cold bucket of water’ treatment for most injuries, he remained on the staff long after Kay had stepped down, working under both Don Welsh and Phil Taylor. Stepped down from his training duties in 1959 but continued his involvement with the club by looking after the Anfield treatment room and generally helping out wherever else he could until his death in 1971.   115.Willie Stevenson (Player 1962-67) A cultured left-half and key member of the successful Liverpool team of the mid-sixties, Stevenson was a tenacious tackler who could also distribute the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Signed from Glasgow Rangers in 1962, with whom he had won Scottish League and Cup honours, he initially took time to settle on Merseyside but once he did there was no looking back. A joker in the dressing room and favourite among the fans, it was his penalty – the first he had taken for the club – that sealed victory over Chelsea at Villa Park in the 1965 FA Cup Final. The following season he missed just one game as title was won for a second time in three years before losing his place to Emlyn Hughes in 1967 and leaving for Stoke.   114.Martin Broughton (Chairman 2010) His time at the club was brief but Martin Broughton will forever be held in the highest esteem by supporters who feared the club was heading towards bankruptcy during the ill-fated reign of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Like a knight in shining armour the Chelsea-supporting chairman of British Airways rode to Liverpool’s rescue in April 2010. He was commissioned with the task of finding a new buyer for the club. Six turbulent months later, amid much acclaim, he walked proudly out of the High Court in London having done just that. Liverpudlians everywhere breathed a huge sigh of relief and although Broughton’s time at the club would soon be up his niche in history had been secured.   113.Fred Hopkin (Player 1921-31) One of the star players in the back-to-back title-winning team of the early twenties, Hopkin provided the club with a decade of sterling service. Signed from Manchester United in May 1921 his arrival proved to be the last piece of the jigsaw as manager Dave Ashworth assembled a team good enough to be crowned champions for the first time in 16 years. A balding winger who possessed pace in abundance and a relentless work-rate, the crowd took to him immediately. A lack of goals was the one major flaw in his game but he more than compensated for that with the amount of goalscoring opportunities he supplied for the likes of Harry Chambers and Dick Forshaw. In 360 games for the Reds he netted himself just 12 times, the first of which has gone down in folklore for infamously coinciding with a fire in the main stand.   112. George Sephton  (Stadium Announcer) The renowned ‘voice of Anfield’ for over 40 years, Sephton’s dulcet tones are as much a part of every Liverpudlian’s match-going experience as a pie, a pint and a programme. A lifelong supporter of the club, Sephton got his big chance after writing to the then secretary Peter Robinson back in the early seventies. His first game on the gantry was the 1971/72 season opener against Nottingham Forest and he has missed only a handful of matches since. During this time he has kept supporters entertained and informed in equal measure; whether it be playing records, reading out the teams, passing on important messages and informing us of the scores from around the grounds. For generations of fans, going to Anfield just wouldn’t seem the same without him.   111.Jimmy McDougall (Player 1928-38) An almost ever-present in the Liverpool line-up during his ten years at the club, Scottish half-back Jimmy McDougall played during one of the most barren spells in Anfield history but was a key figure in helping to maintain the club’s top-flight status. Originally an inside-forward McDougall was signed from Partick Thistle in 1928 and went on to form a defensive back-line of some repute alongside fellow Scots Tom Bradshaw and Matt Busby. His calm assurance, dependability and the sheer consistency of his performances ensured that twice captain of Scotland was always one of the first names on the team-sheet. He retired from professional football in 1938 but made Liverpool his home and continued to follow the club’s fortunes with a keen interest right up until his death in 1984. Part two of this series is revealed in the September issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now.               Tue, 04 Sep 2012 23:50:03 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_120-Men-Who-Made-LFC-part-one/blog/6320079/173471.html Markp 2012-09-04T23:50:03Z The Kop Throughout the course of our illustrious 120-year history many thousands of people have helped mould Liverpool Football Club into the worldwide institution it is today, be it players, managers, coaches, administrators, supporters or various others. No matter how big or small, everyone has played their own unique part in making it the club we all love. But who have been the most influential, made the biggest impact and left the lasting legacies?  In the first of a brand new 12-part series we begin our countdown of ‘120 Men Who Made LFC’...   120.Jim Aspinall (Youth Scout) Served Liverpool for over a quarter of a century and is best remembered for unearthing, among many others, the precocious talents of Liverpool legends Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler. Formerly a scout with Derby County, Aspinall was a well-known figure on the Merseyside junior football scene and started working for the Reds in the late seventies. His eye for talent was second to none, as proved by his discovery of McManaman and Fowler when they were both just 11 years of age, and Gary Ablett before that. When the purpose-built Liverpool Academy opened in 1999 he took on a more prominent role with the club and rose through the ranks to become Head of Recruitment, a post he held until going part-time in 2003. Before then though he also played a part in persuading both Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard that their futures lay with Liverpool, ensuring that he left even more of a lasting legacy.   119.Ernest ‘Bee’ Edwards (Journalist) A former Liverpool Echo sports editor, who famously wrote under the pseudonym ‘Bee’, Edwards is the man responsible for christening the Kop. Born and educated in the Midlands, he began his journalistic career in Exeter before moving to Merseyside in 1902, quickly establishing close links with the players and officials at Anfield and becoming an influential figure in local football circles. It was in the wake of Liverpool’s title triumph of 1906 that a new bank of terracing was built at the Walton Breck Road end of the ground and it was Edwards who proposed the idea of naming it the Spion Kop in honour of the many Scouse soldiers who had died on a South African hill of the same name during the Boer War. Little did he know it would become the most famous football terrace in the world.   118.Peter Beardsley (Player 1987-91) A club record signing from Newcastle United during the summer of 1987, Beardsley helped form one of the most potent attacking line-ups in Liverpool history. Although overshadowed to some extent by fellow new arrival John Barnes, his twinkle toed trickery constantly had the crowd on the edge of their seats during his four years at the club. Short in size, but not in stature, he was an unlikely looking footballer. His hunched shoulders, pudding bowl haircut and twisted jaw however, belied a player of supreme class. The Anfield crowd recognized this and although never a prolific scorer of goals he was a joy to watch as the Reds embarked on a trophy-winning spree that yielded him two league titles and the FA Cup before he was surprisingly sold to neighbours Everton.   117.Andrew Hannah (Player 1892-95) The backbone of Liverpool’s first ever team, Dumbartonshire-born Hannah also holds the distinction of being the first player to captain the club. Signed from the famous Scottish amateur side of the time Renton, in readiness for Liverpool’s inaugural 1892/93 season, Hannah had previously captained Everton to the First Division title and his capture was viewed as a major coup. A highly-respected figure within the game during this era, he led by example on and off the pitch, playing a key role in the early development of the fledgling team. Fearless and athletic, he played mainly at right-back and was considered to possess ‘mature judgement and excellent defensive tactics’. During the club’s first two years of existence he was a virtual ever-present, winning both the Lancashire League and Second Division titles, and although his last season at Anfield coincided with relegation Andrew Hannah had more than done his bit in helping establish Liverpool as a Football League club.   116.Albert Shelley (Trainer 1936-59, General Staff 1959-71) Joined the club from Southampton with manager George Kay in 1936 and devoted the rest of his life to the Liverpool cause. Born in Hampshire, Shelley had enjoyed a lengthy playing career at The Dell and at one-time was the club’s record appearance holder. A knowledgeable and trusted lieutenant of Kay he quickly became a popular and influential figure at Anfield, helping the Reds to League title success in 1946/47 and the FA Cup Final three years later. Famed for his ‘no-nonsense’ approach and his ‘cold bucket of water’ treatment for most injuries, he remained on the staff long after Kay had stepped down, working under both Don Welsh and Phil Taylor. Stepped down from his training duties in 1959 but continued his involvement with the club by looking after the Anfield treatment room and generally helping out wherever else he could until his death in 1971.   115.Willie Stevenson (Player 1962-67) A cultured left-half and key member of the successful Liverpool team of the mid-sixties, Stevenson was a tenacious tackler who could also distribute the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Signed from Glasgow Rangers in 1962, with whom he had won Scottish League and Cup honours, he initially took time to settle on Merseyside but once he did there was no looking back. A joker in the dressing room and favourite among the fans, it was his penalty – the first he had taken for the club – that sealed victory over Chelsea at Villa Park in the 1965 FA Cup Final. The following season he missed just one game as title was won for a second time in three years before losing his place to Emlyn Hughes in 1967 and leaving for Stoke.   114.Martin Broughton (Chairman 2010) His time at the club was brief but Martin Broughton will forever be held in the highest esteem by supporters who feared the club was heading towards bankruptcy during the ill-fated reign of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Like a knight in shining armour the Chelsea-supporting chairman of British Airways rode to Liverpool’s rescue in April 2010. He was commissioned with the task of finding a new buyer for the club. Six turbulent months later, amid much acclaim, he walked proudly out of the High Court in London having done just that. Liverpudlians everywhere breathed a huge sigh of relief and although Broughton’s time at the club would soon be up his niche in history had been secured.   113.Fred Hopkin (Player 1921-31) One of the star players in the back-to-back title-winning team of the early twenties, Hopkin provided the club with a decade of sterling service. Signed from Manchester United in May 1921 his arrival proved to be the last piece of the jigsaw as manager Dave Ashworth assembled a team good enough to be crowned champions for the first time in 16 years. A balding winger who possessed pace in abundance and a relentless work-rate, the crowd took to him immediately. A lack of goals was the one major flaw in his game but he more than compensated for that with the amount of goalscoring opportunities he supplied for the likes of Harry Chambers and Dick Forshaw. In 360 games for the Reds he netted himself just 12 times, the first of which has gone down in folklore for infamously coinciding with a fire in the main stand.   112. George Sephton  (Stadium Announcer) The renowned ‘voice of Anfield’ for over 40 years, Sephton’s dulcet tones are as much a part of every Liverpudlian’s match-going experience as a pie, a pint and a programme. A lifelong supporter of the club, Sephton got his big chance after writing to the then secretary Peter Robinson back in the early seventies. His first game on the gantry was the 1971/72 season opener against Nottingham Forest and he has missed only a handful of matches since. During this time he has kept supporters entertained and informed in equal measure; whether it be playing records, reading out the teams, passing on important messages and informing us of the scores from around the grounds. For generations of fans, going to Anfield just wouldn’t seem the same without him.   111.Jimmy McDougall (Player 1928-38) An almost ever-present in the Liverpool line-up during his ten years at the club, Scottish half-back Jimmy McDougall played during one of the most barren spells in Anfield history but was a key figure in helping to maintain the club’s top-flight status. Originally an inside-forward McDougall was signed from Partick Thistle in 1928 and went on to form a defensive back-line of some repute alongside fellow Scots Tom Bradshaw and Matt Busby. His calm assurance, dependability and the sheer consistency of his performances ensured that twice captain of Scotland was always one of the first names on the team-sheet. He retired from professional football in 1938 but made Liverpool his home and continued to follow the club’s fortunes with a keen interest right up until his death in 1984. Part two of this series is revealed in the September issue of the new Liverpool FC Monthly Magazine. On sale now.               nonadult false 120 Men Who Made LFC - part one text blog 28190 9 4.88889 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 9 2 6320079 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Top-10-Liverpool-hat-tricks/blog/6028483/173471.html In light of Luis Suarez's stunning treble at Norwich, here are what I consider to be the ten best Liverpool hat-tricks of all-time...   10. Graeme Souness v CSKA Sofia (h) – European Cup quarter-final first leg:  4 March 4 1981 Souness was more than just a midfield enforcer and he proved that with this awesome hat-trick in this 5-1 demolition job against the Bulgarian champions. It all but secured a place in the last four of that season’s European Cup as a memorable trip to Paris beckoned.   9. Roger Hunt v Tottenham Hotspur (a) – First Division: 27 March 1964 Sir Roger outshone Jimmy Greaves on his own patch with a superb match-winning treble in what was a vital top of the table clash. His three goals inspired Liverpool to a priceless 3-1 success and the following month the championship flag was flying high at Anfield for the first time in 17 years.   8. Ronny Rosenthal v Charlton Athletic (a) – First Division: 11 April 1990 'Ronny who?' we asked when the Israeli international arrived on loan from Standard Liege but he quickly won a place in all our hearts with this exhilarating performance, in only his second game for the club, at Selhurst Park. His three goals – the perfect hat-trick combination left-footer, right-footer and header set Liverpool on the way to a crucial 4-0 win that re-ignited our last title charge.   7. Alun Evans v Bayern Munich (h) – Inter City Fairs Cup quarter-final first leg:  10 March 1970 In what was his finest moment in a red shirt, the pride of West Germany, Franz Beckenbauer and all, were blitzed by this stunning three-goal salvo from the one-time teen-sensation Evans. It was the first hat-trick scored by a Liverpool player in Europe and helped the Reds go on to complete a memorable aggregate victory.   6. Albert Stubbins v Birmingham City (h) – FA Cup quarter-final: 1 March 1947 This famous treble on a snow covered Anfield pitch has stood the test of time and is still fondly remembered by older Liverpudlians. The ginger-haired Geordie's three goals, including a diving header that has gone down in Liverpool folklore, inspired his team to a 4-1 win and a place in the last four of the FA Cup.   5. Ian Rush v Everton (a) – First Divsion: 5 November 1982 Rush went one better than a hat-trick and scored four as Everton were famously massacred 5-0 in their own back-yard during the all-conquering early eighties. The Merseyside derby’s all-time master marksmen went on to haunt the Blues for another decade but for them this was the stuff from where their nightmares stem.   4. Steven Gerrard v Everton (h) – Premier League: 13 March 2012 Thirty years had passed without a league hat-trick between Liverpool and Everton until Steven Gerrard silenced the taunting Evertonians with an individual display that, even by his high standards, must be ranked up among the very best. The fact that Liverpool went into this game being written off by all and sundry made Stevie’s treble all the sweeter.   3. Robbie Fowler v Arsenal (h) – Premiership: 31 August 1994 It’s the speed in which this treble was notched rather than the quality of it that makes it so memorable. Robbie was rampant on the day and created history with the fastest ever hat-trick in the Premier League era, the normally resolute Arsenal rearguard of Seaman, Dixon, Winterburn, Adams and Bould, torn to shreds three times in the space of just four minutes and 33 seconds.   2. Ian Rush v Aston Villa (a) – First Division – 20 January 1984 On a frosty Friday night in front of the live TV camera’s Rushie enhanced his reputation as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe with a supremely clinical display of finishing, the highlight of which was an exquisite chip over Nigel Spink nine minutes from time.   1. Luis Suarez v Norwich City (a) – Premier League: 28 April 2012 For the sheer quality of all three goals Liverpool’s most recent hat-trick hero is the new number one. For once the woodwork could not deny him and El Pistelero produced what he’s been threatening to do all season. It was his first in a red shirt. Hopefully, the first of many.   Whittling this list down to just ten has been no easy task and honourable mentions go to the following; Jan Molby (for his unique hat-trick of penalties v Coventry in 1986), Steve Nicol and Michael Owen (for their hat-tricks at St James' Park), Peter Beardsley and Dirk Kuyt (for their hat-tricks v Manchester United), Peter Crouch (for his 'perfect hat-trick v Arsenal in 2007) and last, but not least, the club's all-time record hat-trick scorer Gordon Hodgson. In light of Luis Suarez's stunning treble at Norwich, here are what I consider to be the ten best Liverpool hat-tricks of all-time...   10. Graeme Souness v CSKA Sofia (h) – European Cup quarter-final first leg:  4 March 4 1981 Souness was more than just a midfield enforcer and he proved that with this awesome hat-trick in this 5-1 demolition job against the Bulgarian champions. It all but secured a place in the last four of that season’s European Cup as a memorable trip to Paris beckoned.   9. Roger Hunt v Tottenham Hotspur (a) – First Division: 27 March 1964 Sir Roger outshone Jimmy Greaves on his own patch with a superb match-winning treble in what was a vital top of the table clash. His three goals inspired Liverpool to a priceless 3-1 success and the following month the championship flag was flying high at Anfield for the first time in 17 years.   8. Ronny Rosenthal v Charlton Athletic (a) – First Division: 11 April 1990 'Ronny who?' we asked when the Israeli international arrived on loan from Standard Liege but he quickly won a place in all our hearts with this exhilarating performance, in only his second game for the club, at Selhurst Park. His three goals – the perfect hat-trick combination left-footer, right-footer and header set Liverpool on the way to a crucial 4-0 win that re-ignited our last title charge.   7. Alun Evans v Bayern Munich (h) – Inter City Fairs Cup quarter-final first leg:  10 March 1970 In what was his finest moment in a red shirt, the pride of West Germany, Franz Beckenbauer and all, were blitzed by this stunning three-goal salvo from the one-time teen-sensation Evans. It was the first hat-trick scored by a Liverpool player in Europe and helped the Reds go on to complete a memorable aggregate victory.   6. Albert Stubbins v Birmingham City (h) – FA Cup quarter-final: 1 March 1947 This famous treble on a snow covered Anfield pitch has stood the test of time and is still fondly remembered by older Liverpudlians. The ginger-haired Geordie's three goals, including a diving header that has gone down in Liverpool folklore, inspired his team to a 4-1 win and a place in the last four of the FA Cup.   5. Ian Rush v Everton (a) – First Divsion: 5 November 1982 Rush went one better than a hat-trick and scored four as Everton were famously massacred 5-0 in their own back-yard during the all-conquering early eighties. The Merseyside derby’s all-time master marksmen went on to haunt the Blues for another decade but for them this was the stuff from where their nightmares stem.   4. Steven Gerrard v Everton (h) – Premier League: 13 March 2012 Thirty years had passed without a league hat-trick between Liverpool and Everton until Steven Gerrard silenced the taunting Evertonians with an individual display that, even by his high standards, must be ranked up among the very best. The fact that Liverpool went into this game being written off by all and sundry made Stevie’s treble all the sweeter.   3. Robbie Fowler v Arsenal (h) – Premiership: 31 August 1994 It’s the speed in which this treble was notched rather than the quality of it that makes it so memorable. Robbie was rampant on the day and created history with the fastest ever hat-trick in the Premier League era, the normally resolute Arsenal rearguard of Seaman, Dixon, Winterburn, Adams and Bould, torn to shreds three times in the space of just four minutes and 33 seconds.   2. Ian Rush v Aston Villa (a) – First Division – 20 January 1984 On a frosty Friday night in front of the live TV camera’s Rushie enhanced his reputation as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe with a supremely clinical display of finishing, the highlight of which was an exquisite chip over Nigel Spink nine minutes from time.   1. Luis Suarez v Norwich City (a) – Premier League: 28 April 2012 For the sheer quality of all three goals Liverpool’s most recent hat-trick hero is the new number one. For once the woodwork could not deny him and El Pistelero produced what he’s been threatening to do all season. It was his first in a red shirt. Hopefully, the first of many.   Whittling this list down to just ten has been no easy task and honourable mentions go to the following; Jan Molby (for his unique hat-trick of penalties v Coventry in 1986), Steve Nicol and Michael Owen (for their hat-tricks at St James' Park), Peter Beardsley and Dirk Kuyt (for their hat-tricks v Manchester United), Peter Crouch (for his 'perfect hat-trick v Arsenal in 2007) and last, but not least, the club's all-time record hat-trick scorer Gordon Hodgson. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:55:00 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Top-10-Liverpool-hat-tricks/blog/6028483/173471.html Markp 2012-04-29T14:55:00Z The Kop In light of Luis Suarez's stunning treble at Norwich, here are what I consider to be the ten best Liverpool hat-tricks of all-time...   10. Graeme Souness v CSKA Sofia (h) – European Cup quarter-final first leg:  4 March 4 1981 Souness was more than just a midfield enforcer and he proved that with this awesome hat-trick in this 5-1 demolition job against the Bulgarian champions. It all but secured a place in the last four of that season’s European Cup as a memorable trip to Paris beckoned.   9. Roger Hunt v Tottenham Hotspur (a) – First Division: 27 March 1964 Sir Roger outshone Jimmy Greaves on his own patch with a superb match-winning treble in what was a vital top of the table clash. His three goals inspired Liverpool to a priceless 3-1 success and the following month the championship flag was flying high at Anfield for the first time in 17 years.   8. Ronny Rosenthal v Charlton Athletic (a) – First Division: 11 April 1990 'Ronny who?' we asked when the Israeli international arrived on loan from Standard Liege but he quickly won a place in all our hearts with this exhilarating performance, in only his second game for the club, at Selhurst Park. His three goals – the perfect hat-trick combination left-footer, right-footer and header set Liverpool on the way to a crucial 4-0 win that re-ignited our last title charge.   7. Alun Evans v Bayern Munich (h) – Inter City Fairs Cup quarter-final first leg:  10 March 1970 In what was his finest moment in a red shirt, the pride of West Germany, Franz Beckenbauer and all, were blitzed by this stunning three-goal salvo from the one-time teen-sensation Evans. It was the first hat-trick scored by a Liverpool player in Europe and helped the Reds go on to complete a memorable aggregate victory.   6. Albert Stubbins v Birmingham City (h) – FA Cup quarter-final: 1 March 1947 This famous treble on a snow covered Anfield pitch has stood the test of time and is still fondly remembered by older Liverpudlians. The ginger-haired Geordie's three goals, including a diving header that has gone down in Liverpool folklore, inspired his team to a 4-1 win and a place in the last four of the FA Cup.   5. Ian Rush v Everton (a) – First Divsion: 5 November 1982 Rush went one better than a hat-trick and scored four as Everton were famously massacred 5-0 in their own back-yard during the all-conquering early eighties. The Merseyside derby’s all-time master marksmen went on to haunt the Blues for another decade but for them this was the stuff from where their nightmares stem.   4. Steven Gerrard v Everton (h) – Premier League: 13 March 2012 Thirty years had passed without a league hat-trick between Liverpool and Everton until Steven Gerrard silenced the taunting Evertonians with an individual display that, even by his high standards, must be ranked up among the very best. The fact that Liverpool went into this game being written off by all and sundry made Stevie’s treble all the sweeter.   3. Robbie Fowler v Arsenal (h) – Premiership: 31 August 1994 It’s the speed in which this treble was notched rather than the quality of it that makes it so memorable. Robbie was rampant on the day and created history with the fastest ever hat-trick in the Premier League era, the normally resolute Arsenal rearguard of Seaman, Dixon, Winterburn, Adams and Bould, torn to shreds three times in the space of just four minutes and 33 seconds.   2. Ian Rush v Aston Villa (a) – First Division – 20 January 1984 On a frosty Friday night in front of the live TV camera’s Rushie enhanced his reputation as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe with a supremely clinical display of finishing, the highlight of which was an exquisite chip over Nigel Spink nine minutes from time.   1. Luis Suarez v Norwich City (a) – Premier League: 28 April 2012 For the sheer quality of all three goals Liverpool’s most recent hat-trick hero is the new number one. For once the woodwork could not deny him and El Pistelero produced what he’s been threatening to do all season. It was his first in a red shirt. Hopefully, the first of many.   Whittling this list down to just ten has been no easy task and honourable mentions go to the following; Jan Molby (for his unique hat-trick of penalties v Coventry in 1986), Steve Nicol and Michael Owen (for their hat-tricks at St James' Park), Peter Beardsley and Dirk Kuyt (for their hat-tricks v Manchester United), Peter Crouch (for his 'perfect hat-trick v Arsenal in 2007) and last, but not least, the club's all-time record hat-trick scorer Gordon Hodgson. nonadult false Top 10 Liverpool hat-tricks text blog 69752 45 4.97778 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 74 3 6028483 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Going-Up-Celebrating-50-years-since-promotion/blog/5996633/173471.html Imagine having never seen your team win at Wembley or play in Europe, challenge regularly for the games top honours and fill its trophy cabinet with a glittering array of silverware while a worldwide fan-base roared its appreciation. Try to envisage what it would be like to follow your team week in week out around the backwaters of English football’s lowest echelons, forced to live miserably in the shadow of your closest rivals in a ramshackle stadium where an ever dwindling crowd had long been affected by the club’s general malaise. For the modern day Liverpool fan, and indeed a generation or two before them, it’s an unthinkable scenario. But it’s one that could have well befallen this club had it not been for what Bill Shankly and his Liverpool class of 1961/62 achieved 50 years ago this weekend. Think S*unthorpe United, Rotherham, Walsall, Bury and Bristol Rovers, to name just a few teams who, half a century ago, were competing on a level playing field with the Reds. And compare how our paths have differed in the intervening years. Could Liverpool Football Club have plummeted in a similar direction? If it hadn’t been for the story that’s about to be told, lower league mediocrity may well have been something Liverpudlians had long grown accustomed to. Thankfully it’s a hypothetical question that we’ll never know the answer to. Because in April 1962, after eight years in the Second Division wilderness, Liverpool finally hit on a winning formula once again and escaped the shackles that had been threatening to strangle this once proud club. This is how they achieved it... [image] When Bill Shankly took charge at Anfield in December 1959 promotion was his number one goal. Champions of England just 12 years previous, Liverpool had fallen on severely hard times. A rapid return to the top-flight had been expected following relegation in 1954. Instead, the club and its followers were handed a sentence much longer than ever imagined. Shankly came to set them free but was well aware of just what a massive task he had on his hands. By drawing on the passion of the crowd he knew the potential was there for the club to reclaim its place back among the elite. All he had to do was provide them with a team to be proud of. The new man immediately laid down his blueprint for the future by ridding the payroll of what he perceived to be ‘dead wood’. Within 12 months 24 players had been shown the door. Successive near misses in their quest for the ‘Promised Land’ though was the cue for much stronger action to be taken. ‘Always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ was becoming an all too familiar saying around Anfield at the time. Tommy Leishman, Gordon Milne and Kevin Lewis had already been recruited to his ranks and together  with the likes of Alan A’Court, Dick White and Jimmy Melia plus a promising crop of youngsters in Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan and Roger Hunt the foundations were in place for another attempt to breach the top two in the division. It was clear for all to see, however, that in order to take that next vital step, more quality reinforcements were needed. Attempts to bring in players of such calibre as Jack Charlton and Dave Mackay had been thwarted by the club’s reluctance to spend big and Shankly was becoming increasingly agitated. It had long been mooted on the terraces that the club’s directors were seriously lacking in ambition; the belief being that promotion would ultimately involve more expenditure on their part. And while there was no tangible evidence to support this claim the manager was slowly beginning to think along these lines too. Fortunately, future hopes changed for the better when Eric Sawyer, a good friend of Everton Chairman and Liverpool shareholder John Moores, was co-opted onto the board. Crucially, he shared Shankly’s vision for the club and soon persuaded his fellow directors that the Anfield purse strings needed to be loosened in the pursuit of success. Scotland forward Ian St John was immediately targeted and a club record £37,500 fee agreed with Motherwell in May 1961. St John became an instant crowd favourite, scoring a hat-trick on his first appearance in a Liverpool Senior Cup Final defeat to Everton. Yet he had to overcome Melwood’s ‘Scouse Mafia’ before being fully accepted by his new team-mates. Arriving with such a huge price tag around his neck meant he was initially treated with some suspicion by Liverpool’s local contingent who far outnumbered his fellow Scots. That was soon put right though, helped by a sweetly delivered left hook on the training pitch and the arrival of a partner in crime. Having strengthened his forward line, solidity at the back was the next priority and Shankly set his sights on Dundee United defender Ron Yeats. Following protracted negotiations with the Tannadice club a further £22,000 was eventually splashed out. At one point of this drawn-out transfer saga it looked as though Liverpool may miss out their man and when finally given the green light to complete the deal Shankly dashed to Edinburgh in a director’s Rolls Royce to seal the transfer of the man who would become his ‘colossus’. As usual around Anfield, hopes were high that the coming season would finally be the one. This, of course, was nothing new. But on the eve of the of the 61/62 campaign St John, writing in his new weekly Daily Post column spoke about the possibilities of a Super League sometime in the near future and the importance of Liverpool being part of that. While the Reds were once again fancied to be among the front-runners for promotion, however, they were not considered the favourites. The bookies and pundits declaring that Newcastle United and Sunderland would be the teams to beat – a claim Liverpool soon made a mockery of. On a baking hot afternoon in the West Country Liverpool started the season with a more than satisfactory 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers and didn’t drop a point until their seventh fixture, a goalless draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion. Ten of the first eleven games were won, most at a canter, and the press were unanimous in their belief that Liverpool were already bound for promotion. Especially considering that during this run both Newcastle and Sunderland had been defeated home and away.  Writing after the 3-0 home victory against Sunderland, Horace Yates in the Daily Post commented that this ‘was the finest team Liverpool have had in years’. The two news signings had certainly made a big impression and writing about St John, Yates added: ‘If ever a man has breathed life back into a forward line it is this talented Scot.’ Following the equally impressive 2-1 win at Newcastle, it was the turn of Yeats to take the plaudits. ‘I doubt if Liverpool will ever make a more valuable signing than this giant of a Scottish centre-half,’ wrote the Daily Post correspondent. Liverpool’s exciting brand of football – 31 goals scored in those first eleven games and just four conceded – not surprisingly attracted big crowds. Gates at Anfield regularly topped 45,000, occasionally 50,000, and never dipped below 30,000, while the full-house signs were commonplace when the Reds rolled up at the smaller opposition grounds elsewhere in the division. Despite the earlier friction between the Scots and the Scousers there was a great sense of togetherness about Shankly’s team and the starting eleven of Slater, White, Byrne, Milne, Yeats, Leishman, Lewis, Hunt, Melia, A’Court and St John remained unchanged during the this eleven-game unbeaten start. But with Yeats on the injured list and St John away with his country the boss was forced to reshuffle his side for the trip to Middlesbrough in early October and a first defeat ensued. Dick White suffered the misfortune of becoming the first ever Liverpool player to put through his own net twice in a game and so bemused was keeper Bert Slater that he came out for the second half with his jersey on back-to-front! Fortunately, it proved to be nothing but a minor blip. Liverpool bounced back to record what would be their biggest win of the campaign – 6-1 at home to Walsall – the following Saturday and although a  further four defeats followed before the New Year the Reds remained top of the tree, a position they would indeed occupy for the entire season. Yeats captained Liverpool for the first time during one of those defeats – 1-0 away to Rotherham on Boxing Day – but it was Slater who found himself in the firing line. Shankly believed he was at fault for the Millers’ last minute winner and the diminutive stopper was on borrowed time. Having opened up a healthy lead in the race for promotion thoughts turned to the FA Cup in the New Year and an exciting run saw First Division Chelsea beaten 4-3 at Anfield in round three, an incredible game in which the Reds had to survive a late onslaught after being 4-1 up at half-time. Kopites were certainly getting full value for their three shilling (15p) admission fee as the next week another high-scoring thriller saw Norwich beaten 5-4, a match also memorable for the fact that Terry Allcock netted all four for the visitors. Interest in the FA Cup was eventually ended by Preston North End in a fifth round second replay, with future Red Peter Thompson striking the all-important only goal of the game at a freezing Old Trafford. In the immediate aftermath of that cup exit it was announced by Chairman Tom Williams that Liverpool had swopped to sign Burnley goalkeeper Jim Furnell, placing a huge question mark over Slater’s future at the club. Furnell was pitched straight in for his debut in a 1-1 draw at Walsall just five days later and the man he replaced never played the club again. Revenge over Preston came in a league meeting between the two sides at Anfield towards the end of March and it was a game notable not only for Roger Hunt’s club record equalling 36th goal of the season but also for St John receiving his marching orders following a 47th minute fracas with North End centre-back Tony Singleton. St John was not instantly suspended though and celebrated scoring a hat-trick - his first in the Football League and first at Anfield – at home to Rotherham. Prior to this game Roger Hunt was called up by England and he marked the occasion by scoring Liverpool’s other goal to break the record for most Liverpool goals in a season set by Gordon Hodgson back in 1930/31. He was to finish the campaign with 41, including five hat-tricks. That win left the Reds on the brink of promotion and despite taking just one point from the next two games nothing was going to stop them. With six games to go just two more points were required to confirm the seemingly inevitable. Southampton were the visitors to Anfield on Saturday 21 April and Liverpudlians prepared to party. The weather was atrocious with heavy rain falling throughout the day and while it restricted the attendance to just over 40,000, when a full-house had been expected, it failed to dampen supporters’ spirits. St John missed the game through suspension as a result of his sending off a few weeks. Football League rules of the time stipulated that he wasn’t even supposed to be in the ground but the man who had replaced Billy Liddell as the new idol of the Kop, was never going to miss this and sneaked in alongside the fans. The Saint’s replacement was Ellesmere Port-born Lewis and he duly delivered, scoring twice before half-time to ease any nerves. Although there was no further scoring it was time for the parties to begin and wild celebrations greeted the final whistle. The jubilant crowd invaded the pitch and refused to go home until the victorious players came back out for a final curtain call. When they did many were thrown high into the air, with the previous year’s two pivotal signings Yeats and St John ending up on the Kop. As the news sunk in that Liverpool were finally back in the Promised Land, congratulatory telegrams poured in from all corners of the country, some from the most unlikely of sources. Matt Busby, a popular Liverpool captain of the pre-War era and now manager of Liverpool’s soon-to-be intense rivals Manchester United, said: ‘A club like Liverpool deserve to be playing in the highest class.’ Even those in the blue half of Merseyside seemed to welcome their return: larger-than-life local MP, and staunch Evertonian, Bessie Braddock, admitted it would be good for the city to have two clubs competing against each other in the top flight again. Victory over Southampton not only secured promotion but also the title and following the final home game of the season against Charlton Athletic there were more celebrations as the team proudly displayed the first piece of silverware won by the club for 15 years. It had been a long barren spell but this was to be the start of a glorious new chapter in Liverpool history. Speaking at the time, Bill Shankly described leading Liverpool to promotion as his proudest moment in football and while there was much greater glory to come it must never be forgotten that it all began with the Second Division title-winning season of 61/62. If Liverpool hadn’t have gone up then, maybe the rest wouldn’t have followed.  [image] Don’t miss ‘Going Up – the story of Liverpool’s promotion winning season of 1961/62’, featuring Ron Yeats, Ian St John & John Keith. Watch it now on demand here http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/on-demand-going-up-documentary Or on LFC TV Saturday April 21st at 9pm and Sunday April 22nd at 8pm Imagine having never seen your team win at Wembley or play in Europe, challenge regularly for the games top honours and fill its trophy cabinet with a glittering array of silverware while a worldwide fan-base roared its appreciation. Try to envisage what it would be like to follow your team week in week out around the backwaters of English football’s lowest echelons, forced to live miserably in the shadow of your closest rivals in a ramshackle stadium where an ever dwindling crowd had long been affected by the club’s general malaise. For the modern day Liverpool fan, and indeed a generation or two before them, it’s an unthinkable scenario. But it’s one that could have well befallen this club had it not been for what Bill Shankly and his Liverpool class of 1961/62 achieved 50 years ago this weekend. Think S*unthorpe United, Rotherham, Walsall, Bury and Bristol Rovers, to name just a few teams who, half a century ago, were competing on a level playing field with the Reds. And compare how our paths have differed in the intervening years. Could Liverpool Football Club have plummeted in a similar direction? If it hadn’t been for the story that’s about to be told, lower league mediocrity may well have been something Liverpudlians had long grown accustomed to. Thankfully it’s a hypothetical question that we’ll never know the answer to. Because in April 1962, after eight years in the Second Division wilderness, Liverpool finally hit on a winning formula once again and escaped the shackles that had been threatening to strangle this once proud club. This is how they achieved it... [image] When Bill Shankly took charge at Anfield in December 1959 promotion was his number one goal. Champions of England just 12 years previous, Liverpool had fallen on severely hard times. A rapid return to the top-flight had been expected following relegation in 1954. Instead, the club and its followers were handed a sentence much longer than ever imagined. Shankly came to set them free but was well aware of just what a massive task he had on his hands. By drawing on the passion of the crowd he knew the potential was there for the club to reclaim its place back among the elite. All he had to do was provide them with a team to be proud of. The new man immediately laid down his blueprint for the future by ridding the payroll of what he perceived to be ‘dead wood’. Within 12 months 24 players had been shown the door. Successive near misses in their quest for the ‘Promised Land’ though was the cue for much stronger action to be taken. ‘Always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ was becoming an all too familiar saying around Anfield at the time. Tommy Leishman, Gordon Milne and Kevin Lewis had already been recruited to his ranks and together  with the likes of Alan A’Court, Dick White and Jimmy Melia plus a promising crop of youngsters in Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan and Roger Hunt the foundations were in place for another attempt to breach the top two in the division. It was clear for all to see, however, that in order to take that next vital step, more quality reinforcements were needed. Attempts to bring in players of such calibre as Jack Charlton and Dave Mackay had been thwarted by the club’s reluctance to spend big and Shankly was becoming increasingly agitated. It had long been mooted on the terraces that the club’s directors were seriously lacking in ambition; the belief being that promotion would ultimately involve more expenditure on their part. And while there was no tangible evidence to support this claim the manager was slowly beginning to think along these lines too. Fortunately, future hopes changed for the better when Eric Sawyer, a good friend of Everton Chairman and Liverpool shareholder John Moores, was co-opted onto the board. Crucially, he shared Shankly’s vision for the club and soon persuaded his fellow directors that the Anfield purse strings needed to be loosened in the pursuit of success. Scotland forward Ian St John was immediately targeted and a club record £37,500 fee agreed with Motherwell in May 1961. St John became an instant crowd favourite, scoring a hat-trick on his first appearance in a Liverpool Senior Cup Final defeat to Everton. Yet he had to overcome Melwood’s ‘Scouse Mafia’ before being fully accepted by his new team-mates. Arriving with such a huge price tag around his neck meant he was initially treated with some suspicion by Liverpool’s local contingent who far outnumbered his fellow Scots. That was soon put right though, helped by a sweetly delivered left hook on the training pitch and the arrival of a partner in crime. Having strengthened his forward line, solidity at the back was the next priority and Shankly set his sights on Dundee United defender Ron Yeats. Following protracted negotiations with the Tannadice club a further £22,000 was eventually splashed out. At one point of this drawn-out transfer saga it looked as though Liverpool may miss out their man and when finally given the green light to complete the deal Shankly dashed to Edinburgh in a director’s Rolls Royce to seal the transfer of the man who would become his ‘colossus’. As usual around Anfield, hopes were high that the coming season would finally be the one. This, of course, was nothing new. But on the eve of the of the 61/62 campaign St John, writing in his new weekly Daily Post column spoke about the possibilities of a Super League sometime in the near future and the importance of Liverpool being part of that. While the Reds were once again fancied to be among the front-runners for promotion, however, they were not considered the favourites. The bookies and pundits declaring that Newcastle United and Sunderland would be the teams to beat – a claim Liverpool soon made a mockery of. On a baking hot afternoon in the West Country Liverpool started the season with a more than satisfactory 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers and didn’t drop a point until their seventh fixture, a goalless draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion. Ten of the first eleven games were won, most at a canter, and the press were unanimous in their belief that Liverpool were already bound for promotion. Especially considering that during this run both Newcastle and Sunderland had been defeated home and away.  Writing after the 3-0 home victory against Sunderland, Horace Yates in the Daily Post commented that this ‘was the finest team Liverpool have had in years’. The two news signings had certainly made a big impression and writing about St John, Yates added: ‘If ever a man has breathed life back into a forward line it is this talented Scot.’ Following the equally impressive 2-1 win at Newcastle, it was the turn of Yeats to take the plaudits. ‘I doubt if Liverpool will ever make a more valuable signing than this giant of a Scottish centre-half,’ wrote the Daily Post correspondent. Liverpool’s exciting brand of football – 31 goals scored in those first eleven games and just four conceded – not surprisingly attracted big crowds. Gates at Anfield regularly topped 45,000, occasionally 50,000, and never dipped below 30,000, while the full-house signs were commonplace when the Reds rolled up at the smaller opposition grounds elsewhere in the division. Despite the earlier friction between the Scots and the Scousers there was a great sense of togetherness about Shankly’s team and the starting eleven of Slater, White, Byrne, Milne, Yeats, Leishman, Lewis, Hunt, Melia, A’Court and St John remained unchanged during the this eleven-game unbeaten start. But with Yeats on the injured list and St John away with his country the boss was forced to reshuffle his side for the trip to Middlesbrough in early October and a first defeat ensued. Dick White suffered the misfortune of becoming the first ever Liverpool player to put through his own net twice in a game and so bemused was keeper Bert Slater that he came out for the second half with his jersey on back-to-front! Fortunately, it proved to be nothing but a minor blip. Liverpool bounced back to record what would be their biggest win of the campaign – 6-1 at home to Walsall – the following Saturday and although a  further four defeats followed before the New Year the Reds remained top of the tree, a position they would indeed occupy for the entire season. Yeats captained Liverpool for the first time during one of those defeats – 1-0 away to Rotherham on Boxing Day – but it was Slater who found himself in the firing line. Shankly believed he was at fault for the Millers’ last minute winner and the diminutive stopper was on borrowed time. Having opened up a healthy lead in the race for promotion thoughts turned to the FA Cup in the New Year and an exciting run saw First Division Chelsea beaten 4-3 at Anfield in round three, an incredible game in which the Reds had to survive a late onslaught after being 4-1 up at half-time. Kopites were certainly getting full value for their three shilling (15p) admission fee as the next week another high-scoring thriller saw Norwich beaten 5-4, a match also memorable for the fact that Terry Allcock netted all four for the visitors. Interest in the FA Cup was eventually ended by Preston North End in a fifth round second replay, with future Red Peter Thompson striking the all-important only goal of the game at a freezing Old Trafford. In the immediate aftermath of that cup exit it was announced by Chairman Tom Williams that Liverpool had swopped to sign Burnley goalkeeper Jim Furnell, placing a huge question mark over Slater’s future at the club. Furnell was pitched straight in for his debut in a 1-1 draw at Walsall just five days later and the man he replaced never played the club again. Revenge over Preston came in a league meeting between the two sides at Anfield towards the end of March and it was a game notable not only for Roger Hunt’s club record equalling 36th goal of the season but also for St John receiving his marching orders following a 47th minute fracas with North End centre-back Tony Singleton. St John was not instantly suspended though and celebrated scoring a hat-trick - his first in the Football League and first at Anfield – at home to Rotherham. Prior to this game Roger Hunt was called up by England and he marked the occasion by scoring Liverpool’s other goal to break the record for most Liverpool goals in a season set by Gordon Hodgson back in 1930/31. He was to finish the campaign with 41, including five hat-tricks. That win left the Reds on the brink of promotion and despite taking just one point from the next two games nothing was going to stop them. With six games to go just two more points were required to confirm the seemingly inevitable. Southampton were the visitors to Anfield on Saturday 21 April and Liverpudlians prepared to party. The weather was atrocious with heavy rain falling throughout the day and while it restricted the attendance to just over 40,000, when a full-house had been expected, it failed to dampen supporters’ spirits. St John missed the game through suspension as a result of his sending off a few weeks. Football League rules of the time stipulated that he wasn’t even supposed to be in the ground but the man who had replaced Billy Liddell as the new idol of the Kop, was never going to miss this and sneaked in alongside the fans. The Saint’s replacement was Ellesmere Port-born Lewis and he duly delivered, scoring twice before half-time to ease any nerves. Although there was no further scoring it was time for the parties to begin and wild celebrations greeted the final whistle. The jubilant crowd invaded the pitch and refused to go home until the victorious players came back out for a final curtain call. When they did many were thrown high into the air, with the previous year’s two pivotal signings Yeats and St John ending up on the Kop. As the news sunk in that Liverpool were finally back in the Promised Land, congratulatory telegrams poured in from all corners of the country, some from the most unlikely of sources. Matt Busby, a popular Liverpool captain of the pre-War era and now manager of Liverpool’s soon-to-be intense rivals Manchester United, said: ‘A club like Liverpool deserve to be playing in the highest class.’ Even those in the blue half of Merseyside seemed to welcome their return: larger-than-life local MP, and staunch Evertonian, Bessie Braddock, admitted it would be good for the city to have two clubs competing against each other in the top flight again. Victory over Southampton not only secured promotion but also the title and following the final home game of the season against Charlton Athletic there were more celebrations as the team proudly displayed the first piece of silverware won by the club for 15 years. It had been a long barren spell but this was to be the start of a glorious new chapter in Liverpool history. Speaking at the time, Bill Shankly described leading Liverpool to promotion as his proudest moment in football and while there was much greater glory to come it must never be forgotten that it all began with the Second Division title-winning season of 61/62. If Liverpool hadn’t have gone up then, maybe the rest wouldn’t have followed.  [image] Don’t miss ‘Going Up – the story of Liverpool’s promotion winning season of 1961/62’, featuring Ron Yeats, Ian St John & John Keith. Watch it now on demand here http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/on-demand-going-up-documentary Or on LFC TV Saturday April 21st at 9pm and Sunday April 22nd at 8pm Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:20:47 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Going-Up-Celebrating-50-years-since-promotion/blog/5996633/173471.html Markp 2012-04-20T20:20:47Z The Kop Imagine having never seen your team win at Wembley or play in Europe, challenge regularly for the games top honours and fill its trophy cabinet with a glittering array of silverware while a worldwide fan-base roared its appreciation. Try to envisage what it would be like to follow your team week in week out around the backwaters of English football’s lowest echelons, forced to live miserably in the shadow of your closest rivals in a ramshackle stadium where an ever dwindling crowd had long been affected by the club’s general malaise. For the modern day Liverpool fan, and indeed a generation or two before them, it’s an unthinkable scenario. But it’s one that could have well befallen this club had it not been for what Bill Shankly and his Liverpool class of 1961/62 achieved 50 years ago this weekend. Think S*unthorpe United, Rotherham, Walsall, Bury and Bristol Rovers, to name just a few teams who, half a century ago, were competing on a level playing field with the Reds. And compare how our paths have differed in the intervening years. Could Liverpool Football Club have plummeted in a similar direction? If it hadn’t been for the story that’s about to be told, lower league mediocrity may well have been something Liverpudlians had long grown accustomed to. Thankfully it’s a hypothetical question that we’ll never know the answer to. Because in April 1962, after eight years in the Second Division wilderness, Liverpool finally hit on a winning formula once again and escaped the shackles that had been threatening to strangle this once proud club. This is how they achieved it... [image] When Bill Shankly took charge at Anfield in December 1959 promotion was his number one goal. Champions of England just 12 years previous, Liverpool had fallen on severely hard times. A rapid return to the top-flight had been expected following relegation in 1954. Instead, the club and its followers were handed a sentence much longer than ever imagined. Shankly came to set them free but was well aware of just what a massive task he had on his hands. By drawing on the passion of the crowd he knew the potential was there for the club to reclaim its place back among the elite. All he had to do was provide them with a team to be proud of. The new man immediately laid down his blueprint for the future by ridding the payroll of what he perceived to be ‘dead wood’. Within 12 months 24 players had been shown the door. Successive near misses in their quest for the ‘Promised Land’ though was the cue for much stronger action to be taken. ‘Always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ was becoming an all too familiar saying around Anfield at the time. Tommy Leishman, Gordon Milne and Kevin Lewis had already been recruited to his ranks and together  with the likes of Alan A’Court, Dick White and Jimmy Melia plus a promising crop of youngsters in Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan and Roger Hunt the foundations were in place for another attempt to breach the top two in the division. It was clear for all to see, however, that in order to take that next vital step, more quality reinforcements were needed. Attempts to bring in players of such calibre as Jack Charlton and Dave Mackay had been thwarted by the club’s reluctance to spend big and Shankly was becoming increasingly agitated. It had long been mooted on the terraces that the club’s directors were seriously lacking in ambition; the belief being that promotion would ultimately involve more expenditure on their part. And while there was no tangible evidence to support this claim the manager was slowly beginning to think along these lines too. Fortunately, future hopes changed for the better when Eric Sawyer, a good friend of Everton Chairman and Liverpool shareholder John Moores, was co-opted onto the board. Crucially, he shared Shankly’s vision for the club and soon persuaded his fellow directors that the Anfield purse strings needed to be loosened in the pursuit of success. Scotland forward Ian St John was immediately targeted and a club record £37,500 fee agreed with Motherwell in May 1961. St John became an instant crowd favourite, scoring a hat-trick on his first appearance in a Liverpool Senior Cup Final defeat to Everton. Yet he had to overcome Melwood’s ‘Scouse Mafia’ before being fully accepted by his new team-mates. Arriving with such a huge price tag around his neck meant he was initially treated with some suspicion by Liverpool’s local contingent who far outnumbered his fellow Scots. That was soon put right though, helped by a sweetly delivered left hook on the training pitch and the arrival of a partner in crime. Having strengthened his forward line, solidity at the back was the next priority and Shankly set his sights on Dundee United defender Ron Yeats. Following protracted negotiations with the Tannadice club a further £22,000 was eventually splashed out. At one point of this drawn-out transfer saga it looked as though Liverpool may miss out their man and when finally given the green light to complete the deal Shankly dashed to Edinburgh in a director’s Rolls Royce to seal the transfer of the man who would become his ‘colossus’. As usual around Anfield, hopes were high that the coming season would finally be the one. This, of course, was nothing new. But on the eve of the of the 61/62 campaign St John, writing in his new weekly Daily Post column spoke about the possibilities of a Super League sometime in the near future and the importance of Liverpool being part of that. While the Reds were once again fancied to be among the front-runners for promotion, however, they were not considered the favourites. The bookies and pundits declaring that Newcastle United and Sunderland would be the teams to beat – a claim Liverpool soon made a mockery of. On a baking hot afternoon in the West Country Liverpool started the season with a more than satisfactory 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers and didn’t drop a point until their seventh fixture, a goalless draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion. Ten of the first eleven games were won, most at a canter, and the press were unanimous in their belief that Liverpool were already bound for promotion. Especially considering that during this run both Newcastle and Sunderland had been defeated home and away.  Writing after the 3-0 home victory against Sunderland, Horace Yates in the Daily Post commented that this ‘was the finest team Liverpool have had in years’. The two news signings had certainly made a big impression and writing about St John, Yates added: ‘If ever a man has breathed life back into a forward line it is this talented Scot.’ Following the equally impressive 2-1 win at Newcastle, it was the turn of Yeats to take the plaudits. ‘I doubt if Liverpool will ever make a more valuable signing than this giant of a Scottish centre-half,’ wrote the Daily Post correspondent. Liverpool’s exciting brand of football – 31 goals scored in those first eleven games and just four conceded – not surprisingly attracted big crowds. Gates at Anfield regularly topped 45,000, occasionally 50,000, and never dipped below 30,000, while the full-house signs were commonplace when the Reds rolled up at the smaller opposition grounds elsewhere in the division. Despite the earlier friction between the Scots and the Scousers there was a great sense of togetherness about Shankly’s team and the starting eleven of Slater, White, Byrne, Milne, Yeats, Leishman, Lewis, Hunt, Melia, A’Court and St John remained unchanged during the this eleven-game unbeaten start. But with Yeats on the injured list and St John away with his country the boss was forced to reshuffle his side for the trip to Middlesbrough in early October and a first defeat ensued. Dick White suffered the misfortune of becoming the first ever Liverpool player to put through his own net twice in a game and so bemused was keeper Bert Slater that he came out for the second half with his jersey on back-to-front! Fortunately, it proved to be nothing but a minor blip. Liverpool bounced back to record what would be their biggest win of the campaign – 6-1 at home to Walsall – the following Saturday and although a  further four defeats followed before the New Year the Reds remained top of the tree, a position they would indeed occupy for the entire season. Yeats captained Liverpool for the first time during one of those defeats – 1-0 away to Rotherham on Boxing Day – but it was Slater who found himself in the firing line. Shankly believed he was at fault for the Millers’ last minute winner and the diminutive stopper was on borrowed time. Having opened up a healthy lead in the race for promotion thoughts turned to the FA Cup in the New Year and an exciting run saw First Division Chelsea beaten 4-3 at Anfield in round three, an incredible game in which the Reds had to survive a late onslaught after being 4-1 up at half-time. Kopites were certainly getting full value for their three shilling (15p) admission fee as the next week another high-scoring thriller saw Norwich beaten 5-4, a match also memorable for the fact that Terry Allcock netted all four for the visitors. Interest in the FA Cup was eventually ended by Preston North End in a fifth round second replay, with future Red Peter Thompson striking the all-important only goal of the game at a freezing Old Trafford. In the immediate aftermath of that cup exit it was announced by Chairman Tom Williams that Liverpool had swopped to sign Burnley goalkeeper Jim Furnell, placing a huge question mark over Slater’s future at the club. Furnell was pitched straight in for his debut in a 1-1 draw at Walsall just five days later and the man he replaced never played the club again. Revenge over Preston came in a league meeting between the two sides at Anfield towards the end of March and it was a game notable not only for Roger Hunt’s club record equalling 36th goal of the season but also for St John receiving his marching orders following a 47th minute fracas with North End centre-back Tony Singleton. St John was not instantly suspended though and celebrated scoring a hat-trick - his first in the Football League and first at Anfield – at home to Rotherham. Prior to this game Roger Hunt was called up by England and he marked the occasion by scoring Liverpool’s other goal to break the record for most Liverpool goals in a season set by Gordon Hodgson back in 1930/31. He was to finish the campaign with 41, including five hat-tricks. That win left the Reds on the brink of promotion and despite taking just one point from the next two games nothing was going to stop them. With six games to go just two more points were required to confirm the seemingly inevitable. Southampton were the visitors to Anfield on Saturday 21 April and Liverpudlians prepared to party. The weather was atrocious with heavy rain falling throughout the day and while it restricted the attendance to just over 40,000, when a full-house had been expected, it failed to dampen supporters’ spirits. St John missed the game through suspension as a result of his sending off a few weeks. Football League rules of the time stipulated that he wasn’t even supposed to be in the ground but the man who had replaced Billy Liddell as the new idol of the Kop, was never going to miss this and sneaked in alongside the fans. The Saint’s replacement was Ellesmere Port-born Lewis and he duly delivered, scoring twice before half-time to ease any nerves. Although there was no further scoring it was time for the parties to begin and wild celebrations greeted the final whistle. The jubilant crowd invaded the pitch and refused to go home until the victorious players came back out for a final curtain call. When they did many were thrown high into the air, with the previous year’s two pivotal signings Yeats and St John ending up on the Kop. As the news sunk in that Liverpool were finally back in the Promised Land, congratulatory telegrams poured in from all corners of the country, some from the most unlikely of sources. Matt Busby, a popular Liverpool captain of the pre-War era and now manager of Liverpool’s soon-to-be intense rivals Manchester United, said: ‘A club like Liverpool deserve to be playing in the highest class.’ Even those in the blue half of Merseyside seemed to welcome their return: larger-than-life local MP, and staunch Evertonian, Bessie Braddock, admitted it would be good for the city to have two clubs competing against each other in the top flight again. Victory over Southampton not only secured promotion but also the title and following the final home game of the season against Charlton Athletic there were more celebrations as the team proudly displayed the first piece of silverware won by the club for 15 years. It had been a long barren spell but this was to be the start of a glorious new chapter in Liverpool history. Speaking at the time, Bill Shankly described leading Liverpool to promotion as his proudest moment in football and while there was much greater glory to come it must never be forgotten that it all began with the Second Division title-winning season of 61/62. If Liverpool hadn’t have gone up then, maybe the rest wouldn’t have followed.  [image] Don’t miss ‘Going Up – the story of Liverpool’s promotion winning season of 1961/62’, featuring Ron Yeats, Ian St John & John Keith. Watch it now on demand here http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/on-demand-going-up-documentary Or on LFC TV Saturday April 21st at 9pm and Sunday April 22nd at 8pm nonadult false Going Up! Celebrating 50 years since promotion text blog 21625 30 5.0 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 20 3 5996633 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_FA-Cup-semi-final-1947/blog/5970025/173471.html As our city prepares to take centre stage in the sporting stakes yet again tomorrow, the following extract from the 'At The End Of The Storm', the book I co-authored with Gary Shaw in 2009, recalls the first time Liverpool's participation in the FA Cup semi-final clashed with the Grand National... Saturday 29 March 1947 It was a weekend for sports enthusiasts to savour. The Grand National, the boat race and two FA Cup semi-finals all on the same day. But while the eyes of the nation were on Liverpool and the first ever Saturday running of the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree, the eyes of Liverpool were on events 30 miles up the road in Blackburn where eleven men in red were aiming to do what no other team from Anfield had achieved – to book their place in a Wembley Cup Final. Excitement among Liverpudlians ahead of their club’s first appearance in the last four of the FA Cup for 33 years could hardly have been any greater had it been the final itself. Think Istanbul 2005 and that’s no exaggeration. For these success-starved fans winning the Cup was the holy-grail and now they could almost reach out and touch it. In Kopite eyes George Kay’s men, if they could at last make their long-held dream come true, stood on the verge of immortality and with Liverpool’s class of 46/47 already being hailed in the local press as, “one of the finest sides ever to wear the Red of Anfield,” there was an air of quiet confidence among the supporters. So too, however, was a sense of nervous tension. Summed up on the morning of the match by Daily Express reporter Henry Rose who, while of the firm belief that, “on their day Liverpool can win the FA Cup, Grand National and the boat race,” was also of the opinion that, “on an off day the Gasworks team could beat them.” This Jekyll and Hyde type of form meant you never really knew which Liverpool team was going to turn up and therefore there always remained a nagging doubt in the back of the mind. Would it be the swashbuckling Liverpool that surged to the top of Division One on the crest of a 12-game unbeaten run earlier in the season or would it be the mild and meek Liverpool that suffered four successive League defeats at the turn of the year? [image] At this most crucial juncture in the club’s history, fingers, arms, legs, feet, toes and whatever else could be crossed were crossed in the hope that it wouldn’t be the latter. In the days building up to the game supporters prayed for divine intervention and every superstition under the sun was adhered to. Such was the hype surrounding this match the team escaped to the sanctuary of a 17th century coaching inn, high in the hills of Clitheroe to prepare and the travelling party consisted of the squad that had been on duty against Derby plus Jones and reserves Minshull, Palk and Ramsden. Previews to the game dominated the sports pages of every newspaper and most were tipping Liverpool to meet Newcastle in the final but Second Division opponents Burnley were not to be underestimated. Like quarter-final opponents Birmingham they too were chasing promotion to the top-flight and had occupied a position near the top for most of the season. Managed by Everton’s 1933 FA Cup winner Cliff Britton, this was his first season in the job, the Clarets had also shown their mettle in the previous round by eliminating Middlesbrough, a team Liverpool had failed to beat on two occasions earlier in the season. They’d also lost just one of their previous 32 League and cup matches and kept clean-sheets in 16 of their last 22. With only seven goals conceded in their last 28 games there was no doubt that Burnley were going to prove a much sterner test than Birmingham but setting the scene in the previous Saturday’s Football Echo, Ranger tipped the Reds to emerge victorious and clinch that, “mouth-watering prospect,” of a first visit to Wembley. He wrote: “I think they can but it will be a hard task, for Burnley are a well-balanced side, just as much on the crest of a wave as Liverpool and – on paper, at least – there is little to choose between them. I am pinning my faith in a Liverpool victory on the superior skill of the Reds in attack. “Burnley’s defence is brilliant, but, from what I saw of them in the replay against Middlesbrough, I don’t think their forwards have the same finishing power as Liverpool’s. With a front line of five players who have all had centre-forward experience, who all know where the goal lies, and can hit the ball with terrific power, I bank on Liverpool’s attack to win the day.” It was to be the first time Liverpool and Burnley had met in the cup since the final of 1914 when Bert Freeman’s goal settled the issue in favour of the men from Turf Moor and it was difficult to argue with those in the press who billed this semi-final as the biggest game in the club’s history since that meeting at Crystal Palace. The only Liverpool player to have experienced the unique atmosphere of a FA Cup semi-final before was Willie Fagan who had been a member of the Preston side that defeated West Brom at Highbury in 1937. His experience was considered vital, as was that of fellow veteran Jack Balmer whose build-up to the match was disrupted during the week when he was forced to rush home from training after receiving a message from his wife that 18-month old son Colin had scalded himself on a kettle. Manage Kay hurriedly drove Balmer to his West Derby home but luckily it was nothing too serious and semi-final preparations were not affected. Given the club’s record of misfortune in the competition during the intervening years Reds fans were certainly taking nothing for granted and it was a tense travelling Kop that converged on Blackburn. Liverpudlians lucky enough to get their hands on tickets travelled in their thousands with some leaving Exchange Station as early 1.50am.  By midday the town was reportedly a mass of red and white, with visiting fans from Merseyside easily outnumbering those who’d made the much shorter journey from Burnley. [image] Like a modern day Euro away, it was a Scouse invasion of colour and sound.  “A tornado of football frenzy,” being one apt description of the pre-match scenes in Blackburn where ‘Burnleyites’ “felt strangers in a strange land.” “Everywhere was a blaze of colour with red and white represented in almost every form of garb. Liverpool had come to town in force, and their supporters made themselves heard with their sirens, klaxons, horns, motorcar hooters, rattles etc.” An hour before kick-off Ewood Park was “seething with excitement and noise from the vociferous crowd,” and even a torrential down-pour just before the teams emerged failed to dampen their enthusiasm. But while the fans had no problem getting in the same couldn’t be said of the Liverpool team who, because of a misunderstanding over tickets, were denied admission by an over-zealous gateman. Only after a long and protracted discussion did he relent and allow them through but the reserves carrying the skips were forced to endure a further wait before common sense prevailed. With Jones fit enough to return in place of Easdale and no fresh injuries to report Liverpool, once through and changed, were able to field their ‘first choice cup eleven.’ This was the same team that had beaten Derby and Birmingham in rounds five and six respectively and the one which was obviously deemed by the selection committee to be their strongest. Burnley were also at full strength for this eagerly awaited, “Lancashire Hot-Pot,” as billed by the Daily Mirror, but with so much at stake the fear of defeat hung heavily in the air and both sides proceeded to cancel each other out As so often happens in semi-finals the fear of losing hung heavily in the air and with two sides so strong in defence it was never going to be much in the way of a spectacle. Having won the toss for choice of colours Liverpool sported their traditional red while Burnley wore white and when the action got underway it was they who made the early running. The men from Turf Moor, appeared to be a lot more relaxed and, “showed First Division craft,” in their play, while Liverpool, it seemed, were awestruck by the sense of occasion and took time to really get going. With goalmouth incidents very few and far between Sidlow, who’d been demobbed the previous day, and his opposite number Jimmy Strong had little do during the tentative opening stages. Both sides gave a fine demonstration in the noble art of tackling and Clarets captain Alan Brown’s close marking job on Stubbins ensured the Reds number nine endured one of his quieter games. [image] With the crowd so densely packed together in certain sections of the ground it wasn’t long before fans started encroaching onto the pitch, most notably when right-winger Jackie Chew tried taking a corner. “Extra police were rushed there and, ambulancemen with stretchers were kept busy,” and to avoid a repeat scenario some fans were allowed to move to more spacious parts of the terracing. As expected, it was renowned amateur winger Peter Kippax who posed the greatest threat for Burnley and in bid to stop him the Liverpool defenders were guilty of conceding several free-kicks. It was his impressive left-footed shot, “after turning Harley on a sixpence,” that came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock. Fortunately for the Reds it flew just inches over. “When half-time came it was Burnley who were ahead on points,” but it wasn’t all one-way traffic and fellow left-winger Liddell was equally dangerous when in possession. Fagan had an angled drive saved at the foot of the post but according to The Times it was Liddell, “who all through the game looked the one man capable of winning the game on his own.” He later switched wings in an attempt to unlock what was proving to be a stubborn Burnley rearguard and 20 minutes into the second half a rare clear-cut scoring opportunity fell his way. It came from a Fagan corner. The ball landed at his feet just 10-yards from goal then as, “he moved forward, perfectly balanced and controlled, the goal that looked a certainty was shouted home, but his shot sped past the far post.” [image] Speaking to journalists immediately after the game Liddell moved a comb across his hand to describe just how close he’d come to firing the Reds to Wembley. He said: “The ball moved just that much. I’d actually picked my spot for a right-foot shot. Then as the ball moved away, I had to pull it quickly on to my left foot. I knew my chance had gone as I hit it.” It was an agonising moment and one Liverpool were left to rue. After 90 goalless minutes the game drifted into extra-time and it was Liverpool who once again came closest to ending the stalemate. Liddell beat Woodruff for pace and delivered a teasing centre across the Burnley goalmouth. “Stubbins was left, slightly off balance, with an open goal and Liddell’s lobbed pass bouncing awkwardly in front of him. The next moment all that remained of the scene was Mather lying injured in the goalmouth, where his superb and desperate tackle of Stubbins saved the day for Burnley.” Exhaustion set in during the second period of extra-time and although both defences were guilty of mistakes late on there remained no score. Despite carving out the two best chances Liverpool were never really on top until late in the game but it came too late and the tie “was left in a state of suspended animation,” with honours deservedly even. It had been a “fierce two hours,” but Pat Collins of the Daily Mirror was not impressed: “In a grim 120 minutes, in which two iron defences compressed the game into a negative midfield battle, Liddell’s was the only real chance.” But while incident and action was thin on the ground in Blackburn, elsewhere the Great British public revelled in what had been an epic sporting Saturday as, 100/1 shot Caughoo romped home in the Grand National, Cambridge crossed the line first in the Boat Race and Charlton Athletic demolished Newcastle 4-0 at Elland Road to clinch a second successive appearance in the FA Cup Final. Unfortunately, all the thrills and spills must have got lost somewhere on the way to Ewood Park. For the 53,000 present it had all been a bit of an anti-climax and with the Easter holidays approaching it would be another fortnight, at least, before Charlton would discover who they’d be walking out alongside at Wembley. http://www.attheendofthestorm.co.uk/ [image] As our city prepares to take centre stage in the sporting stakes yet again tomorrow, the following extract from the 'At The End Of The Storm', the book I co-authored with Gary Shaw in 2009, recalls the first time Liverpool's participation in the FA Cup semi-final clashed with the Grand National... Saturday 29 March 1947 It was a weekend for sports enthusiasts to savour. The Grand National, the boat race and two FA Cup semi-finals all on the same day. But while the eyes of the nation were on Liverpool and the first ever Saturday running of the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree, the eyes of Liverpool were on events 30 miles up the road in Blackburn where eleven men in red were aiming to do what no other team from Anfield had achieved – to book their place in a Wembley Cup Final. Excitement among Liverpudlians ahead of their club’s first appearance in the last four of the FA Cup for 33 years could hardly have been any greater had it been the final itself. Think Istanbul 2005 and that’s no exaggeration. For these success-starved fans winning the Cup was the holy-grail and now they could almost reach out and touch it. In Kopite eyes George Kay’s men, if they could at last make their long-held dream come true, stood on the verge of immortality and with Liverpool’s class of 46/47 already being hailed in the local press as, “one of the finest sides ever to wear the Red of Anfield,” there was an air of quiet confidence among the supporters. So too, however, was a sense of nervous tension. Summed up on the morning of the match by Daily Express reporter Henry Rose who, while of the firm belief that, “on their day Liverpool can win the FA Cup, Grand National and the boat race,” was also of the opinion that, “on an off day the Gasworks team could beat them.” This Jekyll and Hyde type of form meant you never really knew which Liverpool team was going to turn up and therefore there always remained a nagging doubt in the back of the mind. Would it be the swashbuckling Liverpool that surged to the top of Division One on the crest of a 12-game unbeaten run earlier in the season or would it be the mild and meek Liverpool that suffered four successive League defeats at the turn of the year? [image] At this most crucial juncture in the club’s history, fingers, arms, legs, feet, toes and whatever else could be crossed were crossed in the hope that it wouldn’t be the latter. In the days building up to the game supporters prayed for divine intervention and every superstition under the sun was adhered to. Such was the hype surrounding this match the team escaped to the sanctuary of a 17th century coaching inn, high in the hills of Clitheroe to prepare and the travelling party consisted of the squad that had been on duty against Derby plus Jones and reserves Minshull, Palk and Ramsden. Previews to the game dominated the sports pages of every newspaper and most were tipping Liverpool to meet Newcastle in the final but Second Division opponents Burnley were not to be underestimated. Like quarter-final opponents Birmingham they too were chasing promotion to the top-flight and had occupied a position near the top for most of the season. Managed by Everton’s 1933 FA Cup winner Cliff Britton, this was his first season in the job, the Clarets had also shown their mettle in the previous round by eliminating Middlesbrough, a team Liverpool had failed to beat on two occasions earlier in the season. They’d also lost just one of their previous 32 League and cup matches and kept clean-sheets in 16 of their last 22. With only seven goals conceded in their last 28 games there was no doubt that Burnley were going to prove a much sterner test than Birmingham but setting the scene in the previous Saturday’s Football Echo, Ranger tipped the Reds to emerge victorious and clinch that, “mouth-watering prospect,” of a first visit to Wembley. He wrote: “I think they can but it will be a hard task, for Burnley are a well-balanced side, just as much on the crest of a wave as Liverpool and – on paper, at least – there is little to choose between them. I am pinning my faith in a Liverpool victory on the superior skill of the Reds in attack. “Burnley’s defence is brilliant, but, from what I saw of them in the replay against Middlesbrough, I don’t think their forwards have the same finishing power as Liverpool’s. With a front line of five players who have all had centre-forward experience, who all know where the goal lies, and can hit the ball with terrific power, I bank on Liverpool’s attack to win the day.” It was to be the first time Liverpool and Burnley had met in the cup since the final of 1914 when Bert Freeman’s goal settled the issue in favour of the men from Turf Moor and it was difficult to argue with those in the press who billed this semi-final as the biggest game in the club’s history since that meeting at Crystal Palace. The only Liverpool player to have experienced the unique atmosphere of a FA Cup semi-final before was Willie Fagan who had been a member of the Preston side that defeated West Brom at Highbury in 1937. His experience was considered vital, as was that of fellow veteran Jack Balmer whose build-up to the match was disrupted during the week when he was forced to rush home from training after receiving a message from his wife that 18-month old son Colin had scalded himself on a kettle. Manage Kay hurriedly drove Balmer to his West Derby home but luckily it was nothing too serious and semi-final preparations were not affected. Given the club’s record of misfortune in the competition during the intervening years Reds fans were certainly taking nothing for granted and it was a tense travelling Kop that converged on Blackburn. Liverpudlians lucky enough to get their hands on tickets travelled in their thousands with some leaving Exchange Station as early 1.50am.  By midday the town was reportedly a mass of red and white, with visiting fans from Merseyside easily outnumbering those who’d made the much shorter journey from Burnley. [image] Like a modern day Euro away, it was a Scouse invasion of colour and sound.  “A tornado of football frenzy,” being one apt description of the pre-match scenes in Blackburn where ‘Burnleyites’ “felt strangers in a strange land.” “Everywhere was a blaze of colour with red and white represented in almost every form of garb. Liverpool had come to town in force, and their supporters made themselves heard with their sirens, klaxons, horns, motorcar hooters, rattles etc.” An hour before kick-off Ewood Park was “seething with excitement and noise from the vociferous crowd,” and even a torrential down-pour just before the teams emerged failed to dampen their enthusiasm. But while the fans had no problem getting in the same couldn’t be said of the Liverpool team who, because of a misunderstanding over tickets, were denied admission by an over-zealous gateman. Only after a long and protracted discussion did he relent and allow them through but the reserves carrying the skips were forced to endure a further wait before common sense prevailed. With Jones fit enough to return in place of Easdale and no fresh injuries to report Liverpool, once through and changed, were able to field their ‘first choice cup eleven.’ This was the same team that had beaten Derby and Birmingham in rounds five and six respectively and the one which was obviously deemed by the selection committee to be their strongest. Burnley were also at full strength for this eagerly awaited, “Lancashire Hot-Pot,” as billed by the Daily Mirror, but with so much at stake the fear of defeat hung heavily in the air and both sides proceeded to cancel each other out As so often happens in semi-finals the fear of losing hung heavily in the air and with two sides so strong in defence it was never going to be much in the way of a spectacle. Having won the toss for choice of colours Liverpool sported their traditional red while Burnley wore white and when the action got underway it was they who made the early running. The men from Turf Moor, appeared to be a lot more relaxed and, “showed First Division craft,” in their play, while Liverpool, it seemed, were awestruck by the sense of occasion and took time to really get going. With goalmouth incidents very few and far between Sidlow, who’d been demobbed the previous day, and his opposite number Jimmy Strong had little do during the tentative opening stages. Both sides gave a fine demonstration in the noble art of tackling and Clarets captain Alan Brown’s close marking job on Stubbins ensured the Reds number nine endured one of his quieter games. [image] With the crowd so densely packed together in certain sections of the ground it wasn’t long before fans started encroaching onto the pitch, most notably when right-winger Jackie Chew tried taking a corner. “Extra police were rushed there and, ambulancemen with stretchers were kept busy,” and to avoid a repeat scenario some fans were allowed to move to more spacious parts of the terracing. As expected, it was renowned amateur winger Peter Kippax who posed the greatest threat for Burnley and in bid to stop him the Liverpool defenders were guilty of conceding several free-kicks. It was his impressive left-footed shot, “after turning Harley on a sixpence,” that came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock. Fortunately for the Reds it flew just inches over. “When half-time came it was Burnley who were ahead on points,” but it wasn’t all one-way traffic and fellow left-winger Liddell was equally dangerous when in possession. Fagan had an angled drive saved at the foot of the post but according to The Times it was Liddell, “who all through the game looked the one man capable of winning the game on his own.” He later switched wings in an attempt to unlock what was proving to be a stubborn Burnley rearguard and 20 minutes into the second half a rare clear-cut scoring opportunity fell his way. It came from a Fagan corner. The ball landed at his feet just 10-yards from goal then as, “he moved forward, perfectly balanced and controlled, the goal that looked a certainty was shouted home, but his shot sped past the far post.” [image] Speaking to journalists immediately after the game Liddell moved a comb across his hand to describe just how close he’d come to firing the Reds to Wembley. He said: “The ball moved just that much. I’d actually picked my spot for a right-foot shot. Then as the ball moved away, I had to pull it quickly on to my left foot. I knew my chance had gone as I hit it.” It was an agonising moment and one Liverpool were left to rue. After 90 goalless minutes the game drifted into extra-time and it was Liverpool who once again came closest to ending the stalemate. Liddell beat Woodruff for pace and delivered a teasing centre across the Burnley goalmouth. “Stubbins was left, slightly off balance, with an open goal and Liddell’s lobbed pass bouncing awkwardly in front of him. The next moment all that remained of the scene was Mather lying injured in the goalmouth, where his superb and desperate tackle of Stubbins saved the day for Burnley.” Exhaustion set in during the second period of extra-time and although both defences were guilty of mistakes late on there remained no score. Despite carving out the two best chances Liverpool were never really on top until late in the game but it came too late and the tie “was left in a state of suspended animation,” with honours deservedly even. It had been a “fierce two hours,” but Pat Collins of the Daily Mirror was not impressed: “In a grim 120 minutes, in which two iron defences compressed the game into a negative midfield battle, Liddell’s was the only real chance.” But while incident and action was thin on the ground in Blackburn, elsewhere the Great British public revelled in what had been an epic sporting Saturday as, 100/1 shot Caughoo romped home in the Grand National, Cambridge crossed the line first in the Boat Race and Charlton Athletic demolished Newcastle 4-0 at Elland Road to clinch a second successive appearance in the FA Cup Final. Unfortunately, all the thrills and spills must have got lost somewhere on the way to Ewood Park. For the 53,000 present it had all been a bit of an anti-climax and with the Easter holidays approaching it would be another fortnight, at least, before Charlton would discover who they’d be walking out alongside at Wembley. http://www.attheendofthestorm.co.uk/ [image] Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:38:22 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_FA-Cup-semi-final-1947/blog/5970025/173471.html Markp 2012-04-13T12:38:22Z The Kop As our city prepares to take centre stage in the sporting stakes yet again tomorrow, the following extract from the 'At The End Of The Storm', the book I co-authored with Gary Shaw in 2009, recalls the first time Liverpool's participation in the FA Cup semi-final clashed with the Grand National... Saturday 29 March 1947 It was a weekend for sports enthusiasts to savour. The Grand National, the boat race and two FA Cup semi-finals all on the same day. But while the eyes of the nation were on Liverpool and the first ever Saturday running of the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree, the eyes of Liverpool were on events 30 miles up the road in Blackburn where eleven men in red were aiming to do what no other team from Anfield had achieved – to book their place in a Wembley Cup Final. Excitement among Liverpudlians ahead of their club’s first appearance in the last four of the FA Cup for 33 years could hardly have been any greater had it been the final itself. Think Istanbul 2005 and that’s no exaggeration. For these success-starved fans winning the Cup was the holy-grail and now they could almost reach out and touch it. In Kopite eyes George Kay’s men, if they could at last make their long-held dream come true, stood on the verge of immortality and with Liverpool’s class of 46/47 already being hailed in the local press as, “one of the finest sides ever to wear the Red of Anfield,” there was an air of quiet confidence among the supporters. So too, however, was a sense of nervous tension. Summed up on the morning of the match by Daily Express reporter Henry Rose who, while of the firm belief that, “on their day Liverpool can win the FA Cup, Grand National and the boat race,” was also of the opinion that, “on an off day the Gasworks team could beat them.” This Jekyll and Hyde type of form meant you never really knew which Liverpool team was going to turn up and therefore there always remained a nagging doubt in the back of the mind. Would it be the swashbuckling Liverpool that surged to the top of Division One on the crest of a 12-game unbeaten run earlier in the season or would it be the mild and meek Liverpool that suffered four successive League defeats at the turn of the year? [image] At this most crucial juncture in the club’s history, fingers, arms, legs, feet, toes and whatever else could be crossed were crossed in the hope that it wouldn’t be the latter. In the days building up to the game supporters prayed for divine intervention and every superstition under the sun was adhered to. Such was the hype surrounding this match the team escaped to the sanctuary of a 17th century coaching inn, high in the hills of Clitheroe to prepare and the travelling party consisted of the squad that had been on duty against Derby plus Jones and reserves Minshull, Palk and Ramsden. Previews to the game dominated the sports pages of every newspaper and most were tipping Liverpool to meet Newcastle in the final but Second Division opponents Burnley were not to be underestimated. Like quarter-final opponents Birmingham they too were chasing promotion to the top-flight and had occupied a position near the top for most of the season. Managed by Everton’s 1933 FA Cup winner Cliff Britton, this was his first season in the job, the Clarets had also shown their mettle in the previous round by eliminating Middlesbrough, a team Liverpool had failed to beat on two occasions earlier in the season. They’d also lost just one of their previous 32 League and cup matches and kept clean-sheets in 16 of their last 22. With only seven goals conceded in their last 28 games there was no doubt that Burnley were going to prove a much sterner test than Birmingham but setting the scene in the previous Saturday’s Football Echo, Ranger tipped the Reds to emerge victorious and clinch that, “mouth-watering prospect,” of a first visit to Wembley. He wrote: “I think they can but it will be a hard task, for Burnley are a well-balanced side, just as much on the crest of a wave as Liverpool and – on paper, at least – there is little to choose between them. I am pinning my faith in a Liverpool victory on the superior skill of the Reds in attack. “Burnley’s defence is brilliant, but, from what I saw of them in the replay against Middlesbrough, I don’t think their forwards have the same finishing power as Liverpool’s. With a front line of five players who have all had centre-forward experience, who all know where the goal lies, and can hit the ball with terrific power, I bank on Liverpool’s attack to win the day.” It was to be the first time Liverpool and Burnley had met in the cup since the final of 1914 when Bert Freeman’s goal settled the issue in favour of the men from Turf Moor and it was difficult to argue with those in the press who billed this semi-final as the biggest game in the club’s history since that meeting at Crystal Palace. The only Liverpool player to have experienced the unique atmosphere of a FA Cup semi-final before was Willie Fagan who had been a member of the Preston side that defeated West Brom at Highbury in 1937. His experience was considered vital, as was that of fellow veteran Jack Balmer whose build-up to the match was disrupted during the week when he was forced to rush home from training after receiving a message from his wife that 18-month old son Colin had scalded himself on a kettle. Manage Kay hurriedly drove Balmer to his West Derby home but luckily it was nothing too serious and semi-final preparations were not affected. Given the club’s record of misfortune in the competition during the intervening years Reds fans were certainly taking nothing for granted and it was a tense travelling Kop that converged on Blackburn. Liverpudlians lucky enough to get their hands on tickets travelled in their thousands with some leaving Exchange Station as early 1.50am.  By midday the town was reportedly a mass of red and white, with visiting fans from Merseyside easily outnumbering those who’d made the much shorter journey from Burnley. [image] Like a modern day Euro away, it was a Scouse invasion of colour and sound.  “A tornado of football frenzy,” being one apt description of the pre-match scenes in Blackburn where ‘Burnleyites’ “felt strangers in a strange land.” “Everywhere was a blaze of colour with red and white represented in almost every form of garb. Liverpool had come to town in force, and their supporters made themselves heard with their sirens, klaxons, horns, motorcar hooters, rattles etc.” An hour before kick-off Ewood Park was “seething with excitement and noise from the vociferous crowd,” and even a torrential down-pour just before the teams emerged failed to dampen their enthusiasm. But while the fans had no problem getting in the same couldn’t be said of the Liverpool team who, because of a misunderstanding over tickets, were denied admission by an over-zealous gateman. Only after a long and protracted discussion did he relent and allow them through but the reserves carrying the skips were forced to endure a further wait before common sense prevailed. With Jones fit enough to return in place of Easdale and no fresh injuries to report Liverpool, once through and changed, were able to field their ‘first choice cup eleven.’ This was the same team that had beaten Derby and Birmingham in rounds five and six respectively and the one which was obviously deemed by the selection committee to be their strongest. Burnley were also at full strength for this eagerly awaited, “Lancashire Hot-Pot,” as billed by the Daily Mirror, but with so much at stake the fear of defeat hung heavily in the air and both sides proceeded to cancel each other out As so often happens in semi-finals the fear of losing hung heavily in the air and with two sides so strong in defence it was never going to be much in the way of a spectacle. Having won the toss for choice of colours Liverpool sported their traditional red while Burnley wore white and when the action got underway it was they who made the early running. The men from Turf Moor, appeared to be a lot more relaxed and, “showed First Division craft,” in their play, while Liverpool, it seemed, were awestruck by the sense of occasion and took time to really get going. With goalmouth incidents very few and far between Sidlow, who’d been demobbed the previous day, and his opposite number Jimmy Strong had little do during the tentative opening stages. Both sides gave a fine demonstration in the noble art of tackling and Clarets captain Alan Brown’s close marking job on Stubbins ensured the Reds number nine endured one of his quieter games. [image] With the crowd so densely packed together in certain sections of the ground it wasn’t long before fans started encroaching onto the pitch, most notably when right-winger Jackie Chew tried taking a corner. “Extra police were rushed there and, ambulancemen with stretchers were kept busy,” and to avoid a repeat scenario some fans were allowed to move to more spacious parts of the terracing. As expected, it was renowned amateur winger Peter Kippax who posed the greatest threat for Burnley and in bid to stop him the Liverpool defenders were guilty of conceding several free-kicks. It was his impressive left-footed shot, “after turning Harley on a sixpence,” that came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock. Fortunately for the Reds it flew just inches over. “When half-time came it was Burnley who were ahead on points,” but it wasn’t all one-way traffic and fellow left-winger Liddell was equally dangerous when in possession. Fagan had an angled drive saved at the foot of the post but according to The Times it was Liddell, “who all through the game looked the one man capable of winning the game on his own.” He later switched wings in an attempt to unlock what was proving to be a stubborn Burnley rearguard and 20 minutes into the second half a rare clear-cut scoring opportunity fell his way. It came from a Fagan corner. The ball landed at his feet just 10-yards from goal then as, “he moved forward, perfectly balanced and controlled, the goal that looked a certainty was shouted home, but his shot sped past the far post.” [image] Speaking to journalists immediately after the game Liddell moved a comb across his hand to describe just how close he’d come to firing the Reds to Wembley. He said: “The ball moved just that much. I’d actually picked my spot for a right-foot shot. Then as the ball moved away, I had to pull it quickly on to my left foot. I knew my chance had gone as I hit it.” It was an agonising moment and one Liverpool were left to rue. After 90 goalless minutes the game drifted into extra-time and it was Liverpool who once again came closest to ending the stalemate. Liddell beat Woodruff for pace and delivered a teasing centre across the Burnley goalmouth. “Stubbins was left, slightly off balance, with an open goal and Liddell’s lobbed pass bouncing awkwardly in front of him. The next moment all that remained of the scene was Mather lying injured in the goalmouth, where his superb and desperate tackle of Stubbins saved the day for Burnley.” Exhaustion set in during the second period of extra-time and although both defences were guilty of mistakes late on there remained no score. Despite carving out the two best chances Liverpool were never really on top until late in the game but it came too late and the tie “was left in a state of suspended animation,” with honours deservedly even. It had been a “fierce two hours,” but Pat Collins of the Daily Mirror was not impressed: “In a grim 120 minutes, in which two iron defences compressed the game into a negative midfield battle, Liddell’s was the only real chance.” But while incident and action was thin on the ground in Blackburn, elsewhere the Great British public revelled in what had been an epic sporting Saturday as, 100/1 shot Caughoo romped home in the Grand National, Cambridge crossed the line first in the Boat Race and Charlton Athletic demolished Newcastle 4-0 at Elland Road to clinch a second successive appearance in the FA Cup Final. Unfortunately, all the thrills and spills must have got lost somewhere on the way to Ewood Park. For the 53,000 present it had all been a bit of an anti-climax and with the Easter holidays approaching it would be another fortnight, at least, before Charlton would discover who they’d be walking out alongside at Wembley. http://www.attheendofthestorm.co.uk/ [image] nonadult false FA Cup semi-final 1947 text blog 8144 17 4.94118 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 5 0 5970025 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Happy-birthday-Sir-Tom-Finney/blog/5937625/173471.html   As the legendary Sir Tom Finney celebrates his 90th birthday it may be difficult for younger Liverpool fans to appreciate just why the former Preston North End and England winger is held in such high esteem. But if Bill Shankly was still alive and kicking they’d certainly know all about him. Shankly would be in his element today, rolling out the anecdotes and extolling the virtues of a man who, despite being nine years his junior, was his footballing hero – a player he believed was quite simply the greatest.  "Tom Finney would have been great in any team, in any match and in any age…... even if he had been wearing an overcoat,"  Shanks once said of his former Deepdale team-mate. “He was the best I've seen and I'd bracket Pele, Eusebio, Cruyff, Di Stefano and Puskas up there with him.” The pair played together in the Preston first team for just three seasons yet the admiration was mutual and in 1999 Finney spoke glowingly about Shanks in an interview which you can read in full by visiting www.shankly.com/article/2423     [image] During the course of an illustrious career that saw him make 473 appearances for his hometown club, win 76 caps for England and twice be crowned Footballer of the Year, Tom Finney also played against Liverpool on eight occasions. The first of those came during his debut season as a professional in 1946/47. It was a Good Friday meeting at Deepdale and Shankly was named alongside him in the Preston starting eleven. The following is an extract taken from ‘At The End Of The Storm – the remarkable story of Liverpool’s greatest ever league campaign’... Preston North End v Liverpool Friday 4 April 1947 The Easter holiday meant a return to League action for Liverpool and three games in four days that George Kay’s men could well have done without ahead of the FA Cup semi-final replay with Burnley. It’s a time of year that’s often viewed as a defining moment in the season as far as the League is concerned. Liverpool still had ten games to play and trailed leaders Wolves by five points so on paper there was still plenty to play for. However, it was the cup that remained uppermost in the thoughts and Liverpool’s board of directors made it perfectly clear where the club’s priorities lay. With more than an eye no doubt on the upcoming replay, three games in four days was considered far too big a risk and a total of 19 players were called upon over the course of the holiday weekend, three of whom were Football League debutants, and only one player – Eddie Spicer – played in all three games, as key men were rested in readiness for the eagerly anticipated cup-tie. This, don’t forget, was half a century before squad rotation became an accepted part of the modern game. Such actions today would see the club in question crucified by the press but ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Preston, the only team they’d yet to play, on Good Friday, Echo correspondent Ranger was in agreement on what was the best possible avenue to success. “Gratifying as it would be to see the Reds bidding for the double of League and Cup I'm afraid we may have to wipe off their championship hopes in view of the semi-final replay. The cup is their main aim and I think the general body of supporters would count the league well lost if the former could be assured. To make up the leeway of five points on Wolves at the present juncture seems to be an almost impossibility,” he wrote. The team showed five changes to the one that had drawn with Burnley with the big news being the return of Laurie Hughes at – half after a ten-week injury lay-off. There was also a first senior appearance for youngster Tommy McLeod who, although wearing Stubbins’ number nine shirt, occupied the 'problem position' of outside right, a role he’d impressed in for the reserves. Just three points and four places separated Liverpool and Preston in the table, but a 4-1 defeat to Wolves the previous weekend had severely dented any aspirations the Football League North champions of 1940/41 may have had of clawing their way into the title race. Their side included Scottish international inside-left Bobbie Beattie who’d won a League North War Cup winners medal with Liverpool in 1944, while at half-back they had a man who also represented the Reds during this time (v Everton in May 1942, won 4-1) and would later become the most idolised of all Anfield legends – the one and only Bill Shankly. Capped seven times by Scotland, Shanks had won the FA Cup with Preston in 1938 but like many players of his generation had his career cruelly interrupted by the outbreak of hostilities the following year. Aged 33 at the start of 1946/47 his best years were now considered to be behind him but he remained a vital member of the Preston side. North End’s best hopes however lay at the feet of their then up and coming star Tom Finney. A time-served plumber who had been demobbed from the forces early in order to join the in-demand ranks of building tradesman, Finney had only made his league debut in August 1946 but was already forging a good reputation for himself. The Reds found themselves under the cosh for much of opening 45 minutes and, “early moments suggested Liverpool might be used as chopping blocks.” The hosts were guilty of missing several good opportunities though and with Hughes showing no ill-effects on his comeback from a broken fibula he fully justified his recall to a back-line that, “was able to stand firm against the Preston attack.” While inventive enough, the North End forwards lacked the necessary power to seriously trouble the Liverpool rearguard, in which, “Lambert has rarely played better; Hughes, far from appearing to be having his first game in for weeks, shaped as though he had never been absent. Spicer’s defence was good and Phil Taylor was characteristically sound in possession.” When Finney picked up an injury and started to limp the danger posed by Preston’s effectiveness was severely reduced and Liverpool gradually forced their way back into the game. Cyril Done was unlucky not to break the deadlock with a header which, “only Fairbrother’s best effort could keep from goal,” while McLeod showed, on his debut, showed that, “his football ideas are first-rate.” Twice during the early stages of the second half he delivered pinpoint centres into the Preston area, “which literally begged to be put into the net,” and generally, “did enough to suggest that when he appreciated the speed of Division One, he will make the grade.” In one late moment of drama a well-earned point was almost snatched from Liverpool’s grasp when, with Sidlow well beaten, Ramsden, in only his fourth outing since the turn of the year, had to get back make a crucial goal-line clearance. A 0-0 draw may have done little to change the pre-match opinion of Ranger, but the point gained was generally considered to be a good one and Leslie Edwards noted afterwards that, “in so far as goalless matches can be satisfactory this was a good performance.” And although Liverpool failed to score for the second successive game, with Wolves not in action the gap at the top was at least reduced by another point. www.attheendofthestorm.co.uk/ [image] The injury sustained by Finney in that game ruled him out of the return meeting at Anfield just three days later – a crucial 3-0 win for the Reds – but he was to enjoy happier times against Liverpool, going on to register five goals. It would have been six but for Reds keeper Charlie Ashcroft who saved a penalty from him at Deepdale on the opening day of the 1952/53 season. He quickly made amends though and struck a hat-trick in front of the Kop just over 12 months later in a resounding 5-1 win for North End. That was the season Liverpool were relegated and Finney never played competitively at Anfield again, although he did turn out as a guest for Shankly’s testimonial in 1975, further proof of the mutual respect between the pair. Bill Shankly may not be around to wish his good friend a happy 90th birthday so the final word goes to current Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish who says: "Unfortunately I never saw him play but I’m well aware of the legend of Tom Finney. For Shanks to be totally complimentary about a player, you’ve obviously got to take note of that and his judgement is good enough for me." [image]   As the legendary Sir Tom Finney celebrates his 90th birthday it may be difficult for younger Liverpool fans to appreciate just why the former Preston North End and England winger is held in such high esteem. But if Bill Shankly was still alive and kicking they’d certainly know all about him. Shankly would be in his element today, rolling out the anecdotes and extolling the virtues of a man who, despite being nine years his junior, was his footballing hero – a player he believed was quite simply the greatest.  "Tom Finney would have been great in any team, in any match and in any age…... even if he had been wearing an overcoat,"  Shanks once said of his former Deepdale team-mate. “He was the best I've seen and I'd bracket Pele, Eusebio, Cruyff, Di Stefano and Puskas up there with him.” The pair played together in the Preston first team for just three seasons yet the admiration was mutual and in 1999 Finney spoke glowingly about Shanks in an interview which you can read in full by visiting www.shankly.com/article/2423     [image] During the course of an illustrious career that saw him make 473 appearances for his hometown club, win 76 caps for England and twice be crowned Footballer of the Year, Tom Finney also played against Liverpool on eight occasions. The first of those came during his debut season as a professional in 1946/47. It was a Good Friday meeting at Deepdale and Shankly was named alongside him in the Preston starting eleven. The following is an extract taken from ‘At The End Of The Storm – the remarkable story of Liverpool’s greatest ever league campaign’... Preston North End v Liverpool Friday 4 April 1947 The Easter holiday meant a return to League action for Liverpool and three games in four days that George Kay’s men could well have done without ahead of the FA Cup semi-final replay with Burnley. It’s a time of year that’s often viewed as a defining moment in the season as far as the League is concerned. Liverpool still had ten games to play and trailed leaders Wolves by five points so on paper there was still plenty to play for. However, it was the cup that remained uppermost in the thoughts and Liverpool’s board of directors made it perfectly clear where the club’s priorities lay. With more than an eye no doubt on the upcoming replay, three games in four days was considered far too big a risk and a total of 19 players were called upon over the course of the holiday weekend, three of whom were Football League debutants, and only one player – Eddie Spicer – played in all three games, as key men were rested in readiness for the eagerly anticipated cup-tie. This, don’t forget, was half a century before squad rotation became an accepted part of the modern game. Such actions today would see the club in question crucified by the press but ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Preston, the only team they’d yet to play, on Good Friday, Echo correspondent Ranger was in agreement on what was the best possible avenue to success. “Gratifying as it would be to see the Reds bidding for the double of League and Cup I'm afraid we may have to wipe off their championship hopes in view of the semi-final replay. The cup is their main aim and I think the general body of supporters would count the league well lost if the former could be assured. To make up the leeway of five points on Wolves at the present juncture seems to be an almost impossibility,” he wrote. The team showed five changes to the one that had drawn with Burnley with the big news being the return of Laurie Hughes at – half after a ten-week injury lay-off. There was also a first senior appearance for youngster Tommy McLeod who, although wearing Stubbins’ number nine shirt, occupied the 'problem position' of outside right, a role he’d impressed in for the reserves. Just three points and four places separated Liverpool and Preston in the table, but a 4-1 defeat to Wolves the previous weekend had severely dented any aspirations the Football League North champions of 1940/41 may have had of clawing their way into the title race. Their side included Scottish international inside-left Bobbie Beattie who’d won a League North War Cup winners medal with Liverpool in 1944, while at half-back they had a man who also represented the Reds during this time (v Everton in May 1942, won 4-1) and would later become the most idolised of all Anfield legends – the one and only Bill Shankly. Capped seven times by Scotland, Shanks had won the FA Cup with Preston in 1938 but like many players of his generation had his career cruelly interrupted by the outbreak of hostilities the following year. Aged 33 at the start of 1946/47 his best years were now considered to be behind him but he remained a vital member of the Preston side. North End’s best hopes however lay at the feet of their then up and coming star Tom Finney. A time-served plumber who had been demobbed from the forces early in order to join the in-demand ranks of building tradesman, Finney had only made his league debut in August 1946 but was already forging a good reputation for himself. The Reds found themselves under the cosh for much of opening 45 minutes and, “early moments suggested Liverpool might be used as chopping blocks.” The hosts were guilty of missing several good opportunities though and with Hughes showing no ill-effects on his comeback from a broken fibula he fully justified his recall to a back-line that, “was able to stand firm against the Preston attack.” While inventive enough, the North End forwards lacked the necessary power to seriously trouble the Liverpool rearguard, in which, “Lambert has rarely played better; Hughes, far from appearing to be having his first game in for weeks, shaped as though he had never been absent. Spicer’s defence was good and Phil Taylor was characteristically sound in possession.” When Finney picked up an injury and started to limp the danger posed by Preston’s effectiveness was severely reduced and Liverpool gradually forced their way back into the game. Cyril Done was unlucky not to break the deadlock with a header which, “only Fairbrother’s best effort could keep from goal,” while McLeod showed, on his debut, showed that, “his football ideas are first-rate.” Twice during the early stages of the second half he delivered pinpoint centres into the Preston area, “which literally begged to be put into the net,” and generally, “did enough to suggest that when he appreciated the speed of Division One, he will make the grade.” In one late moment of drama a well-earned point was almost snatched from Liverpool’s grasp when, with Sidlow well beaten, Ramsden, in only his fourth outing since the turn of the year, had to get back make a crucial goal-line clearance. A 0-0 draw may have done little to change the pre-match opinion of Ranger, but the point gained was generally considered to be a good one and Leslie Edwards noted afterwards that, “in so far as goalless matches can be satisfactory this was a good performance.” And although Liverpool failed to score for the second successive game, with Wolves not in action the gap at the top was at least reduced by another point. www.attheendofthestorm.co.uk/ [image] The injury sustained by Finney in that game ruled him out of the return meeting at Anfield just three days later – a crucial 3-0 win for the Reds – but he was to enjoy happier times against Liverpool, going on to register five goals. It would have been six but for Reds keeper Charlie Ashcroft who saved a penalty from him at Deepdale on the opening day of the 1952/53 season. He quickly made amends though and struck a hat-trick in front of the Kop just over 12 months later in a resounding 5-1 win for North End. That was the season Liverpool were relegated and Finney never played competitively at Anfield again, although he did turn out as a guest for Shankly’s testimonial in 1975, further proof of the mutual respect between the pair. Bill Shankly may not be around to wish his good friend a happy 90th birthday so the final word goes to current Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish who says: "Unfortunately I never saw him play but I’m well aware of the legend of Tom Finney. For Shanks to be totally complimentary about a player, you’ve obviously got to take note of that and his judgement is good enough for me." [image] Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:45:53 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Happy-birthday-Sir-Tom-Finney/blog/5937625/173471.html Markp 2012-04-05T11:45:53Z The Kop   As the legendary Sir Tom Finney celebrates his 90th birthday it may be difficult for younger Liverpool fans to appreciate just why the former Preston North End and England winger is held in such high esteem. But if Bill Shankly was still alive and kicking they’d certainly know all about him. Shankly would be in his element today, rolling out the anecdotes and extolling the virtues of a man who, despite being nine years his junior, was his footballing hero – a player he believed was quite simply the greatest.  "Tom Finney would have been great in any team, in any match and in any age…... even if he had been wearing an overcoat,"  Shanks once said of his former Deepdale team-mate. “He was the best I've seen and I'd bracket Pele, Eusebio, Cruyff, Di Stefano and Puskas up there with him.” The pair played together in the Preston first team for just three seasons yet the admiration was mutual and in 1999 Finney spoke glowingly about Shanks in an interview which you can read in full by visiting www.shankly.com/article/2423     [image] During the course of an illustrious career that saw him make 473 appearances for his hometown club, win 76 caps for England and twice be crowned Footballer of the Year, Tom Finney also played against Liverpool on eight occasions. The first of those came during his debut season as a professional in 1946/47. It was a Good Friday meeting at Deepdale and Shankly was named alongside him in the Preston starting eleven. The following is an extract taken from ‘At The End Of The Storm – the remarkable story of Liverpool’s greatest ever league campaign’... Preston North End v Liverpool Friday 4 April 1947 The Easter holiday meant a return to League action for Liverpool and three games in four days that George Kay’s men could well have done without ahead of the FA Cup semi-final replay with Burnley. It’s a time of year that’s often viewed as a defining moment in the season as far as the League is concerned. Liverpool still had ten games to play and trailed leaders Wolves by five points so on paper there was still plenty to play for. However, it was the cup that remained uppermost in the thoughts and Liverpool’s board of directors made it perfectly clear where the club’s priorities lay. With more than an eye no doubt on the upcoming replay, three games in four days was considered far too big a risk and a total of 19 players were called upon over the course of the holiday weekend, three of whom were Football League debutants, and only one player – Eddie Spicer – played in all three games, as key men were rested in readiness for the eagerly anticipated cup-tie. This, don’t forget, was half a century before squad rotation became an accepted part of the modern game. Such actions today would see the club in question crucified by the press but ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Preston, the only team they’d yet to play, on Good Friday, Echo correspondent Ranger was in agreement on what was the best possible avenue to success. “Gratifying as it would be to see the Reds bidding for the double of League and Cup I'm afraid we may have to wipe off their championship hopes in view of the semi-final replay. The cup is their main aim and I think the general body of supporters would count the league well lost if the former could be assured. To make up the leeway of five points on Wolves at the present juncture seems to be an almost impossibility,” he wrote. The team showed five changes to the one that had drawn with Burnley with the big news being the return of Laurie Hughes at – half after a ten-week injury lay-off. There was also a first senior appearance for youngster Tommy McLeod who, although wearing Stubbins’ number nine shirt, occupied the 'problem position' of outside right, a role he’d impressed in for the reserves. Just three points and four places separated Liverpool and Preston in the table, but a 4-1 defeat to Wolves the previous weekend had severely dented any aspirations the Football League North champions of 1940/41 may have had of clawing their way into the title race. Their side included Scottish international inside-left Bobbie Beattie who’d won a League North War Cup winners medal with Liverpool in 1944, while at half-back they had a man who also represented the Reds during this time (v Everton in May 1942, won 4-1) and would later become the most idolised of all Anfield legends – the one and only Bill Shankly. Capped seven times by Scotland, Shanks had won the FA Cup with Preston in 1938 but like many players of his generation had his career cruelly interrupted by the outbreak of hostilities the following year. Aged 33 at the start of 1946/47 his best years were now considered to be behind him but he remained a vital member of the Preston side. North End’s best hopes however lay at the feet of their then up and coming star Tom Finney. A time-served plumber who had been demobbed from the forces early in order to join the in-demand ranks of building tradesman, Finney had only made his league debut in August 1946 but was already forging a good reputation for himself. The Reds found themselves under the cosh for much of opening 45 minutes and, “early moments suggested Liverpool might be used as chopping blocks.” The hosts were guilty of missing several good opportunities though and with Hughes showing no ill-effects on his comeback from a broken fibula he fully justified his recall to a back-line that, “was able to stand firm against the Preston attack.” While inventive enough, the North End forwards lacked the necessary power to seriously trouble the Liverpool rearguard, in which, “Lambert has rarely played better; Hughes, far from appearing to be having his first game in for weeks, shaped as though he had never been absent. Spicer’s defence was good and Phil Taylor was characteristically sound in possession.” When Finney picked up an injury and started to limp the danger posed by Preston’s effectiveness was severely reduced and Liverpool gradually forced their way back into the game. Cyril Done was unlucky not to break the deadlock with a header which, “only Fairbrother’s best effort could keep from goal,” while McLeod showed, on his debut, showed that, “his football ideas are first-rate.” Twice during the early stages of the second half he delivered pinpoint centres into the Preston area, “which literally begged to be put into the net,” and generally, “did enough to suggest that when he appreciated the speed of Division One, he will make the grade.” In one late moment of drama a well-earned point was almost snatched from Liverpool’s grasp when, with Sidlow well beaten, Ramsden, in only his fourth outing since the turn of the year, had to get back make a crucial goal-line clearance. A 0-0 draw may have done little to change the pre-match opinion of Ranger, but the point gained was generally considered to be a good one and Leslie Edwards noted afterwards that, “in so far as goalless matches can be satisfactory this was a good performance.” And although Liverpool failed to score for the second successive game, with Wolves not in action the gap at the top was at least reduced by another point. www.attheendofthestorm.co.uk/ [image] The injury sustained by Finney in that game ruled him out of the return meeting at Anfield just three days later – a crucial 3-0 win for the Reds – but he was to enjoy happier times against Liverpool, going on to register five goals. It would have been six but for Reds keeper Charlie Ashcroft who saved a penalty from him at Deepdale on the opening day of the 1952/53 season. He quickly made amends though and struck a hat-trick in front of the Kop just over 12 months later in a resounding 5-1 win for North End. That was the season Liverpool were relegated and Finney never played competitively at Anfield again, although he did turn out as a guest for Shankly’s testimonial in 1975, further proof of the mutual respect between the pair. Bill Shankly may not be around to wish his good friend a happy 90th birthday so the final word goes to current Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish who says: "Unfortunately I never saw him play but I’m well aware of the legend of Tom Finney. For Shanks to be totally complimentary about a player, you’ve obviously got to take note of that and his judgement is good enough for me." [image] nonadult false Happy birthday Sir Tom Finney text blog 15181 27 5.0 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 23 0 5937625 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Kevin-Keegan-Kop-Superstar/blog/5425641/173471.html 40 years since joining the club, Kevin Keegan has given his most in-depth interview yet about his life at Liverpool. On Tuesday I had the privilege of welcoming him into the LFC TV studio for the first time and producing an edition of 'Sixty Minutes With' that I regard as one of our best yet. It premieres at 9pm on Saturday and ahead of that first showing, which I'd urge every Liverpudlian to tune in for, here is my own personal tribute to him... Kevin Keegan, superstar of the seventies, owner of the most famous 'bubble' perm of his day and a dynamic attacking force that helped inspire Liverpool to success during a glorious period in Anfield history.Bought for a bargain £35,000 from the lower leagues in 1971, his high-profile departure in the summer of 1977 may have left a bitter taste but there can be no denying his stature as a true legend of this club. [image]In the six years he wore a red shirt, Keegan went from unknown rookie to an internationally renowned star, attracting a type of hero-worship that was almost pop idol-esque at times. He became not only a Kop hero but also the golden boy of English football and a player who shouldered the hopes of a nation.  It seemed inevitable that one day he'd walk away and although it was not a universally popular decision when he did, he can look back with pride on what he achieved with the Liver Bird emblazoned across his chest. One hundred goals, three League Championships, the European Cup, FA Cup and two UEFA Cup's, not to mention a multitude of magical memories mean he'll forever be revered in the red half of Merseyside. 'Robbery with violence' was how Bill Shankly described the capture of Keegan from Sc*nthope, such was the belief that he'd got himself a bargain buy to beat all others. And he was right. Although he'd been signed with a view to replacing Ian Callaghan in midfield, the confident new recruit immediately impressed in an attacking role during pre-season. So much so that he was handed a surprise debut at home to Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season – an occasion he marked by scoring in front of the Kop after just 12 minutes. Revelling in his new-found fame, 'KK' didn't look back, formed an almost telepathic attacking partnership with John Toshack that would become one of the deadliest in the game and struck up an instant rapport with the fans. Energetic, enthusiastic and one hundred per cent committed to the Kop cause, Keegan was a born winner who provided Shankly's second great side with the spark that ignited a renewed assault on the major honours. His first season at the club may have ended trophy-less but the foundations had been laid and in 1972/73 Keegan fired the Reds to an unprecedented domestic and European double, topping the Anfield goalscoring charts in the process and netting what proved to be a crucial brace in the UEFA Cup Final first leg against Borussia Moenchengladbach. Another 2-goal Keegan blast clinched FA Cup success the following year as Newcastle, a club that would play a big part in his future life, were overwhelmed at Wembley. The effervescent number seven had already struck four times on route to the twin towers that season, including a perfectly lobbed effort over Leicester's Peter Shilton in the semi-final replay at Villa Park. Fast, skilful and courageous, he was a handful for opposition defenders and was by now widely regarded as one of the finest attacking talents in the land. Despite standing tall at just 5ft 8ins, he was surprisingly adept when engaging in aerial combat and, as Leeds skipper Billy Bremner discovered to his cost, could also pack a punch. Sent off for trading blows with Bremner in the 1974 Charity Shield, the first to be held at Wembley, Keegan caused further outrage by stripping off his shirt as he left the field. He was later slapped with an eleven game ban but emerged from this controversy more determined than ever. On a personal level, the 1975/76 campaign was to be his finest as a Liverpool player, with his general all round play and crucial goals – notably away to Wolves and Bruges - proving instrumental as the League Championship and UEFA Cup came to reside in the Anfield trophy cabinet once again. His efforts were rewarded when he was deservedly elected Footballer of the Year and, when he wasn't falling off bikes in Superstars or splashing Brut 'all over' with Boxing legend Henry Cooper, he was thrilling Kopites week in, week out. But, with the recently appointed England skipper's stock rising on and off the pitch, speculation mounted that several clubs from abroad were interested in signing him. On the eve of the 1976/77 season every Liverpudlians worst fears were confirmed when Keegan served notice of his intention to quit the club and join Bundesliga side Hamburg in twelve months time. His decision was understandably met with disdain from certain sections of the Kop and his once soaring popularity dipped significantly in the months that followed as some fans questioned his loyalty. Credit to him though, he knuckled down and got on with the job of aiding Liverpool's 13-year quest for European Cup glory. It may not have been a vintage campaign personally but it was to end on the ultimate high in Rome. Four days after being made the scapegoat by some for the FA Cup Final defeat by Manchester United, which had scuppered dreams of the treble, Keegan won back the everlasting affection of the supporters with a dazzling performance against Borussia Moenchengladbach. On a balmy night in the Olympic Stadium his tireless work-rate and close control bamboozled experienced German international Bertie Vogts to such an extent that he had no option but to bring him down for the penalty that sealed a momentous victory. There could have been no more fitting way for Liverpool's star man of the seventies to bring the curtain down on an illustrious career with the Reds. Keegan may have gone on to be crowned European Footballer of the Year twice during his spell in Germany but it was at Anfield where he enjoyed his greatest success and spent his best years. One of Liverpool Football Club's favourite sons, there'll always be a special place in the heart of the Kop for Kevin Keegan – an iconic figure of an era that no Liverpudlian who lived through it will ever forget. Kevin discusses all this and much more in 'Sixty Minutes With' which airs for the first time on LFC TV at 9pm on Saturday. Don't miss it! 40 years since joining the club, Kevin Keegan has given his most in-depth interview yet about his life at Liverpool. On Tuesday I had the privilege of welcoming him into the LFC TV studio for the first time and producing an edition of 'Sixty Minutes With' that I regard as one of our best yet. It premieres at 9pm on Saturday and ahead of that first showing, which I'd urge every Liverpudlian to tune in for, here is my own personal tribute to him... Kevin Keegan, superstar of the seventies, owner of the most famous 'bubble' perm of his day and a dynamic attacking force that helped inspire Liverpool to success during a glorious period in Anfield history.Bought for a bargain £35,000 from the lower leagues in 1971, his high-profile departure in the summer of 1977 may have left a bitter taste but there can be no denying his stature as a true legend of this club. [image]In the six years he wore a red shirt, Keegan went from unknown rookie to an internationally renowned star, attracting a type of hero-worship that was almost pop idol-esque at times. He became not only a Kop hero but also the golden boy of English football and a player who shouldered the hopes of a nation.  It seemed inevitable that one day he'd walk away and although it was not a universally popular decision when he did, he can look back with pride on what he achieved with the Liver Bird emblazoned across his chest. One hundred goals, three League Championships, the European Cup, FA Cup and two UEFA Cup's, not to mention a multitude of magical memories mean he'll forever be revered in the red half of Merseyside. 'Robbery with violence' was how Bill Shankly described the capture of Keegan from Sc*nthope, such was the belief that he'd got himself a bargain buy to beat all others. And he was right. Although he'd been signed with a view to replacing Ian Callaghan in midfield, the confident new recruit immediately impressed in an attacking role during pre-season. So much so that he was handed a surprise debut at home to Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season – an occasion he marked by scoring in front of the Kop after just 12 minutes. Revelling in his new-found fame, 'KK' didn't look back, formed an almost telepathic attacking partnership with John Toshack that would become one of the deadliest in the game and struck up an instant rapport with the fans. Energetic, enthusiastic and one hundred per cent committed to the Kop cause, Keegan was a born winner who provided Shankly's second great side with the spark that ignited a renewed assault on the major honours. His first season at the club may have ended trophy-less but the foundations had been laid and in 1972/73 Keegan fired the Reds to an unprecedented domestic and European double, topping the Anfield goalscoring charts in the process and netting what proved to be a crucial brace in the UEFA Cup Final first leg against Borussia Moenchengladbach. Another 2-goal Keegan blast clinched FA Cup success the following year as Newcastle, a club that would play a big part in his future life, were overwhelmed at Wembley. The effervescent number seven had already struck four times on route to the twin towers that season, including a perfectly lobbed effort over Leicester's Peter Shilton in the semi-final replay at Villa Park. Fast, skilful and courageous, he was a handful for opposition defenders and was by now widely regarded as one of the finest attacking talents in the land. Despite standing tall at just 5ft 8ins, he was surprisingly adept when engaging in aerial combat and, as Leeds skipper Billy Bremner discovered to his cost, could also pack a punch. Sent off for trading blows with Bremner in the 1974 Charity Shield, the first to be held at Wembley, Keegan caused further outrage by stripping off his shirt as he left the field. He was later slapped with an eleven game ban but emerged from this controversy more determined than ever. On a personal level, the 1975/76 campaign was to be his finest as a Liverpool player, with his general all round play and crucial goals – notably away to Wolves and Bruges - proving instrumental as the League Championship and UEFA Cup came to reside in the Anfield trophy cabinet once again. His efforts were rewarded when he was deservedly elected Footballer of the Year and, when he wasn't falling off bikes in Superstars or splashing Brut 'all over' with Boxing legend Henry Cooper, he was thrilling Kopites week in, week out. But, with the recently appointed England skipper's stock rising on and off the pitch, speculation mounted that several clubs from abroad were interested in signing him. On the eve of the 1976/77 season every Liverpudlians worst fears were confirmed when Keegan served notice of his intention to quit the club and join Bundesliga side Hamburg in twelve months time. His decision was understandably met with disdain from certain sections of the Kop and his once soaring popularity dipped significantly in the months that followed as some fans questioned his loyalty. Credit to him though, he knuckled down and got on with the job of aiding Liverpool's 13-year quest for European Cup glory. It may not have been a vintage campaign personally but it was to end on the ultimate high in Rome. Four days after being made the scapegoat by some for the FA Cup Final defeat by Manchester United, which had scuppered dreams of the treble, Keegan won back the everlasting affection of the supporters with a dazzling performance against Borussia Moenchengladbach. On a balmy night in the Olympic Stadium his tireless work-rate and close control bamboozled experienced German international Bertie Vogts to such an extent that he had no option but to bring him down for the penalty that sealed a momentous victory. There could have been no more fitting way for Liverpool's star man of the seventies to bring the curtain down on an illustrious career with the Reds. Keegan may have gone on to be crowned European Footballer of the Year twice during his spell in Germany but it was at Anfield where he enjoyed his greatest success and spent his best years. One of Liverpool Football Club's favourite sons, there'll always be a special place in the heart of the Kop for Kevin Keegan – an iconic figure of an era that no Liverpudlian who lived through it will ever forget. Kevin discusses all this and much more in 'Sixty Minutes With' which airs for the first time on LFC TV at 9pm on Saturday. Don't miss it! Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:52:51 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Kevin-Keegan-Kop-Superstar/blog/5425641/173471.html Markp 2011-11-02T14:52:51Z The Kop 40 years since joining the club, Kevin Keegan has given his most in-depth interview yet about his life at Liverpool. On Tuesday I had the privilege of welcoming him into the LFC TV studio for the first time and producing an edition of 'Sixty Minutes With' that I regard as one of our best yet. It premieres at 9pm on Saturday and ahead of that first showing, which I'd urge every Liverpudlian to tune in for, here is my own personal tribute to him... Kevin Keegan, superstar of the seventies, owner of the most famous 'bubble' perm of his day and a dynamic attacking force that helped inspire Liverpool to success during a glorious period in Anfield history.Bought for a bargain £35,000 from the lower leagues in 1971, his high-profile departure in the summer of 1977 may have left a bitter taste but there can be no denying his stature as a true legend of this club. [image]In the six years he wore a red shirt, Keegan went from unknown rookie to an internationally renowned star, attracting a type of hero-worship that was almost pop idol-esque at times. He became not only a Kop hero but also the golden boy of English football and a player who shouldered the hopes of a nation.  It seemed inevitable that one day he'd walk away and although it was not a universally popular decision when he did, he can look back with pride on what he achieved with the Liver Bird emblazoned across his chest. One hundred goals, three League Championships, the European Cup, FA Cup and two UEFA Cup's, not to mention a multitude of magical memories mean he'll forever be revered in the red half of Merseyside. 'Robbery with violence' was how Bill Shankly described the capture of Keegan from Sc*nthope, such was the belief that he'd got himself a bargain buy to beat all others. And he was right. Although he'd been signed with a view to replacing Ian Callaghan in midfield, the confident new recruit immediately impressed in an attacking role during pre-season. So much so that he was handed a surprise debut at home to Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season – an occasion he marked by scoring in front of the Kop after just 12 minutes. Revelling in his new-found fame, 'KK' didn't look back, formed an almost telepathic attacking partnership with John Toshack that would become one of the deadliest in the game and struck up an instant rapport with the fans. Energetic, enthusiastic and one hundred per cent committed to the Kop cause, Keegan was a born winner who provided Shankly's second great side with the spark that ignited a renewed assault on the major honours. His first season at the club may have ended trophy-less but the foundations had been laid and in 1972/73 Keegan fired the Reds to an unprecedented domestic and European double, topping the Anfield goalscoring charts in the process and netting what proved to be a crucial brace in the UEFA Cup Final first leg against Borussia Moenchengladbach. Another 2-goal Keegan blast clinched FA Cup success the following year as Newcastle, a club that would play a big part in his future life, were overwhelmed at Wembley. The effervescent number seven had already struck four times on route to the twin towers that season, including a perfectly lobbed effort over Leicester's Peter Shilton in the semi-final replay at Villa Park. Fast, skilful and courageous, he was a handful for opposition defenders and was by now widely regarded as one of the finest attacking talents in the land. Despite standing tall at just 5ft 8ins, he was surprisingly adept when engaging in aerial combat and, as Leeds skipper Billy Bremner discovered to his cost, could also pack a punch. Sent off for trading blows with Bremner in the 1974 Charity Shield, the first to be held at Wembley, Keegan caused further outrage by stripping off his shirt as he left the field. He was later slapped with an eleven game ban but emerged from this controversy more determined than ever. On a personal level, the 1975/76 campaign was to be his finest as a Liverpool player, with his general all round play and crucial goals – notably away to Wolves and Bruges - proving instrumental as the League Championship and UEFA Cup came to reside in the Anfield trophy cabinet once again. His efforts were rewarded when he was deservedly elected Footballer of the Year and, when he wasn't falling off bikes in Superstars or splashing Brut 'all over' with Boxing legend Henry Cooper, he was thrilling Kopites week in, week out. But, with the recently appointed England skipper's stock rising on and off the pitch, speculation mounted that several clubs from abroad were interested in signing him. On the eve of the 1976/77 season every Liverpudlians worst fears were confirmed when Keegan served notice of his intention to quit the club and join Bundesliga side Hamburg in twelve months time. His decision was understandably met with disdain from certain sections of the Kop and his once soaring popularity dipped significantly in the months that followed as some fans questioned his loyalty. Credit to him though, he knuckled down and got on with the job of aiding Liverpool's 13-year quest for European Cup glory. It may not have been a vintage campaign personally but it was to end on the ultimate high in Rome. Four days after being made the scapegoat by some for the FA Cup Final defeat by Manchester United, which had scuppered dreams of the treble, Keegan won back the everlasting affection of the supporters with a dazzling performance against Borussia Moenchengladbach. On a balmy night in the Olympic Stadium his tireless work-rate and close control bamboozled experienced German international Bertie Vogts to such an extent that he had no option but to bring him down for the penalty that sealed a momentous victory. There could have been no more fitting way for Liverpool's star man of the seventies to bring the curtain down on an illustrious career with the Reds. Keegan may have gone on to be crowned European Footballer of the Year twice during his spell in Germany but it was at Anfield where he enjoyed his greatest success and spent his best years. One of Liverpool Football Club's favourite sons, there'll always be a special place in the heart of the Kop for Kevin Keegan – an iconic figure of an era that no Liverpudlian who lived through it will ever forget. Kevin discusses all this and much more in 'Sixty Minutes With' which airs for the first time on LFC TV at 9pm on Saturday. Don't miss it! nonadult false Kevin Keegan - Kop Superstar text blog 14450 22 4.95455 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 32 0 5425641 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_On-tour-with-the-LFC-Masters-in-Malaysia/blog/3383935/173471.html I’m Mark Platt from LFC TV and I'm in Malaysia this week with a team of Liverpool Legends as they compete in the 2011 EPL Asian Masters tournament. Follow this blog - brought to you in association with Standard Chartered - for a behind-the-scenes insight into how they fare.This is my second blog of the trip, to read my first blog about the Brunei section of the tour, click here: http://alturl.com/j4t35  [image] Tuesday 15 March 09.35am Postscript: Finally arrived back at Stanstead Airport safe and sound after a 14-hour flight from KL with our cameraman Dave Cartwright doing his own personal bit to build bridges between Liverpool and Manchester United after Sunday's ill-tempered Youth Cup clash between the two sides.   [image]Cosying up to former Manchester United star David May during the entire 14-hour flight home was not something me or the other Mark would have done but each to their own. Anyway, that's it for me and this blog - no really, I mean it this time! I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. All that's left now is the slightly daunting task of somehow turning 10 days and nights of Dave's filming into an hour-long LFC TV show! Oh well, we'll worry about that tomorrow... Monday 14 March 15.30pm, (11.30pm local time)Just on our way to the airport so all that's left from myself, Mark Volante and Dave Cartwright is a big thanks to everyone we have met during our stay in Asia. To the players, event organisers, sponsors, the people of Brunei and Malaysia, and of course, everyone of you wonderful LFC fans. Cheers. It's been a pleasure. Hopefully we'll see you again soon. YNWA. Monday 14 March 13.00pm, (9.00pm local time)Breaking news (literally!) from the Gala Dinner: Steve McManaman has just smashed a chandelier in the main hall. All of the guests were encouraged to throw a ball towards the stage and Macca, being Macca, has volleyed one back - straight into an expensive looking light!Monday 14 March 12.20pm, (8.20pm local time)We're at a fantastic Gala Dinner with 600 guests and we've just conducted a special Players' Awards ceremony with Mark Wright, Rob Jones and Michael Thomas. Wrighty plays the role of host for the impromptu event - which you'll be able to watch on LFC TV soon. Monday 14 March 9.30am, (5.30pm local time)  We’re almost ready to check out of our hotel in Malaysia. Just a Gala Dinner to come this evening before we catch our flight home so we’ve just taken some time out to reflect on our week-long stay in Asia. Brought to you by ‘Two Scousers and A Wool’ productions, here are our 2011 Asian Masters awards… [image] The ‘roll back the years’ award for the best LFC player of the two tournaments 1. Robbie Fowler 2. Mark Wright 3. Patrik Berger   The ‘player we’d most like to take to the Albert for a pint’ award for the players we had the best nights out with 1. Stephane Henchoz 2. Patrik Berger 3. Vladimir Smicer   The ‘we didn’t think we’d like them 'cos they were Mancs but they were sound’ award for our favourite former MUFC player 1.  Andy Ritchie 2. Clayton Blackmore 3. David May (when he was quiet!)   The ‘we didn’t know much about them before but they were sound’ award for our favourite other Masters player 1. Craig Hignett 2. Regi Blinker 3= Michael Mols & Rufus Brevett And a special mention also to ‘Tino’ Asprilla for his general coolness on and off the pitch, and the good words he said about the Reds in our exclusive interview with him that will be screened sometime soon on LFC TV.   The ‘Liverpudlian redneck’ award for taking it to the extreme by ignoring advice to wear sun cream, goes to our very own Dave Cartwright (see below). [image]   And finally, the ‘wish we could stay a bit longer’ award for our overall highlight of the tour, has to be meeting all the passionate Liverpool fans in Brunei & Malaysia   Monday 14 March 7.00am, (3pm local time)  Liverpool legends Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler spent their final day in Kuala Lumpur by passing on some of their footballing expertise to local youngsters at a specially arranged Standard Chartered coaching clinic. [image] [image] [image]   Monday 14 March 6.00am, (2pm local time) Claire Rourke and Matt Critchley beware, the LFC TV team out in Asia today came across two budding television presenters on the lookout for a new job. You may recognise their faces... [image] [image] Monday 14 March 2.10am, (8.10am local time) He was the star man of yesterday’s Standard Chartered 2011 Malaysian Masters and perhaps the biggest draw out here after Robbie Fowler, former Columbia and Newcastle forward Faustino Asprilla has certainly been one of the big characters on this trip and LFC TV have just conducted an interview with him in which he talks fondly about all things Liverpool. According to Tino, it’s not just in Asia where the Reds are popular. He believes they are also THE biggest English club in South America. He also tips his friend Luis Suarez to be a big hit at Anfield, hailed the striking exploits of Robbie Fowler and reminisced about the special Kop atmosphere on those two unforgettable nights in the 90s when Newcastle and Liverpool famously shared seven goals. Look out for this interview in full on LFC TV in the coming weeks. [image]   Monday 14 March 2am, (10am local time) Our last day in Asia but plenty to do before heading home. On our way for some breakfast then a spot of sight-seeing before attending a couple of Standard Chartered events to attend with the players. Stay logged on for more throughout the day.   Monday 14 March 1.30am, (9.30am local time) Breaking news…Contrary to rumours, circulated mainly by himself, Vladimir Smicer has not offered Dave Cartwright has not been offered a job on the Czech Republic’s coaching staff. (see below)   Sunday 13 March, 5.40pm (1.40am local time)  Four things I thought I’d never see at the 2011 Malaysian Masters… 1. Our cameraman Dave Cartwright trying to give Vladimir Smicer tips on how to play football. 2. Rob Jones nearly breaking one of the Malaysian players in half as he came to the aid of Phil Babb, who was on the receiving end of some tough tackling from the hosts.  3. A gang of local Ultras backing the home team vociferously.  4. And, last but not least, plenty of decent Adidas trainees on show among the Asian Reds - the Scouse influence definitely rubbing off!  [image]   Sunday 13 March, 5.20pm (1.20am local time)  Panic over, if indeed there ever was one, but it looks like I will be returning to Blighty as planned – passport found in my shorts pocket, the ones I’d checked ten times! Sunday 13 March, 5.10pm (1.10am local time) Time for another bad shout of the day and I’m afraid it again goes to Dave for his laughable attempt at trying to take credit for Vladi’s two goals in the 5-2 win over Malaysia.   Sunday 13 March, 5pm (1am local time) The fans may have turned up in their thousands at the Putra Stadium earlier today to see the LFC Masters but the current Liverpool heroes were never far from their thoughts and one of the most popular chants of the day was this…(to the tune of ‘I am the Music Man) We come from Anfield Road To make us great again Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles Liver, Liver, Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool   Sunday 12 March, 2.10pm (10.10pm local time) Just returned to the hotel and before going for something to eat I started to prepare for tomorrow’s departure. However, it looks like I may be staying in Malaysia longer that I anticipated – can’t find my passport!   Sunday 13 March, 2pm (10pm local time) There was genuine disappointment among the LFC Masters that they didn’t repay the fantastic support of the Liverpool fans by lifting the cup earlier today. Afterwards, Robbie Fowler told us: “It was a massive disappointment to miss out on a place in the final like we did. We weren’t quite clear about the rules and thought a three-goal winning margin would have taken us into a play-off. That’s not to say we weren’t going for another but we thought we deserved to be in the final, at least. We started poorly against the All-Star team but showed what we were capable of by fighting back against United. Unfortunately against Malaysia we scored the desired amount of goals but got caught out at the back by conceding two. Still, it’s been an enjoyable experience and hopefully we’ll be invited back next year to give these wonderful fans something to celebrate.”   Sunday 13 March, 11.55am (7.55pm local time) For those who are still interested the Liverpool fans who have stayed behind are celebrating after Michael Thomas helped the Premier League All-Stars make it a double by defeating the Manchester United Masters 3-2 in the final. Congratulations to Mickey T, Huyton’s Craig Hignett and LFC TV’s new adopted Scouser Faustino Asprilla who hit a hat-trick.   Sunday 13 March, 11.25am (7.25pm local time) With Liverpool’s interest in the tournament over the Putra Stadium is fast emptying out.   Sunday 13 March, 11.25am (7.25pm local time) So near yet so far. The Liverpool Masters have beaten Malaysia 5-2 but it’s ultimately not enough to see them through to the final. Goals from Steve McManaman (2), Vladimir Smicer (2) and Robbie Fowler helped secure a 5-2 victory but the Reds bow out. Despite finishing with the same goal difference as the Premier League All-Stars they miss out on the final courtesy of the head-to-head rule. We’re all supporting Michael Thomas now.   Sunday 13 March, 11am (7pm local time) The Manchester United Masters have just beaten the Premier League All-Stars, and secured their place in the final, which means LFC now have to win by four clear goals in their final game against the Malaysian Legends if they are to join them. It’s all getting a bit tense now.   Sunday 13 March, 10.40am (6.40pm local time) [image] A great fight-back sees the LFC Masters keep alive their hopes of making the final. United went two up but the Reds pulled it back to win 4-3 through goals from Mark Wright, Robbie Fowler and Patrik Berger (2). A terrific game ended in controversy when David May had a goal disallowed in the last second for handball. Correct decision by ref Jeff Winter in my eyes. The crowd are going crazy!   Sunday 13 March, 10.05am (6.05pm local time) Next up for the LFC Masters are their Manchester United counterparts and, although it only their second game, they need to win to be in with a chance of reaching the final.   Sunday 13 March, 9.45am (5.45pm local time) Despite going a goal up through Patrik Berger, the LFC Masters have suffered a 4-2 defeat in their opening game of the Standard Chartered 2011 Malaysian Masters. Robbie Fowler was the other Reds’ scorer. [image]    Sunday 13 March, 9.20am (5.20pm local time) Stephane Henchoz, the goalkeeping hero of the Premier League All-Stars’ Brunei Cup victory is back playing for the LFC Masters this afternoon. He has swapped places with Michael Thomas.   Sunday 13 March, 9.10am (5.10pm local time) [image] Amazing atmosphere here as the 2011 Standard Chartered Malaysian Masters kicks off. Almost all the fans are wearing Liverpool colours and even the MUTV boys who are over here to cover the tournament agree that they are vastly outnumbering, and out-singing, those who follow United. Loads of good flags and banners.   Sunday 13 March, 7.25am (3.25pm local time) [image] Steve McManaman has issued a good luck message to Liverpool’s youth team ahead of their Youth Cup quarter-final tie at Anfield later today. “Hopefully we can both beat United,” he said.   Sunday 13 March, 7.20am (3.20pm local time) The LFC Masters have just arrived at the Putra Stadium and are just meeting the fans outside. There are thousands here, helping to make it a real carnival atmosphere. Taksim Square ’05 has been reincarnated. And it’s just as hot!   Sunday 13 March, 4am (12noon local time) It’s matchday two of the tour and not many of the LFC Masters are milling about just yet but ahead of today’s tournament Robbie Fowler insists he and his team-mates are determined to put on a better show than the one they produced in Brunei on Friday. “It was a big disappointment to lose twice. It didn’t help that we had to play two games back-to-back and for a lot of our players it was the first time they had played this format. I’m not going to make excuses though. We’ve certainly got the ability to win this tournament and we hope to do just that, not only for ourselves but also for all the fans out here who have been terrific ever since we arrived.” Kick-off in the 2011 Asian Masters is later this afternoon. The coach will be leaving for the arena just after lunch so stay logged on throughout the day for updates.   Sunday 13 March, 3am (11noon local time) [image] Never before have I wore a t-shirt that has attracted so many looks and comment. Everywhere we went last night saw me getting stopped by people wanting to read the famous Bill Shankly the quote (even the LFC Masters, including a genuinely intrigued Stephane Henchoz who then listened intently as I proceeded to give him a lesson in Shanklyism). Some even thought it was picture of myself! Maybe the late nights in Brunei and now Malaysia are taking their toll and I’m beginning to look a lot older than I actually am but I suppose being compared to Shanks can only be a compliment! For those who were asking, the t-shirt was produced by a great Liverpudlian called John Joynt, aka one of the Huyton Fatties.   Saturday 12 March, 8.15pm (4.15am local time) [image] He’s Czech, he’s great, he’s Vladimir’s mate…Patrick Berger, la la la la la la   Saturday 12 March, 8pm (4am local time) What a night! Out first in Malaysia and certainly one to remember, humbled by the passion on display at the official Liverpool Supporters Club, ourselves, Patrick Berger, Vladimir Smicer and Stephane Henchoz moved on to a Carlsberg event at a city centre bar where the atmosphere was once again something to behold. The crowd soon had the lads singing and renditions of some Kop classics could, no doubt, have been heard from miles around. Fans from all over Asia appear to have converged on Kuala Lumpur in readiness for the 2011 Asian Masters and the impact of Liverpool’s presence here cannot be underestimated. [image] [image] [image]   Saturday 12 March, 4.30pm (00.30am local time) It may not be among the most important of tournaments they’ve competed in but the pain of defeat still clearly hurts the LFC Masters. After being forced to settle for a third place finish in yesterday’s Brunei Cup Rob Jones told us: “I suppose it is only a friendly tournament but you never like to lose. It’s a matter of pride and when I pull on that red shirt I always want to win, especially against the likes of Manchester United.” Jones, who found himself on receiving end of some good-natured stick from his team-mates for missing an open goal in the first game, is now plotting Liverpool’s revenge when they take to the pitch again tomorrow here in Malaysia.”We must stay solid in defence and make sure we’ve enough players tracking back. The key to success in the Masters though is passing and we simply didn’t pass as well as we should.”   Saturday 12 March, 4.15pm (0.15am local time) The foreign contingent in the LFC Masters Squad wasted no time in getting out and about among the club’s huge fan base here in Kuala Lumpur. Just hours after flying in from Brunei, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer and Stephane Henchoz called in at the Malaysian branch of the official Liverpool Supporters Club, where they were, not surprisingly, given a rousing welcome. Over 100 fans packed into the Funky Villa bar and they took full advantage of this rare opportunity to be photographed alongside their heroes and collect autographs. A special thanks to John Chew, Helen and Boo, plus Olivia and her friends from Indonesia for their warm welcome and hospitality. More on this, including pics, to come later.   Saturday 11 March, 6.30am (2.30pm local time) The stunning view from our hotel room. [image] Saturday 11 March, 6.15am (2.15pm local time) Proof that, compared to our lads, some of the Manchester United Masters are struggling to handle the pace out here in Asia.  [image] [image]   Saturday 12 March, 5.30am (1.30pm local time) We've just arrived at our hotel in Kuala Lumpur. There were a lot of tired faces on the flight but shout of the day so far must go to former Premier League referee Jeff Winter who, in response to a tongue-in-cheek offer from Manchester United's David May to sit alongside him on the plane, remarked: "I'd rather saw my f*****g leg off!" Not all of the LFC Masters travelled with us this morning, some are taking a later flight but with a series of events planned for later today, including a visit to the Malaysian branch of the Liverpool Supporters Club, we'll be catching up with them again soon. We've also been joined in KL by our rivals from MUTV so let the battle of the cameras commence. In fairness, they are three good lads and I'm sure over the course of the next few days there'll be ample opportunity for us to wind them up about the recent game at Anfield. I’m Mark Platt from LFC TV and I'm in Malaysia this week with a team of Liverpool Legends as they compete in the 2011 EPL Asian Masters tournament. Follow this blog - brought to you in association with Standard Chartered - for a behind-the-scenes insight into how they fare.This is my second blog of the trip, to read my first blog about the Brunei section of the tour, click here: http://alturl.com/j4t35  [image] Tuesday 15 March 09.35am Postscript: Finally arrived back at Stanstead Airport safe and sound after a 14-hour flight from KL with our cameraman Dave Cartwright doing his own personal bit to build bridges between Liverpool and Manchester United after Sunday's ill-tempered Youth Cup clash between the two sides.   [image]Cosying up to former Manchester United star David May during the entire 14-hour flight home was not something me or the other Mark would have done but each to their own. Anyway, that's it for me and this blog - no really, I mean it this time! I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. All that's left now is the slightly daunting task of somehow turning 10 days and nights of Dave's filming into an hour-long LFC TV show! Oh well, we'll worry about that tomorrow... Monday 14 March 15.30pm, (11.30pm local time)Just on our way to the airport so all that's left from myself, Mark Volante and Dave Cartwright is a big thanks to everyone we have met during our stay in Asia. To the players, event organisers, sponsors, the people of Brunei and Malaysia, and of course, everyone of you wonderful LFC fans. Cheers. It's been a pleasure. Hopefully we'll see you again soon. YNWA. Monday 14 March 13.00pm, (9.00pm local time)Breaking news (literally!) from the Gala Dinner: Steve McManaman has just smashed a chandelier in the main hall. All of the guests were encouraged to throw a ball towards the stage and Macca, being Macca, has volleyed one back - straight into an expensive looking light!Monday 14 March 12.20pm, (8.20pm local time)We're at a fantastic Gala Dinner with 600 guests and we've just conducted a special Players' Awards ceremony with Mark Wright, Rob Jones and Michael Thomas. Wrighty plays the role of host for the impromptu event - which you'll be able to watch on LFC TV soon. Monday 14 March 9.30am, (5.30pm local time)  We’re almost ready to check out of our hotel in Malaysia. Just a Gala Dinner to come this evening before we catch our flight home so we’ve just taken some time out to reflect on our week-long stay in Asia. Brought to you by ‘Two Scousers and A Wool’ productions, here are our 2011 Asian Masters awards… [image] The ‘roll back the years’ award for the best LFC player of the two tournaments 1. Robbie Fowler 2. Mark Wright 3. Patrik Berger   The ‘player we’d most like to take to the Albert for a pint’ award for the players we had the best nights out with 1. Stephane Henchoz 2. Patrik Berger 3. Vladimir Smicer   The ‘we didn’t think we’d like them 'cos they were Mancs but they were sound’ award for our favourite former MUFC player 1.  Andy Ritchie 2. Clayton Blackmore 3. David May (when he was quiet!)   The ‘we didn’t know much about them before but they were sound’ award for our favourite other Masters player 1. Craig Hignett 2. Regi Blinker 3= Michael Mols & Rufus Brevett And a special mention also to ‘Tino’ Asprilla for his general coolness on and off the pitch, and the good words he said about the Reds in our exclusive interview with him that will be screened sometime soon on LFC TV.   The ‘Liverpudlian redneck’ award for taking it to the extreme by ignoring advice to wear sun cream, goes to our very own Dave Cartwright (see below). [image]   And finally, the ‘wish we could stay a bit longer’ award for our overall highlight of the tour, has to be meeting all the passionate Liverpool fans in Brunei & Malaysia   Monday 14 March 7.00am, (3pm local time)  Liverpool legends Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler spent their final day in Kuala Lumpur by passing on some of their footballing expertise to local youngsters at a specially arranged Standard Chartered coaching clinic. [image] [image] [image]   Monday 14 March 6.00am, (2pm local time) Claire Rourke and Matt Critchley beware, the LFC TV team out in Asia today came across two budding television presenters on the lookout for a new job. You may recognise their faces... [image] [image] Monday 14 March 2.10am, (8.10am local time) He was the star man of yesterday’s Standard Chartered 2011 Malaysian Masters and perhaps the biggest draw out here after Robbie Fowler, former Columbia and Newcastle forward Faustino Asprilla has certainly been one of the big characters on this trip and LFC TV have just conducted an interview with him in which he talks fondly about all things Liverpool. According to Tino, it’s not just in Asia where the Reds are popular. He believes they are also THE biggest English club in South America. He also tips his friend Luis Suarez to be a big hit at Anfield, hailed the striking exploits of Robbie Fowler and reminisced about the special Kop atmosphere on those two unforgettable nights in the 90s when Newcastle and Liverpool famously shared seven goals. Look out for this interview in full on LFC TV in the coming weeks. [image]   Monday 14 March 2am, (10am local time) Our last day in Asia but plenty to do before heading home. On our way for some breakfast then a spot of sight-seeing before attending a couple of Standard Chartered events to attend with the players. Stay logged on for more throughout the day.   Monday 14 March 1.30am, (9.30am local time) Breaking news…Contrary to rumours, circulated mainly by himself, Vladimir Smicer has not offered Dave Cartwright has not been offered a job on the Czech Republic’s coaching staff. (see below)   Sunday 13 March, 5.40pm (1.40am local time)  Four things I thought I’d never see at the 2011 Malaysian Masters… 1. Our cameraman Dave Cartwright trying to give Vladimir Smicer tips on how to play football. 2. Rob Jones nearly breaking one of the Malaysian players in half as he came to the aid of Phil Babb, who was on the receiving end of some tough tackling from the hosts.  3. A gang of local Ultras backing the home team vociferously.  4. And, last but not least, plenty of decent Adidas trainees on show among the Asian Reds - the Scouse influence definitely rubbing off!  [image]   Sunday 13 March, 5.20pm (1.20am local time)  Panic over, if indeed there ever was one, but it looks like I will be returning to Blighty as planned – passport found in my shorts pocket, the ones I’d checked ten times! Sunday 13 March, 5.10pm (1.10am local time) Time for another bad shout of the day and I’m afraid it again goes to Dave for his laughable attempt at trying to take credit for Vladi’s two goals in the 5-2 win over Malaysia.   Sunday 13 March, 5pm (1am local time) The fans may have turned up in their thousands at the Putra Stadium earlier today to see the LFC Masters but the current Liverpool heroes were never far from their thoughts and one of the most popular chants of the day was this…(to the tune of ‘I am the Music Man) We come from Anfield Road To make us great again Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles Liver, Liver, Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool   Sunday 12 March, 2.10pm (10.10pm local time) Just returned to the hotel and before going for something to eat I started to prepare for tomorrow’s departure. However, it looks like I may be staying in Malaysia longer that I anticipated – can’t find my passport!   Sunday 13 March, 2pm (10pm local time) There was genuine disappointment among the LFC Masters that they didn’t repay the fantastic support of the Liverpool fans by lifting the cup earlier today. Afterwards, Robbie Fowler told us: “It was a massive disappointment to miss out on a place in the final like we did. We weren’t quite clear about the rules and thought a three-goal winning margin would have taken us into a play-off. That’s not to say we weren’t going for another but we thought we deserved to be in the final, at least. We started poorly against the All-Star team but showed what we were capable of by fighting back against United. Unfortunately against Malaysia we scored the desired amount of goals but got caught out at the back by conceding two. Still, it’s been an enjoyable experience and hopefully we’ll be invited back next year to give these wonderful fans something to celebrate.”   Sunday 13 March, 11.55am (7.55pm local time) For those who are still interested the Liverpool fans who have stayed behind are celebrating after Michael Thomas helped the Premier League All-Stars make it a double by defeating the Manchester United Masters 3-2 in the final. Congratulations to Mickey T, Huyton’s Craig Hignett and LFC TV’s new adopted Scouser Faustino Asprilla who hit a hat-trick.   Sunday 13 March, 11.25am (7.25pm local time) With Liverpool’s interest in the tournament over the Putra Stadium is fast emptying out.   Sunday 13 March, 11.25am (7.25pm local time) So near yet so far. The Liverpool Masters have beaten Malaysia 5-2 but it’s ultimately not enough to see them through to the final. Goals from Steve McManaman (2), Vladimir Smicer (2) and Robbie Fowler helped secure a 5-2 victory but the Reds bow out. Despite finishing with the same goal difference as the Premier League All-Stars they miss out on the final courtesy of the head-to-head rule. We’re all supporting Michael Thomas now.   Sunday 13 March, 11am (7pm local time) The Manchester United Masters have just beaten the Premier League All-Stars, and secured their place in the final, which means LFC now have to win by four clear goals in their final game against the Malaysian Legends if they are to join them. It’s all getting a bit tense now.   Sunday 13 March, 10.40am (6.40pm local time) [image] A great fight-back sees the LFC Masters keep alive their hopes of making the final. United went two up but the Reds pulled it back to win 4-3 through goals from Mark Wright, Robbie Fowler and Patrik Berger (2). A terrific game ended in controversy when David May had a goal disallowed in the last second for handball. Correct decision by ref Jeff Winter in my eyes. The crowd are going crazy!   Sunday 13 March, 10.05am (6.05pm local time) Next up for the LFC Masters are their Manchester United counterparts and, although it only their second game, they need to win to be in with a chance of reaching the final.   Sunday 13 March, 9.45am (5.45pm local time) Despite going a goal up through Patrik Berger, the LFC Masters have suffered a 4-2 defeat in their opening game of the Standard Chartered 2011 Malaysian Masters. Robbie Fowler was the other Reds’ scorer. [image]    Sunday 13 March, 9.20am (5.20pm local time) Stephane Henchoz, the goalkeeping hero of the Premier League All-Stars’ Brunei Cup victory is back playing for the LFC Masters this afternoon. He has swapped places with Michael Thomas.   Sunday 13 March, 9.10am (5.10pm local time) [image] Amazing atmosphere here as the 2011 Standard Chartered Malaysian Masters kicks off. Almost all the fans are wearing Liverpool colours and even the MUTV boys who are over here to cover the tournament agree that they are vastly outnumbering, and out-singing, those who follow United. Loads of good flags and banners.   Sunday 13 March, 7.25am (3.25pm local time) [image] Steve McManaman has issued a good luck message to Liverpool’s youth team ahead of their Youth Cup quarter-final tie at Anfield later today. “Hopefully we can both beat United,” he said.   Sunday 13 March, 7.20am (3.20pm local time) The LFC Masters have just arrived at the Putra Stadium and are just meeting the fans outside. There are thousands here, helping to make it a real carnival atmosphere. Taksim Square ’05 has been reincarnated. And it’s just as hot!   Sunday 13 March, 4am (12noon local time) It’s matchday two of the tour and not many of the LFC Masters are milling about just yet but ahead of today’s tournament Robbie Fowler insists he and his team-mates are determined to put on a better show than the one they produced in Brunei on Friday. “It was a big disappointment to lose twice. It didn’t help that we had to play two games back-to-back and for a lot of our players it was the first time they had played this format. I’m not going to make excuses though. We’ve certainly got the ability to win this tournament and we hope to do just that, not only for ourselves but also for all the fans out here who have been terrific ever since we arrived.” Kick-off in the 2011 Asian Masters is later this afternoon. The coach will be leaving for the arena just after lunch so stay logged on throughout the day for updates.   Sunday 13 March, 3am (11noon local time) [image] Never before have I wore a t-shirt that has attracted so many looks and comment. Everywhere we went last night saw me getting stopped by people wanting to read the famous Bill Shankly the quote (even the LFC Masters, including a genuinely intrigued Stephane Henchoz who then listened intently as I proceeded to give him a lesson in Shanklyism). Some even thought it was picture of myself! Maybe the late nights in Brunei and now Malaysia are taking their toll and I’m beginning to look a lot older than I actually am but I suppose being compared to Shanks can only be a compliment! For those who were asking, the t-shirt was produced by a great Liverpudlian called John Joynt, aka one of the Huyton Fatties.   Saturday 12 March, 8.15pm (4.15am local time) [image] He’s Czech, he’s great, he’s Vladimir’s mate…Patrick Berger, la la la la la la   Saturday 12 March, 8pm (4am local time) What a night! Out first in Malaysia and certainly one to remember, humbled by the passion on display at the official Liverpool Supporters Club, ourselves, Patrick Berger, Vladimir Smicer and Stephane Henchoz moved on to a Carlsberg event at a city centre bar where the atmosphere was once again something to behold. The crowd soon had the lads singing and renditions of some Kop classics could, no doubt, have been heard from miles around. Fans from all over Asia appear to have converged on Kuala Lumpur in readiness for the 2011 Asian Masters and the impact of Liverpool’s presence here cannot be underestimated. [image] [image] [image]   Saturday 12 March, 4.30pm (00.30am local time) It may not be among the most important of tournaments they’ve competed in but the pain of defeat still clearly hurts the LFC Masters. After being forced to settle for a third place finish in yesterday’s Brunei Cup Rob Jones told us: “I suppose it is only a friendly tournament but you never like to lose. It’s a matter of pride and when I pull on that red shirt I always want to win, especially against the likes of Manchester United.” Jones, who found himself on receiving end of some good-natured stick from his team-mates for missing an open goal in the first game, is now plotting Liverpool’s revenge when they take to the pitch again tomorrow here in Malaysia.”We must stay solid in defence and make sure we’ve enough players tracking back. The key to success in the Masters though is passing and we simply didn’t pass as well as we should.”   Saturday 12 March, 4.15pm (0.15am local time) The foreign contingent in the LFC Masters Squad wasted no time in getting out and about among the club’s huge fan base here in Kuala Lumpur. Just hours after flying in from Brunei, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer and Stephane Henchoz called in at the Malaysian branch of the official Liverpool Supporters Club, where they were, not surprisingly, given a rousing welcome. Over 100 fans packed into the Funky Villa bar and they took full advantage of this rare opportunity to be photographed alongside their heroes and collect autographs. A special thanks to John Chew, Helen and Boo, plus Olivia and her friends from Indonesia for their warm welcome and hospitality. More on this, including pics, to come later.   Saturday 11 March, 6.30am (2.30pm local time) The stunning view from our hotel room. [image] Saturday 11 March, 6.15am (2.15pm local time) Proof that, compared to our lads, some of the Manchester United Masters are struggling to handle the pace out here in Asia.  [image] [image]   Saturday 12 March, 5.30am (1.30pm local time) We've just arrived at our hotel in Kuala Lumpur. There were a lot of tired faces on the flight but shout of the day so far must go to former Premier League referee Jeff Winter who, in response to a tongue-in-cheek offer from Manchester United's David May to sit alongside him on the plane, remarked: "I'd rather saw my f*****g leg off!" Not all of the LFC Masters travelled with us this morning, some are taking a later flight but with a series of events planned for later today, including a visit to the Malaysian branch of the Liverpool Supporters Club, we'll be catching up with them again soon. We've also been joined in KL by our rivals from MUTV so let the battle of the cameras commence. In fairness, they are three good lads and I'm sure over the course of the next few days there'll be ample opportunity for us to wind them up about the recent game at Anfield. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:58:24 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_On-tour-with-the-LFC-Masters-in-Malaysia/blog/3383935/173471.html Markp 2011-03-13T12:01:10Z The Kop I’m Mark Platt from LFC TV and I'm in Malaysia this week with a team of Liverpool Legends as they compete in the 2011 EPL Asian Masters tournament. Follow this blog - brought to you in association with Standard Chartered - for a behind-the-scenes insight into how they fare.This is my second blog of the trip, to read my first blog about the Brunei section of the tour, click here: http://alturl.com/j4t35  [image] Tuesday 15 March 09.35am Postscript: Finally arrived back at Stanstead Airport safe and sound after a 14-hour flight from KL with our cameraman Dave Cartwright doing his own personal bit to build bridges between Liverpool and Manchester United after Sunday's ill-tempered Youth Cup clash between the two sides.   [image]Cosying up to former Manchester United star David May during the entire 14-hour flight home was not something me or the other Mark would have done but each to their own. Anyway, that's it for me and this blog - no really, I mean it this time! I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. All that's left now is the slightly daunting task of somehow turning 10 days and nights of Dave's filming into an hour-long LFC TV show! Oh well, we'll worry about that tomorrow... Monday 14 March 15.30pm, (11.30pm local time)Just on our way to the airport so all that's left from myself, Mark Volante and Dave Cartwright is a big thanks to everyone we have met during our stay in Asia. To the players, event organisers, sponsors, the people of Brunei and Malaysia, and of course, everyone of you wonderful LFC fans. Cheers. It's been a pleasure. Hopefully we'll see you again soon. YNWA. Monday 14 March 13.00pm, (9.00pm local time)Breaking news (literally!) from the Gala Dinner: Steve McManaman has just smashed a chandelier in the main hall. All of the guests were encouraged to throw a ball towards the stage and Macca, being Macca, has volleyed one back - straight into an expensive looking light!Monday 14 March 12.20pm, (8.20pm local time)We're at a fantastic Gala Dinner with 600 guests and we've just conducted a special Players' Awards ceremony with Mark Wright, Rob Jones and Michael Thomas. Wrighty plays the role of host for the impromptu event - which you'll be able to watch on LFC TV soon. Monday 14 March 9.30am, (5.30pm local time)  We’re almost ready to check out of our hotel in Malaysia. Just a Gala Dinner to come this evening before we catch our flight home so we’ve just taken some time out to reflect on our week-long stay in Asia. Brought to you by ‘Two Scousers and A Wool’ productions, here are our 2011 Asian Masters awards… [image] The ‘roll back the years’ award for the best LFC player of the two tournaments 1. Robbie Fowler 2. Mark Wright 3. Patrik Berger   The ‘player we’d most like to take to the Albert for a pint’ award for the players we had the best nights out with 1. Stephane Henchoz 2. Patrik Berger 3. Vladimir Smicer   The ‘we didn’t think we’d like them 'cos they were Mancs but they were sound’ award for our favourite former MUFC player 1.  Andy Ritchie 2. Clayton Blackmore 3. David May (when he was quiet!)   The ‘we didn’t know much about them before but they were sound’ award for our favourite other Masters player 1. Craig Hignett 2. Regi Blinker 3= Michael Mols & Rufus Brevett And a special mention also to ‘Tino’ Asprilla for his general coolness on and off the pitch, and the good words he said about the Reds in our exclusive interview with him that will be screened sometime soon on LFC TV.   The ‘Liverpudlian redneck’ award for taking it to the extreme by ignoring advice to wear sun cream, goes to our very own Dave Cartwright (see below). [image]   And finally, the ‘wish we could stay a bit longer’ award for our overall highlight of the tour, has to be meeting all the passionate Liverpool fans in Brunei & Malaysia   Monday 14 March 7.00am, (3pm local time)  Liverpool legends Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler spent their final day in Kuala Lumpur by passing on some of their footballing expertise to local youngsters at a specially arranged Standard Chartered coaching clinic. [image] [image] [image]   Monday 14 March 6.00am, (2pm local time) Claire Rourke and Matt Critchley beware, the LFC TV team out in Asia today came across two budding television presenters on the lookout for a new job. You may recognise their faces... [image] [image] Monday 14 March 2.10am, (8.10am local time) He was the star man of yesterday’s Standard Chartered 2011 Malaysian Masters and perhaps the biggest draw out here after Robbie Fowler, former Columbia and Newcastle forward Faustino Asprilla has certainly been one of the big characters on this trip and LFC TV have just conducted an interview with him in which he talks fondly about all things Liverpool. According to Tino, it’s not just in Asia where the Reds are popular. He believes they are also THE biggest English club in South America. He also tips his friend Luis Suarez to be a big hit at Anfield, hailed the striking exploits of Robbie Fowler and reminisced about the special Kop atmosphere on those two unforgettable nights in the 90s when Newcastle and Liverpool famously shared seven goals. Look out for this interview in full on LFC TV in the coming weeks. [image]   Monday 14 March 2am, (10am local time) Our last day in Asia but plenty to do before heading home. On our way for some breakfast then a spot of sight-seeing before attending a couple of Standard Chartered events to attend with the players. Stay logged on for more throughout the day.   Monday 14 March 1.30am, (9.30am local time) Breaking news…Contrary to rumours, circulated mainly by himself, Vladimir Smicer has not offered Dave Cartwright has not been offered a job on the Czech Republic’s coaching staff. (see below)   Sunday 13 March, 5.40pm (1.40am local time)  Four things I thought I’d never see at the 2011 Malaysian Masters… 1. Our cameraman Dave Cartwright trying to give Vladimir Smicer tips on how to play football. 2. Rob Jones nearly breaking one of the Malaysian players in half as he came to the aid of Phil Babb, who was on the receiving end of some tough tackling from the hosts.  3. A gang of local Ultras backing the home team vociferously.  4. And, last but not least, plenty of decent Adidas trainees on show among the Asian Reds - the Scouse influence definitely rubbing off!  [image]   Sunday 13 March, 5.20pm (1.20am local time)  Panic over, if indeed there ever was one, but it looks like I will be returning to Blighty as planned – passport found in my shorts pocket, the ones I’d checked ten times! Sunday 13 March, 5.10pm (1.10am local time) Time for another bad shout of the day and I’m afraid it again goes to Dave for his laughable attempt at trying to take credit for Vladi’s two goals in the 5-2 win over Malaysia.   Sunday 13 March, 5pm (1am local time) The fans may have turned up in their thousands at the Putra Stadium earlier today to see the LFC Masters but the current Liverpool heroes were never far from their thoughts and one of the most popular chants of the day was this…(to the tune of ‘I am the Music Man) We come from Anfield Road To make us great again Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles Liver, Liver, Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool   Sunday 12 March, 2.10pm (10.10pm local time) Just returned to the hotel and before going for something to eat I started to prepare for tomorrow’s departure. However, it looks like I may be staying in Malaysia longer that I anticipated – can’t find my passport!   Sunday 13 March, 2pm (10pm local time) There was genuine disappointment among the LFC Masters that they didn’t repay the fantastic support of the Liverpool fans by lifting the cup earlier today. Afterwards, Robbie Fowler told us: “It was a massive disappointment to miss out on a place in the final like we did. We weren’t quite clear about the rules and thought a three-goal winning margin would have taken us into a play-off. That’s not to say we weren’t going for another but we thought we deserved to be in the final, at least. We started poorly against the All-Star team but showed what we were capable of by fighting back against United. Unfortunately against Malaysia we scored the desired amount of goals but got caught out at the back by conceding two. Still, it’s been an enjoyable experience and hopefully we’ll be invited back next year to give these wonderful fans something to celebrate.”   Sunday 13 March, 11.55am (7.55pm local time) For those who are still interested the Liverpool fans who have stayed behind are celebrating after Michael Thomas helped the Premier League All-Stars make it a double by defeating the Manchester United Masters 3-2 in the final. Congratulations to Mickey T, Huyton’s Craig Hignett and LFC TV’s new adopted Scouser Faustino Asprilla who hit a hat-trick.   Sunday 13 March, 11.25am (7.25pm local time) With Liverpool’s interest in the tournament over the Putra Stadium is fast emptying out.   Sunday 13 March, 11.25am (7.25pm local time) So near yet so far. The Liverpool Masters have beaten Malaysia 5-2 but it’s ultimately not enough to see them through to the final. Goals from Steve McManaman (2), Vladimir Smicer (2) and Robbie Fowler helped secure a 5-2 victory but the Reds bow out. Despite finishing with the same goal difference as the Premier League All-Stars they miss out on the final courtesy of the head-to-head rule. We’re all supporting Michael Thomas now.   Sunday 13 March, 11am (7pm local time) The Manchester United Masters have just beaten the Premier League All-Stars, and secured their place in the final, which means LFC now have to win by four clear goals in their final game against the Malaysian Legends if they are to join them. It’s all getting a bit tense now.   Sunday 13 March, 10.40am (6.40pm local time) [image] A great fight-back sees the LFC Masters keep alive their hopes of making the final. United went two up but the Reds pulled it back to win 4-3 through goals from Mark Wright, Robbie Fowler and Patrik Berger (2). A terrific game ended in controversy when David May had a goal disallowed in the last second for handball. Correct decision by ref Jeff Winter in my eyes. The crowd are going crazy!   Sunday 13 March, 10.05am (6.05pm local time) Next up for the LFC Masters are their Manchester United counterparts and, although it only their second game, they need to win to be in with a chance of reaching the final.   Sunday 13 March, 9.45am (5.45pm local time) Despite going a goal up through Patrik Berger, the LFC Masters have suffered a 4-2 defeat in their opening game of the Standard Chartered 2011 Malaysian Masters. Robbie Fowler was the other Reds’ scorer. [image]    Sunday 13 March, 9.20am (5.20pm local time) Stephane Henchoz, the goalkeeping hero of the Premier League All-Stars’ Brunei Cup victory is back playing for the LFC Masters this afternoon. He has swapped places with Michael Thomas.   Sunday 13 March, 9.10am (5.10pm local time) [image] Amazing atmosphere here as the 2011 Standard Chartered Malaysian Masters kicks off. Almost all the fans are wearing Liverpool colours and even the MUTV boys who are over here to cover the tournament agree that they are vastly outnumbering, and out-singing, those who follow United. Loads of good flags and banners.   Sunday 13 March, 7.25am (3.25pm local time) [image] Steve McManaman has issued a good luck message to Liverpool’s youth team ahead of their Youth Cup quarter-final tie at Anfield later today. “Hopefully we can both beat United,” he said.   Sunday 13 March, 7.20am (3.20pm local time) The LFC Masters have just arrived at the Putra Stadium and are just meeting the fans outside. There are thousands here, helping to make it a real carnival atmosphere. Taksim Square ’05 has been reincarnated. And it’s just as hot!   Sunday 13 March, 4am (12noon local time) It’s matchday two of the tour and not many of the LFC Masters are milling about just yet but ahead of today’s tournament Robbie Fowler insists he and his team-mates are determined to put on a better show than the one they produced in Brunei on Friday. “It was a big disappointment to lose twice. It didn’t help that we had to play two games back-to-back and for a lot of our players it was the first time they had played this format. I’m not going to make excuses though. We’ve certainly got the ability to win this tournament and we hope to do just that, not only for ourselves but also for all the fans out here who have been terrific ever since we arrived.” Kick-off in the 2011 Asian Masters is later this afternoon. The coach will be leaving for the arena just after lunch so stay logged on throughout the day for updates.   Sunday 13 March, 3am (11noon local time) [image] Never before have I wore a t-shirt that has attracted so many looks and comment. Everywhere we went last night saw me getting stopped by people wanting to read the famous Bill Shankly the quote (even the LFC Masters, including a genuinely intrigued Stephane Henchoz who then listened intently as I proceeded to give him a lesson in Shanklyism). Some even thought it was picture of myself! Maybe the late nights in Brunei and now Malaysia are taking their toll and I’m beginning to look a lot older than I actually am but I suppose being compared to Shanks can only be a compliment! For those who were asking, the t-shirt was produced by a great Liverpudlian called John Joynt, aka one of the Huyton Fatties.   Saturday 12 March, 8.15pm (4.15am local time) [image] He’s Czech, he’s great, he’s Vladimir’s mate…Patrick Berger, la la la la la la   Saturday 12 March, 8pm (4am local time) What a night! Out first in Malaysia and certainly one to remember, humbled by the passion on display at the official Liverpool Supporters Club, ourselves, Patrick Berger, Vladimir Smicer and Stephane Henchoz moved on to a Carlsberg event at a city centre bar where the atmosphere was once again something to behold. The crowd soon had the lads singing and renditions of some Kop classics could, no doubt, have been heard from miles around. Fans from all over Asia appear to have converged on Kuala Lumpur in readiness for the 2011 Asian Masters and the impact of Liverpool’s presence here cannot be underestimated. [image] [image] [image]   Saturday 12 March, 4.30pm (00.30am local time) It may not be among the most important of tournaments they’ve competed in but the pain of defeat still clearly hurts the LFC Masters. After being forced to settle for a third place finish in yesterday’s Brunei Cup Rob Jones told us: “I suppose it is only a friendly tournament but you never like to lose. It’s a matter of pride and when I pull on that red shirt I always want to win, especially against the likes of Manchester United.” Jones, who found himself on receiving end of some good-natured stick from his team-mates for missing an open goal in the first game, is now plotting Liverpool’s revenge when they take to the pitch again tomorrow here in Malaysia.”We must stay solid in defence and make sure we’ve enough players tracking back. The key to success in the Masters though is passing and we simply didn’t pass as well as we should.”   Saturday 12 March, 4.15pm (0.15am local time) The foreign contingent in the LFC Masters Squad wasted no time in getting out and about among the club’s huge fan base here in Kuala Lumpur. Just hours after flying in from Brunei, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer and Stephane Henchoz called in at the Malaysian branch of the official Liverpool Supporters Club, where they were, not surprisingly, given a rousing welcome. Over 100 fans packed into the Funky Villa bar and they took full advantage of this rare opportunity to be photographed alongside their heroes and collect autographs. A special thanks to John Chew, Helen and Boo, plus Olivia and her friends from Indonesia for their warm welcome and hospitality. More on this, including pics, to come later.   Saturday 11 March, 6.30am (2.30pm local time) The stunning view from our hotel room. [image] Saturday 11 March, 6.15am (2.15pm local time) Proof that, compared to our lads, some of the Manchester United Masters are struggling to handle the pace out here in Asia.  [image] [image]   Saturday 12 March, 5.30am (1.30pm local time) We've just arrived at our hotel in Kuala Lumpur. There were a lot of tired faces on the flight but shout of the day so far must go to former Premier League referee Jeff Winter who, in response to a tongue-in-cheek offer from Manchester United's David May to sit alongside him on the plane, remarked: "I'd rather saw my f*****g leg off!" Not all of the LFC Masters travelled with us this morning, some are taking a later flight but with a series of events planned for later today, including a visit to the Malaysian branch of the Liverpool Supporters Club, we'll be catching up with them again soon. We've also been joined in KL by our rivals from MUTV so let the battle of the cameras commence. In fairness, they are three good lads and I'm sure over the course of the next few days there'll be ample opportunity for us to wind them up about the recent game at Anfield. asia, babb, berger, blog, brunei, fowler, henchoz, jones, legends, lfc, malaysia, mark, platt, smicer, thomas, tour, wright nonadult false On tour with the LFC Masters in Malaysia text blog asia,babb,berger,blog,brunei,fowler,henchoz,jones,legends,lfc,malaysia,mark,platt,smicer,thomas,tour,wright 96763 35 4.85714 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 22 2 3383935 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_On-Tour-with-the-LFC-Masters-in-Brunei/blog/3372676/173471.html I’m Mark Platt from LFC TV and I'm in Brunei and Malaysia this week with a team of Liverpool Legends as they compete in the 2011 EPL Asian Masters tournament. Follow this blog for a behind-the-scenes insight into how they fare in Brunei.If you want to follow the team in Malaysia, click here to follow Part 2 of my blog: http://alturl.com/g3oei [image]   Friday 11 March, 11pm (7am local time) The Liverpool Masters of 2011 come in all shapes and sizes. Some have admittedly put on a few pounds since hanging up their boots, others are losing their hair and some are going a little bit greyer. Winner of ‘he could probably still be playing now’ award however goes unanimously to that lean, mean, Czech attacking midfield machine that is Paddy Berger. In the words of the other lads he’s, ‘looking in better shape than when he was actually playing.’ Paddy himself puts it down to his new shorter haircut but this is probably one for the Ladies so we’ll leave it for them to judge. Take a look at this… [image] Just leaving our hotel in Brunei now. Catch you later. Friday 11 March, 8pm (4am local time) Goodnight from Brunei. We are leaving in the early hours to catch a flight to Malaysia so in case I don't get a chance to update this blog in the morning,  thank-you to the people of Brunei for their hospitality. It's been a pleasure to stay in your country, hopefully we'll see you again soon. Friday 11 March, 7.50pm (3.50am local time) Henchoz, Henchoz, Hechoz. Henchos, Henchoz, Henchoz – when we attack he’s always back - Henchoz, Henchoz, Hechoz. Henchos, Henchoz, Henchoz… [image][image] Friday 11 March, 7.45pm (3.45am local time)  Observations from today’s Brunei Cup. Four things that took me by surprise... 1. Stephane Henchoz scoring another goal, especially coming just a matter of minutes after the LFC TV team had bet him that he wouldn’t! 2. This half Liverpool/half Man United shirt. [image] Upon further investigation we discovered he was a Liverpool supporter and that the United half was for his ex-fiancé. The emphasis being on ex!  3. Us cheering a Viv Anderson goal. The former Forest, Arsenal and United defender netted the winning goal in the final to deny his former team-mates a chance of silverware. 4. And, finally, the local fans asking me to say hello to, my esteemed and "beautiful" colleague, Claire Rourke! Friday 11 March, 11.45am (7.45pm local time) Over dinner at the Orchid Garden Hotel we’ve just been discussing the merits of Luis Suarez with two members of the Premier League All-Stars team who certainly know their stuff when it comes to the beautiful game in Holland. Dutch duo Regi Blinker, ex-Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday, and Michael Mols, ex-Rangers, spoke glowingly about Suarez and predicted that we’re yet to see the best of the former Ajax man. Friday 11 March, 10.40am (6.40pm local time)  Speaking on behalf of the LFC Masters squad that is out here in Brunei, Steve McManaman has asked us to relay the following message in response to the devastating earthquake in Japan. He told us: "The thoughts of myself and all the lads are with anyone who has been affected by this awful disaster. It came as a real shock when the news was broken to us earlier today and it's been the main topic of conversation since. It really does put everything into perspective and we can only offer our sympathies at what is such a terrible and worrying time for all concerned." Friday 11 March, 10.15am (6.15pm local time) Champions! Not LFC Masters unfortunately, but Stephane 'the cat' Henchoz has ensured the Brunei Reds went home with something to smile about. Following an injury to Pavel Snrcek, Stephane took over between the sticks and played a blinder as the Premier League All-Star team beat the Manchester United Masters 4-3 in the final. We always knew he was decent in goal following his heroics in the 2001 FA Cup Final but, amid much cheering from his former Liverpool team-mates on the touchline, he surpassed even that with a series of stunning saves to deny United. Well in Stephane. I wonder if he'll be back in the LFC squad for Sunday's Malaysian leg of the Asian Masters? [image][image]  Friday 11 March, 9.15am (5.15pm local time) There's only one team the LFC TV crew are going to be supporting in the final of the Brunei Cup and it's not Manchester United. After a promising start to the tournament with that 2-1 win against the local All-Star team, two defeats against first United and then a Premier League All-Star side put paid to any hopes LFC had of lifting the first piece of silverware on this tour. After losing 7-5 to United (with Fowler grabbing a hat-trick and Phil Babb and Michael Thomas both also making it onto the scoresheet), LFC needed to beat the Premier League All-Stars to reach the final but despite another goal for Fowler (his 5th of the tournament) and one apiece for Mark Wright and Thomas, we somehow conceded seven - with boyhood Red Craig Hignett getting on the scoresheet for Stephane Henchoz's team. Stephane - you know what you need to do in the final![image] Friday 11 March, 7.40am (3.30pm local time) The whole tournament has taken a ten-minute break for prayer time. In Istanbul in 2005, we had prayer time at half-time! Friday 11 March, 7.20am (3.20pm local time) The players are on the pitch... but there's no internet connection off it! I've had to phone a friend to ring through this one sentence match report but when I get back to the hotel (or when the staff at LFC TV wake up) I'll update the blog properly. Anyway, I've just watched Liverpool win their opening game of the Brunei Cup 2-1 against DPMM, a team of local legends, with goals from Michael Thomas and Robbie Fowler. I'll have more later. [image] [image] Friday 11 March, 5am (1pm local time) We've just prepared for today's tournament in true footballer style with a 'high-carb' lunch. - plenty of fresh vegetables and pasta. Rather than raring to go though a pre-match kip would be good right now after a busy morning filming interviews with Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. The excitment, however, is building in Brunei ahead of the event and Viv Anderson is already stirring the friendly banter between the Liverpool and United lads by reminding us of last night's result at every opportunity. Let's hope we have the last laugh in a few hours time. Off to the indoor arena now for the Brunei Cup 2011. Friday 11 March, 3.30am (11.30am local time) There can be not escaping Brunei’s passion for football, so much so that even the LFC TV team have been the subject of eager autograph hunters. We’ve just returned from a visit to the nearby National Stadium, where the staff seemed as excited by our arrival as they would the first team. Trying to explain that our presenter on the trip Mark Volante was not a player was lost in translation and in 40 degrees of intense heat he handled his five minutes of fame impeccably. After some gentle persuasion he briefly experienced the life of a professional by modestly posing for photographs and adding his signature to all manner of Liverpool paraphernalia that was pushed in his direction, doing his bit for club PR in the process. Friday 11 March, 2.30am (10.30am local time) Being the ultimate professionals that they were (and are), there was no sign of the Liverpool Masters at breakfast - all must be preserving their energy for this afternoon's tournament with a later line-in that the rest. Or maybe they're just sleeping off another late night! You decide, but not being the cynical types we're going for the professional approach. Talking of breakfast, the saying 'when in Rome do as the Romans' sprung to mind as the LFC TV lads tucked into a hearty morning meal. No-one can accuse us of not embracing the Brunei culture by trying the local delicacies. For the third day running it was fried egg on toast for three! Friday 11 March, 1.45am (9.45am local time) Dull and  overcast in Brunei today but still very hot, so no need for that cold shower I've just had to take. Certainly woke me up though! Wonder if the players are up. Time to find out. Friday 11 March, 1.30am (9.30am local time) It's matchday in Brueni. Bit of a lie-in (if that's what you can call it!) for the lads over here today. Just going for breakfast, then we've got some pre-match interviews to do before leaving for the stadium around early afternoon. Let's hope the Masters can make up for the disappointment for the first team's defeat in Braga last night. Thanks to Steve Hunter and David Fairclough for keeping us informed of events out in Portugal, just a shame about the result. Ah well, never mind. Can today have a silver lining for messrs Jones (x2), Babb, Wright, Thomas, McManaman, Smicer, Berger and Fowler? Keep logging on to the blog for updates throughout the day. Thursday 10 March, 6.30pm (2.30am local time) Panic over. Not ideal but saved by logging onto www.liverpoolfc.tv and I'm now listening to dulcet tones of my old travelling companion Stevie Hunter and his sidekick, supersub himself, Davey Fairclough. Last time I listened to a Liverpool match at this time of the night (morning) was the World Club championship in 1981 v Flamengo in Tokyo. Can't believe we're losing but come on you Reds. You can do it. Definitely logging off now to enjoy the match. Thursday 10 March, 6.05pm (2.05am local time) Can't sleep so thought I'd get up and watch the match with my new pet Tiger (beer). Unfortunately I've searched all channels and can't find it. Any advice from the locals? It must be on somewhere!   Thursday 10 March, 5.20pm (1.20am local time) With the 2011 Brunei Cup now just a matter of hours away the Liverpool Masters, after a few pre-mach beers, have unfortunately had to retire to their rooms and won’t be watching the first team’s Europa League tie in Braga. But the message from the legends is good luck to the Reds. Goodnight and here’s hoping we wake up to a Liverpool win. Thursday 10 March, 5pm (1.00am local time) [image][image] His central defensive partnership with Sami Hyypia is remembered as arguably the best in Liverpool’s recent history and a decade on from the glory of that never-to-be-forgotten cup treble Stephane Henchoz is celebrating another triple success based on a sound defence. Our former centre-half has been displaying his skills on the hotel XBOX and he’s taken no time at all in establishing himself as the man to beat on FIFA 11. After twice seeing off the challenge of Vladimir Smicer, the Swiss star completed a hat-trick of victories against Phil Babb. Remarkably he didn’t concede in either game. All good things must come to an end, however, and, in a second rematch with Vladi, Stephane eventually lost his proud record – losing to a goal four minutes from the end of extra-time. The two LFC Masters then teamed up to take on LFC TV in a doubles match and, with their greater experience in conning the ref coming to the fore, we had to settle for a couple of narrow defeats. They may have won the battle but not the war and with four days of the tour remaining we vow to bounce back. Thursday 10 March, 1.20pm, (9.20pm local time) While it’s debatable whether the LFC Masters will get to see tonight’s Europa League tie in Braga the fortunes of the first team in Portugal are certainly uppermost in the thoughts of the former players here in Brunei, with Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman both predicting a crucial away win for Kenny’s men. Macca’s gone for 1-0 but Robbie reckons they can go one better and is saying 2-0. Thursday 10 March, 1pm (9pm local time) [image] For 100 members of the Brunei branch of the official Liverpool supporters club, tonight was the stuff dreams are made of. At a specially arranged event they got to meet their heroes as the LFC Masters squad took time out from their preparations for tomorrow’s tournament by posing for photographs and signing autographs. “It’s a dream come true for myself and Liverpool supporters in Brunei,” said club President Edmund Sumping, “to see the likes of Fowler and McManaman in person and meet with them is the ultimate. I am so excited about the tournament. We’ve got a very strong team and I’m in no doubt that we’re going to win.” Robbie Fowler kicked off proceedings and made sure it certainly was a night to remember by leading the Brunei Reds in an impromptu rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Glen (Hoddle) and Chris (Waddle) beware, God's got the voice of an angel and could be football's next singing sensation! [image] Thursday 10 March, 10.45am (6.45 pm local time) More breaking transfer news from the Orchid Garden Hotel in Brunei. The LFC Masters have agreed a swap deal with the Premier League All-Stars that will see Phil Babb (who was initially set to make way for Patrik Berger) reunited with his former team-mates for tomorrow's Brunei Cup. Stephane Henchoz moves in the opposite direction. Thursday 10 March, 10.30am (6.30 pm local time) The LFC TV team are slowly adjusting to life in Asia. The jet-lag has gone but the eight hour time difference remains a constant irritation, although we’ve got no-one else to blame for that other than ourselves. Like Bill Shankly famously did when he took Liverpool on tour to America in 1964 we’ve not adjusted our watches. But if it was good enough for the great man then it’s good enough for us, so Shankly time it is from now on! Thursday 10 March, 10am (6pm local time) Just remembered I didn't the update the blog to reveal the answers to the quiz question set on Tuesday about going through the alphabet and listing the Premier League's top goalscorer for each initial. So here goes... A = Anelka, B = Bent, C = Cole, (Andy not Joe!) D = Drogba, E = Ehiogu, F = Fowler, G = Giggs, H = Henry, I = Izzett, J = Johnson (Andy not Glen!), K = Keane, L = Lampard, M = McAllister, N = Nolan, O = Owen, P = Phillips, Q = Quinn, R = Rooney, S = Shearer, T = Torres, U = Unsworth, V = Van Nistelrooy, W = Wright (Ian not Mark!), X = Xavier, Y = Yorke, Z = Zola. Blame the former Man United players if incorrect as they set the question! Thursday 10 March, 9.30am (5.30 local time) Afterwards, LFC TV also conducted a 'Big Interview' with Vladi (see pic below) in which he spoke candidly about his time at the club and why Liverpool will always hold a special place in his heart. Look out for it on the channel soon. [image] Thursday 10 March, 8am (3pm local time)  An empty Negara Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Brunei may seem a world away from that highly-charged night at the Ataturk in 2005, but Vladimir Smicer has just netted a goal every bit as good, if not better, than that famous strike of his against AC Milan. The ever-popular Smicer is here to conduct a coaching session for a team of local aspiring footballers. As the current coach of the Czech Republic national side, he is more than well-qualified to pass on some tips and the awestruck local youngsters are lapping it up. It’s also a good way for him to limber up ahead of tomorrow’s Brunei Cup. He’s looking as lean as he did in his playing days and sporting a face the colour of the shirt he used to wear following a morning on the golf course without his sun cream! [image] [image] Thursday 10 March, 5.30am (1.30pm local time) [image]  “It’s good to get out and see a bit of culture,” said Michael Thomas and he was right. Just got back from what was a really interesting guided tour of Brunei, where we visited the Royal Palace, took a boat trip around the largest water village in the world (Kampung Ayer) and were even invited to the home of a local family. “It is things like this that we could never experience as a professional because it was always a case of just flying into a place, playing a match and flying back out,” added Thomas. So what did we discover from the tour? Well, here are five reasons why we think Brunei would be a sound place to live. The government provide free housing. With oil being the country’s main source of income, petrol is subsidised – a litre costing as little as 25 pence. The streets are so spotless you can walk around with no shoes and not have to wash your feet. The locals love their footy and cannot be faulted for their friendliness. And the 29th Sultan of Brunei (The King) is one of the boys. He dresses casually, has a proper job and takes a real interest in the welfare of his people.  [image] [image] [image] Thursday 10 March, 12.30am (8.30am local time) Early start and a busy day ahead, with some of the players going to golf and some taking in a city tour. We're on the latter. Report back with our findings later. Wednesday 9 March, 6pm (2am Thursday local time) The 2011 Asian Masters has been officially launched with a lavish banquet at the Orchid Garden Hotel in Brunei. All the Liverpool lads are now together and earlier this evening the fans were out in force to welcome them. Present among the 300-plus crowd was the Brunei Royal family and there was an electric atmosphere as many fans got to see their idols in the flesh for the first time.   [image][image] [image] Everyone has endured an arduous journey but it was certainly well worth it as the locals put on a stunning show. As well as meeting up with fellow Scousers Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman the LFC TV team also caught up with Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. [image]   [image] [image]  More to come from them over the coming days but three nicer fellas you’d struggle to meet. All maintain a deep love of the Reds and they couldn’t get enough of what life is now like at Anfield under Kenny. Legend is an often overused term in football, especially with regards to former players so young, but this trio can certainly be assured that their place in Liverpudlian folklore is secured. Genuine lads, with the Liver Bird forever attached on their chest, they all are. On what was a wonderful night the passion of the Brunei Reds was very much evident and below are pictures of just a few we met. [image]                   Members of the official LFC Brunei Supporters Club [image]                                  Ridauddiiy 'Keegan' Ibraliim Wednesday 9 March 9.45am (5.45pm local time) So much for bringing my sunglasses, flip flops and factor 50! Torrential downpour in Brunei at the minute. Apparently it's the rainy season. Wednesday 9 March, 9am (5pm local time) In Brunei at long last and just checked in at the hotel that will be our base for the next four days. Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman have now also arrived but we’re yet to see them. A gala dinner awaits tonight, where hopefully we’ll meet up with the rest of the Liverpool Masters squad. On the final leg of our outward journey we managed to have a good chat with ex-Blackburn and United defender David May who was reminiscing about the man who gave him his big first team break – a certain Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish. May was also telling us about his ‘enjoyable’ experience in one of the executive boxes at Anfield on Sunday and turned quiz-master to pose the following teaser – For each letter of the alphabet name the player who has scored the most number of Premier League goals. For example: S = Shearer. Myself, Mark and Dave managed to score an impressive 23 out of 26, although we must hold our hands up and admit that, shamefully, the three we got wrong all had a strong Liverpool connection. See how you do and we’ll reveal the answers later. Wednesday 9 March, 1am (9am local time) According to the Asian Master Tournament organisers Liverpool are the red-hot favourites to scoop the 2011 title with what they genuinely believe is, ‘the best squad we’ve ever had over here.’ They’ve also informed us that tickets are selling well for the events in Brunei and Malaysia. Not surprisingly, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman are expected to be the main centre of attention. They are flying in later today, as are Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. There’s plenty of excitement surrounding their participation and there's also a lot of interest in former Newcastle and Columbia star Faustino Asprilla, who will be turning out for the All-Stars team. There was some doubt as to whether he would turn up for the event but we’ve just heard that he’s landed in Brunei ahead of us. As for us, we are still at the Pan Pacific hotel in Kuala Lumpar but will be shortly returning to the airport for the much shorter flight to Brunei.  Tuesday 8 March, 11pm (6am local time) We’ve eventually touched down in Kuala Lumpar – just a six hour wait now until we board our connecting flight to Brunei! Been an eventful journey so far and to help while away the hours of boredom LFC TV have been conducting interviews with Mark Wright and Rob Jones for the documentary we will be producing. So impressive was Mark Volante’s interviewing technique that it received widespread praise from our fellow passengers and has seemingly earned him a new one-man fan club! [image] [image] In terms of strength in numbers the travelling Manchester United legends may still hold the upper hand but the Liverpool lads, although looking forward to meeting up with the rest of their former team-mates, are in good spirits and mixing well. Jones, meanwhile, has reacted further to the earlier tweet about his dismal record in front of goal by insisting he, ‘always does well in the scoring stakes when playing for the Legends’ We hope his ‘prolific’ form continues in the Masters but we’re not recommending that anyone should seriously back his claims with their hard-earned cash. Liverpool’s most senior squad member Wright maintains there will be ‘fireworks’ when the action finally gets underway on Thursday and Michael Thomas is certainly making sure he’ll be ready for it. Despite over-sleeping and being the last to check-in at Stanstead this morning the former midfield man remarkably managed to sleep through most of the flight. [image] And finally for now, the launch of a new (probably short-lived) feature for this blog entitled ‘worst shout of the day’, with the inaugural award going to cameraman Dave Cartwright. Not impressed with food being served up by Asia Airlines, Dave wisely suggested that the pilot should just stop off at KFC! Nice one for that Dave. Maybe we should just put it down to sleep deprivation on this occasion or possibly his preoccupation with one of the air hostesses! Tuesday 8 March, 8.25am It's a freezing cold morning here in London but the temperature will soon be soaring! The message from the LFC camp: 'We are going there to win. No chance of us taking it easy. The games are always competitive.' Those the words of Mark Wright. We are about to embark upon our 13 hour flight now, so my next update will be when we touch down in Asia tonight.  [image] Tuesday 8 March, 7.15am Breaking transfer news ahead of the Masters has just reached us. LFC TV have been reliably informed by Mark Jones, he of Radio City fame and the offical PA for the tournament, that Patrik Berger will now represent Liverpool in Brueni and Malaysia with Phil Babb moving in the opposite direction to turn out for the Premier League All-Stars. Neither player is with us at the moment to comment but is it a fair swap? I’ll let you decide. Tuesday 8 March, 7am Some bleary-eyed ex-footballers emerging for breakfast here in the Radisson Blu hotel at Stanstead airport, including renowned good red and one of Huyton’s finest – former LFC apprentice Craig Hignett, who, of course, later starred for Middlesbrough and Blackburn. We'll hopefully catch a few words with him about his days at Liverpool during the course of the trip. Tuesday 8 March, 6.30am While the legends sleep the LFC TV boys are up early getting ready for today’s long-haul flight to Brunei and we can report that the Liverpool ranks here in Stanstead have been now boosted by the arrival of the man who will keep goal for the Reds out in Asia. He made just two first team appearances during a brief loan-spell at the club in 2003, and, although he holds the distinction of being our club’s oldest post-war debutant, is almost too embarrassed to be bracketed alongside some of the more illustrious names in the LFC Masters squad. However, Llandudno-born Paul Jones instantly comes across as one of the most genuine and down-to-earth ex-footballers. No longer actively involved in the game he drove up to the team hotel late last night from his home in Chichester and regards his inclusion in the squad as a real honour. Tuesday 8 March, 1am He may have broken our hearts in ’89 but there can be no doubting where Michael Thomas’ football allegiances now lie. When we caught up with Mickey T (as his friends call him!) in the hotel bar he welcomed us as if we were long lost team-mates and quickly got down to the business of basking in Sunday’s victory over United. He told us: “Unfortunately I couldn’t be there but I watched it around at a friend’s house and was going mental throughout. What a performance and a result. I was expecting some stick off the United lads after they’d beat us in the final of the Masters last time but I’m not so sure they’ll be quick to mouth off now!’ Good lad. Monday 7 March, 11.30pm Just checked in at the Radisson Blu hotel in Stanstead airport, where another Liverpool legend (and hero of our 1992 FA Cup win) Michael Thomas was waiting to join up with the travelling party. On the coach journey south it was nice to see the players sticking to a strict pre-tournament diet of fast-food, with KFC just ousting Burger King from the number one snack of choice. Myself, Mark and Dave have just been mistaken for Liverpool players by a Chelsea fan in the hotel lift. Easy to see why but we've pledged our loyalty to the Reds, just in case Roman is thinking of directing any more cash towards the Anfield coffers. Unlike his last purchase, we are irreplaceable, as I'm sure our bosses will agree! We've got another long day of travelling ahead of us tomorrow so just time for a quick nightcap before getting our heads down in readiness for that dreaded early start in the morning. Monday 7 March, 8.15pm In reply to @chrislawley77’s tweet: “Are the former United players allowed to speak?” Yes, they are but it suddenly appears that some are suffering from selective memory loss!In reply to @TonyBarretTimes’ tweet: “Tell Jonesy he owes us a fortune for almost a decade of lost first goalscorer bets.” He reckons even he would have scored Kuyt’s opener yesterday. I’m not so sure!Monday 7 March, 6.15pm Arrived at Manchester Marriott Airport Hotel to be greeted by Liverpool’s 1992 FA Cup winning captain Mark Wright. Rob Jones is the only other member of the Liverpool contingent in the travelling party at this time, the rest either making their own way or already there. The ex-Manchester United players  among us at the moment – Lee Martin, David May and Clayton Blackmore to name just three - are remarkably upbeat despite the weekend result and, amid much laughter, one of the main topics of conversation is whether its right for footballers to cry! The general consensus being NO – no matter how hurt they are. Looking ahead to the forthcoming Masters Tournament and Mark Wright is confident of a Liverpool victory, “to make up for last year when United spawned it on penalties!” The banter is already starting to flow. On our way to London now and our Dave is currently the toast of the bus after discovering a way of how we can watch tonight's Blackpool v Chelsea match via the laptop. Monday 7 March, 4.30pm Just getting ready to leave. First part of what will be a long journey is a taxi to the Manchester Marriott Airport Hotel where myself and LFC TV colleagues Mark Volante and David Cartwright are catching a coach that will take us to another hotel at Stanstead airport in readiness for our early morning flight to Brunei tomorrow morning.  Among the players expected to be involved in the Liverpool Masters squad are Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Rob Jones, Vladimir Smicer, Stephane Henchoz, Michael Thomas and goalkeeper Paul Jones. To give you a bit of background on the tournament itself, it’s in its third year and Liverpool are seeking to win it for a second time. They were the inaugural winners in 2008 but lost out to Manchester United the following year. United are back to defend their crown this year. Also competing will be a Premier League All-Stars team, which we believe will include Patrik Berger, and a side made up of local legends. As well as the football, all the players will be taking part in a whole host of activities during their week-long stay in Asia and we will be with them every step of the way. I’m Mark Platt from LFC TV and I'm in Brunei and Malaysia this week with a team of Liverpool Legends as they compete in the 2011 EPL Asian Masters tournament. Follow this blog for a behind-the-scenes insight into how they fare in Brunei.If you want to follow the team in Malaysia, click here to follow Part 2 of my blog: http://alturl.com/g3oei [image]   Friday 11 March, 11pm (7am local time) The Liverpool Masters of 2011 come in all shapes and sizes. Some have admittedly put on a few pounds since hanging up their boots, others are losing their hair and some are going a little bit greyer. Winner of ‘he could probably still be playing now’ award however goes unanimously to that lean, mean, Czech attacking midfield machine that is Paddy Berger. In the words of the other lads he’s, ‘looking in better shape than when he was actually playing.’ Paddy himself puts it down to his new shorter haircut but this is probably one for the Ladies so we’ll leave it for them to judge. Take a look at this… [image] Just leaving our hotel in Brunei now. Catch you later. Friday 11 March, 8pm (4am local time) Goodnight from Brunei. We are leaving in the early hours to catch a flight to Malaysia so in case I don't get a chance to update this blog in the morning,  thank-you to the people of Brunei for their hospitality. It's been a pleasure to stay in your country, hopefully we'll see you again soon. Friday 11 March, 7.50pm (3.50am local time) Henchoz, Henchoz, Hechoz. Henchos, Henchoz, Henchoz – when we attack he’s always back - Henchoz, Henchoz, Hechoz. Henchos, Henchoz, Henchoz… [image][image] Friday 11 March, 7.45pm (3.45am local time)  Observations from today’s Brunei Cup. Four things that took me by surprise... 1. Stephane Henchoz scoring another goal, especially coming just a matter of minutes after the LFC TV team had bet him that he wouldn’t! 2. This half Liverpool/half Man United shirt. [image] Upon further investigation we discovered he was a Liverpool supporter and that the United half was for his ex-fiancé. The emphasis being on ex!  3. Us cheering a Viv Anderson goal. The former Forest, Arsenal and United defender netted the winning goal in the final to deny his former team-mates a chance of silverware. 4. And, finally, the local fans asking me to say hello to, my esteemed and "beautiful" colleague, Claire Rourke! Friday 11 March, 11.45am (7.45pm local time) Over dinner at the Orchid Garden Hotel we’ve just been discussing the merits of Luis Suarez with two members of the Premier League All-Stars team who certainly know their stuff when it comes to the beautiful game in Holland. Dutch duo Regi Blinker, ex-Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday, and Michael Mols, ex-Rangers, spoke glowingly about Suarez and predicted that we’re yet to see the best of the former Ajax man. Friday 11 March, 10.40am (6.40pm local time)  Speaking on behalf of the LFC Masters squad that is out here in Brunei, Steve McManaman has asked us to relay the following message in response to the devastating earthquake in Japan. He told us: "The thoughts of myself and all the lads are with anyone who has been affected by this awful disaster. It came as a real shock when the news was broken to us earlier today and it's been the main topic of conversation since. It really does put everything into perspective and we can only offer our sympathies at what is such a terrible and worrying time for all concerned." Friday 11 March, 10.15am (6.15pm local time) Champions! Not LFC Masters unfortunately, but Stephane 'the cat' Henchoz has ensured the Brunei Reds went home with something to smile about. Following an injury to Pavel Snrcek, Stephane took over between the sticks and played a blinder as the Premier League All-Star team beat the Manchester United Masters 4-3 in the final. We always knew he was decent in goal following his heroics in the 2001 FA Cup Final but, amid much cheering from his former Liverpool team-mates on the touchline, he surpassed even that with a series of stunning saves to deny United. Well in Stephane. I wonder if he'll be back in the LFC squad for Sunday's Malaysian leg of the Asian Masters? [image][image]  Friday 11 March, 9.15am (5.15pm local time) There's only one team the LFC TV crew are going to be supporting in the final of the Brunei Cup and it's not Manchester United. After a promising start to the tournament with that 2-1 win against the local All-Star team, two defeats against first United and then a Premier League All-Star side put paid to any hopes LFC had of lifting the first piece of silverware on this tour. After losing 7-5 to United (with Fowler grabbing a hat-trick and Phil Babb and Michael Thomas both also making it onto the scoresheet), LFC needed to beat the Premier League All-Stars to reach the final but despite another goal for Fowler (his 5th of the tournament) and one apiece for Mark Wright and Thomas, we somehow conceded seven - with boyhood Red Craig Hignett getting on the scoresheet for Stephane Henchoz's team. Stephane - you know what you need to do in the final![image] Friday 11 March, 7.40am (3.30pm local time) The whole tournament has taken a ten-minute break for prayer time. In Istanbul in 2005, we had prayer time at half-time! Friday 11 March, 7.20am (3.20pm local time) The players are on the pitch... but there's no internet connection off it! I've had to phone a friend to ring through this one sentence match report but when I get back to the hotel (or when the staff at LFC TV wake up) I'll update the blog properly. Anyway, I've just watched Liverpool win their opening game of the Brunei Cup 2-1 against DPMM, a team of local legends, with goals from Michael Thomas and Robbie Fowler. I'll have more later. [image] [image] Friday 11 March, 5am (1pm local time) We've just prepared for today's tournament in true footballer style with a 'high-carb' lunch. - plenty of fresh vegetables and pasta. Rather than raring to go though a pre-match kip would be good right now after a busy morning filming interviews with Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. The excitment, however, is building in Brunei ahead of the event and Viv Anderson is already stirring the friendly banter between the Liverpool and United lads by reminding us of last night's result at every opportunity. Let's hope we have the last laugh in a few hours time. Off to the indoor arena now for the Brunei Cup 2011. Friday 11 March, 3.30am (11.30am local time) There can be not escaping Brunei’s passion for football, so much so that even the LFC TV team have been the subject of eager autograph hunters. We’ve just returned from a visit to the nearby National Stadium, where the staff seemed as excited by our arrival as they would the first team. Trying to explain that our presenter on the trip Mark Volante was not a player was lost in translation and in 40 degrees of intense heat he handled his five minutes of fame impeccably. After some gentle persuasion he briefly experienced the life of a professional by modestly posing for photographs and adding his signature to all manner of Liverpool paraphernalia that was pushed in his direction, doing his bit for club PR in the process. Friday 11 March, 2.30am (10.30am local time) Being the ultimate professionals that they were (and are), there was no sign of the Liverpool Masters at breakfast - all must be preserving their energy for this afternoon's tournament with a later line-in that the rest. Or maybe they're just sleeping off another late night! You decide, but not being the cynical types we're going for the professional approach. Talking of breakfast, the saying 'when in Rome do as the Romans' sprung to mind as the LFC TV lads tucked into a hearty morning meal. No-one can accuse us of not embracing the Brunei culture by trying the local delicacies. For the third day running it was fried egg on toast for three! Friday 11 March, 1.45am (9.45am local time) Dull and  overcast in Brunei today but still very hot, so no need for that cold shower I've just had to take. Certainly woke me up though! Wonder if the players are up. Time to find out. Friday 11 March, 1.30am (9.30am local time) It's matchday in Brueni. Bit of a lie-in (if that's what you can call it!) for the lads over here today. Just going for breakfast, then we've got some pre-match interviews to do before leaving for the stadium around early afternoon. Let's hope the Masters can make up for the disappointment for the first team's defeat in Braga last night. Thanks to Steve Hunter and David Fairclough for keeping us informed of events out in Portugal, just a shame about the result. Ah well, never mind. Can today have a silver lining for messrs Jones (x2), Babb, Wright, Thomas, McManaman, Smicer, Berger and Fowler? Keep logging on to the blog for updates throughout the day. Thursday 10 March, 6.30pm (2.30am local time) Panic over. Not ideal but saved by logging onto www.liverpoolfc.tv and I'm now listening to dulcet tones of my old travelling companion Stevie Hunter and his sidekick, supersub himself, Davey Fairclough. Last time I listened to a Liverpool match at this time of the night (morning) was the World Club championship in 1981 v Flamengo in Tokyo. Can't believe we're losing but come on you Reds. You can do it. Definitely logging off now to enjoy the match. Thursday 10 March, 6.05pm (2.05am local time) Can't sleep so thought I'd get up and watch the match with my new pet Tiger (beer). Unfortunately I've searched all channels and can't find it. Any advice from the locals? It must be on somewhere!   Thursday 10 March, 5.20pm (1.20am local time) With the 2011 Brunei Cup now just a matter of hours away the Liverpool Masters, after a few pre-mach beers, have unfortunately had to retire to their rooms and won’t be watching the first team’s Europa League tie in Braga. But the message from the legends is good luck to the Reds. Goodnight and here’s hoping we wake up to a Liverpool win. Thursday 10 March, 5pm (1.00am local time) [image][image] His central defensive partnership with Sami Hyypia is remembered as arguably the best in Liverpool’s recent history and a decade on from the glory of that never-to-be-forgotten cup treble Stephane Henchoz is celebrating another triple success based on a sound defence. Our former centre-half has been displaying his skills on the hotel XBOX and he’s taken no time at all in establishing himself as the man to beat on FIFA 11. After twice seeing off the challenge of Vladimir Smicer, the Swiss star completed a hat-trick of victories against Phil Babb. Remarkably he didn’t concede in either game. All good things must come to an end, however, and, in a second rematch with Vladi, Stephane eventually lost his proud record – losing to a goal four minutes from the end of extra-time. The two LFC Masters then teamed up to take on LFC TV in a doubles match and, with their greater experience in conning the ref coming to the fore, we had to settle for a couple of narrow defeats. They may have won the battle but not the war and with four days of the tour remaining we vow to bounce back. Thursday 10 March, 1.20pm, (9.20pm local time) While it’s debatable whether the LFC Masters will get to see tonight’s Europa League tie in Braga the fortunes of the first team in Portugal are certainly uppermost in the thoughts of the former players here in Brunei, with Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman both predicting a crucial away win for Kenny’s men. Macca’s gone for 1-0 but Robbie reckons they can go one better and is saying 2-0. Thursday 10 March, 1pm (9pm local time) [image] For 100 members of the Brunei branch of the official Liverpool supporters club, tonight was the stuff dreams are made of. At a specially arranged event they got to meet their heroes as the LFC Masters squad took time out from their preparations for tomorrow’s tournament by posing for photographs and signing autographs. “It’s a dream come true for myself and Liverpool supporters in Brunei,” said club President Edmund Sumping, “to see the likes of Fowler and McManaman in person and meet with them is the ultimate. I am so excited about the tournament. We’ve got a very strong team and I’m in no doubt that we’re going to win.” Robbie Fowler kicked off proceedings and made sure it certainly was a night to remember by leading the Brunei Reds in an impromptu rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Glen (Hoddle) and Chris (Waddle) beware, God's got the voice of an angel and could be football's next singing sensation! [image] Thursday 10 March, 10.45am (6.45 pm local time) More breaking transfer news from the Orchid Garden Hotel in Brunei. The LFC Masters have agreed a swap deal with the Premier League All-Stars that will see Phil Babb (who was initially set to make way for Patrik Berger) reunited with his former team-mates for tomorrow's Brunei Cup. Stephane Henchoz moves in the opposite direction. Thursday 10 March, 10.30am (6.30 pm local time) The LFC TV team are slowly adjusting to life in Asia. The jet-lag has gone but the eight hour time difference remains a constant irritation, although we’ve got no-one else to blame for that other than ourselves. Like Bill Shankly famously did when he took Liverpool on tour to America in 1964 we’ve not adjusted our watches. But if it was good enough for the great man then it’s good enough for us, so Shankly time it is from now on! Thursday 10 March, 10am (6pm local time) Just remembered I didn't the update the blog to reveal the answers to the quiz question set on Tuesday about going through the alphabet and listing the Premier League's top goalscorer for each initial. So here goes... A = Anelka, B = Bent, C = Cole, (Andy not Joe!) D = Drogba, E = Ehiogu, F = Fowler, G = Giggs, H = Henry, I = Izzett, J = Johnson (Andy not Glen!), K = Keane, L = Lampard, M = McAllister, N = Nolan, O = Owen, P = Phillips, Q = Quinn, R = Rooney, S = Shearer, T = Torres, U = Unsworth, V = Van Nistelrooy, W = Wright (Ian not Mark!), X = Xavier, Y = Yorke, Z = Zola. Blame the former Man United players if incorrect as they set the question! Thursday 10 March, 9.30am (5.30 local time) Afterwards, LFC TV also conducted a 'Big Interview' with Vladi (see pic below) in which he spoke candidly about his time at the club and why Liverpool will always hold a special place in his heart. Look out for it on the channel soon. [image] Thursday 10 March, 8am (3pm local time)  An empty Negara Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Brunei may seem a world away from that highly-charged night at the Ataturk in 2005, but Vladimir Smicer has just netted a goal every bit as good, if not better, than that famous strike of his against AC Milan. The ever-popular Smicer is here to conduct a coaching session for a team of local aspiring footballers. As the current coach of the Czech Republic national side, he is more than well-qualified to pass on some tips and the awestruck local youngsters are lapping it up. It’s also a good way for him to limber up ahead of tomorrow’s Brunei Cup. He’s looking as lean as he did in his playing days and sporting a face the colour of the shirt he used to wear following a morning on the golf course without his sun cream! [image] [image] Thursday 10 March, 5.30am (1.30pm local time) [image]  “It’s good to get out and see a bit of culture,” said Michael Thomas and he was right. Just got back from what was a really interesting guided tour of Brunei, where we visited the Royal Palace, took a boat trip around the largest water village in the world (Kampung Ayer) and were even invited to the home of a local family. “It is things like this that we could never experience as a professional because it was always a case of just flying into a place, playing a match and flying back out,” added Thomas. So what did we discover from the tour? Well, here are five reasons why we think Brunei would be a sound place to live. The government provide free housing. With oil being the country’s main source of income, petrol is subsidised – a litre costing as little as 25 pence. The streets are so spotless you can walk around with no shoes and not have to wash your feet. The locals love their footy and cannot be faulted for their friendliness. And the 29th Sultan of Brunei (The King) is one of the boys. He dresses casually, has a proper job and takes a real interest in the welfare of his people.  [image] [image] [image] Thursday 10 March, 12.30am (8.30am local time) Early start and a busy day ahead, with some of the players going to golf and some taking in a city tour. We're on the latter. Report back with our findings later. Wednesday 9 March, 6pm (2am Thursday local time) The 2011 Asian Masters has been officially launched with a lavish banquet at the Orchid Garden Hotel in Brunei. All the Liverpool lads are now together and earlier this evening the fans were out in force to welcome them. Present among the 300-plus crowd was the Brunei Royal family and there was an electric atmosphere as many fans got to see their idols in the flesh for the first time.   [image][image] [image] Everyone has endured an arduous journey but it was certainly well worth it as the locals put on a stunning show. As well as meeting up with fellow Scousers Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman the LFC TV team also caught up with Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. [image]   [image] [image]  More to come from them over the coming days but three nicer fellas you’d struggle to meet. All maintain a deep love of the Reds and they couldn’t get enough of what life is now like at Anfield under Kenny. Legend is an often overused term in football, especially with regards to former players so young, but this trio can certainly be assured that their place in Liverpudlian folklore is secured. Genuine lads, with the Liver Bird forever attached on their chest, they all are. On what was a wonderful night the passion of the Brunei Reds was very much evident and below are pictures of just a few we met. [image]                   Members of the official LFC Brunei Supporters Club [image]                                  Ridauddiiy 'Keegan' Ibraliim Wednesday 9 March 9.45am (5.45pm local time) So much for bringing my sunglasses, flip flops and factor 50! Torrential downpour in Brunei at the minute. Apparently it's the rainy season. Wednesday 9 March, 9am (5pm local time) In Brunei at long last and just checked in at the hotel that will be our base for the next four days. Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman have now also arrived but we’re yet to see them. A gala dinner awaits tonight, where hopefully we’ll meet up with the rest of the Liverpool Masters squad. On the final leg of our outward journey we managed to have a good chat with ex-Blackburn and United defender David May who was reminiscing about the man who gave him his big first team break – a certain Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish. May was also telling us about his ‘enjoyable’ experience in one of the executive boxes at Anfield on Sunday and turned quiz-master to pose the following teaser – For each letter of the alphabet name the player who has scored the most number of Premier League goals. For example: S = Shearer. Myself, Mark and Dave managed to score an impressive 23 out of 26, although we must hold our hands up and admit that, shamefully, the three we got wrong all had a strong Liverpool connection. See how you do and we’ll reveal the answers later. Wednesday 9 March, 1am (9am local time) According to the Asian Master Tournament organisers Liverpool are the red-hot favourites to scoop the 2011 title with what they genuinely believe is, ‘the best squad we’ve ever had over here.’ They’ve also informed us that tickets are selling well for the events in Brunei and Malaysia. Not surprisingly, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman are expected to be the main centre of attention. They are flying in later today, as are Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. There’s plenty of excitement surrounding their participation and there's also a lot of interest in former Newcastle and Columbia star Faustino Asprilla, who will be turning out for the All-Stars team. There was some doubt as to whether he would turn up for the event but we’ve just heard that he’s landed in Brunei ahead of us. As for us, we are still at the Pan Pacific hotel in Kuala Lumpar but will be shortly returning to the airport for the much shorter flight to Brunei.  Tuesday 8 March, 11pm (6am local time) We’ve eventually touched down in Kuala Lumpar – just a six hour wait now until we board our connecting flight to Brunei! Been an eventful journey so far and to help while away the hours of boredom LFC TV have been conducting interviews with Mark Wright and Rob Jones for the documentary we will be producing. So impressive was Mark Volante’s interviewing technique that it received widespread praise from our fellow passengers and has seemingly earned him a new one-man fan club! [image] [image] In terms of strength in numbers the travelling Manchester United legends may still hold the upper hand but the Liverpool lads, although looking forward to meeting up with the rest of their former team-mates, are in good spirits and mixing well. Jones, meanwhile, has reacted further to the earlier tweet about his dismal record in front of goal by insisting he, ‘always does well in the scoring stakes when playing for the Legends’ We hope his ‘prolific’ form continues in the Masters but we’re not recommending that anyone should seriously back his claims with their hard-earned cash. Liverpool’s most senior squad member Wright maintains there will be ‘fireworks’ when the action finally gets underway on Thursday and Michael Thomas is certainly making sure he’ll be ready for it. Despite over-sleeping and being the last to check-in at Stanstead this morning the former midfield man remarkably managed to sleep through most of the flight. [image] And finally for now, the launch of a new (probably short-lived) feature for this blog entitled ‘worst shout of the day’, with the inaugural award going to cameraman Dave Cartwright. Not impressed with food being served up by Asia Airlines, Dave wisely suggested that the pilot should just stop off at KFC! Nice one for that Dave. Maybe we should just put it down to sleep deprivation on this occasion or possibly his preoccupation with one of the air hostesses! Tuesday 8 March, 8.25am It's a freezing cold morning here in London but the temperature will soon be soaring! The message from the LFC camp: 'We are going there to win. No chance of us taking it easy. The games are always competitive.' Those the words of Mark Wright. We are about to embark upon our 13 hour flight now, so my next update will be when we touch down in Asia tonight.  [image] Tuesday 8 March, 7.15am Breaking transfer news ahead of the Masters has just reached us. LFC TV have been reliably informed by Mark Jones, he of Radio City fame and the offical PA for the tournament, that Patrik Berger will now represent Liverpool in Brueni and Malaysia with Phil Babb moving in the opposite direction to turn out for the Premier League All-Stars. Neither player is with us at the moment to comment but is it a fair swap? I’ll let you decide. Tuesday 8 March, 7am Some bleary-eyed ex-footballers emerging for breakfast here in the Radisson Blu hotel at Stanstead airport, including renowned good red and one of Huyton’s finest – former LFC apprentice Craig Hignett, who, of course, later starred for Middlesbrough and Blackburn. We'll hopefully catch a few words with him about his days at Liverpool during the course of the trip. Tuesday 8 March, 6.30am While the legends sleep the LFC TV boys are up early getting ready for today’s long-haul flight to Brunei and we can report that the Liverpool ranks here in Stanstead have been now boosted by the arrival of the man who will keep goal for the Reds out in Asia. He made just two first team appearances during a brief loan-spell at the club in 2003, and, although he holds the distinction of being our club’s oldest post-war debutant, is almost too embarrassed to be bracketed alongside some of the more illustrious names in the LFC Masters squad. However, Llandudno-born Paul Jones instantly comes across as one of the most genuine and down-to-earth ex-footballers. No longer actively involved in the game he drove up to the team hotel late last night from his home in Chichester and regards his inclusion in the squad as a real honour. Tuesday 8 March, 1am He may have broken our hearts in ’89 but there can be no doubting where Michael Thomas’ football allegiances now lie. When we caught up with Mickey T (as his friends call him!) in the hotel bar he welcomed us as if we were long lost team-mates and quickly got down to the business of basking in Sunday’s victory over United. He told us: “Unfortunately I couldn’t be there but I watched it around at a friend’s house and was going mental throughout. What a performance and a result. I was expecting some stick off the United lads after they’d beat us in the final of the Masters last time but I’m not so sure they’ll be quick to mouth off now!’ Good lad. Monday 7 March, 11.30pm Just checked in at the Radisson Blu hotel in Stanstead airport, where another Liverpool legend (and hero of our 1992 FA Cup win) Michael Thomas was waiting to join up with the travelling party. On the coach journey south it was nice to see the players sticking to a strict pre-tournament diet of fast-food, with KFC just ousting Burger King from the number one snack of choice. Myself, Mark and Dave have just been mistaken for Liverpool players by a Chelsea fan in the hotel lift. Easy to see why but we've pledged our loyalty to the Reds, just in case Roman is thinking of directing any more cash towards the Anfield coffers. Unlike his last purchase, we are irreplaceable, as I'm sure our bosses will agree! We've got another long day of travelling ahead of us tomorrow so just time for a quick nightcap before getting our heads down in readiness for that dreaded early start in the morning. Monday 7 March, 8.15pm In reply to @chrislawley77’s tweet: “Are the former United players allowed to speak?” Yes, they are but it suddenly appears that some are suffering from selective memory loss!In reply to @TonyBarretTimes’ tweet: “Tell Jonesy he owes us a fortune for almost a decade of lost first goalscorer bets.” He reckons even he would have scored Kuyt’s opener yesterday. I’m not so sure!Monday 7 March, 6.15pm Arrived at Manchester Marriott Airport Hotel to be greeted by Liverpool’s 1992 FA Cup winning captain Mark Wright. Rob Jones is the only other member of the Liverpool contingent in the travelling party at this time, the rest either making their own way or already there. The ex-Manchester United players  among us at the moment – Lee Martin, David May and Clayton Blackmore to name just three - are remarkably upbeat despite the weekend result and, amid much laughter, one of the main topics of conversation is whether its right for footballers to cry! The general consensus being NO – no matter how hurt they are. Looking ahead to the forthcoming Masters Tournament and Mark Wright is confident of a Liverpool victory, “to make up for last year when United spawned it on penalties!” The banter is already starting to flow. On our way to London now and our Dave is currently the toast of the bus after discovering a way of how we can watch tonight's Blackpool v Chelsea match via the laptop. Monday 7 March, 4.30pm Just getting ready to leave. First part of what will be a long journey is a taxi to the Manchester Marriott Airport Hotel where myself and LFC TV colleagues Mark Volante and David Cartwright are catching a coach that will take us to another hotel at Stanstead airport in readiness for our early morning flight to Brunei tomorrow morning.  Among the players expected to be involved in the Liverpool Masters squad are Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Rob Jones, Vladimir Smicer, Stephane Henchoz, Michael Thomas and goalkeeper Paul Jones. To give you a bit of background on the tournament itself, it’s in its third year and Liverpool are seeking to win it for a second time. They were the inaugural winners in 2008 but lost out to Manchester United the following year. United are back to defend their crown this year. Also competing will be a Premier League All-Stars team, which we believe will include Patrik Berger, and a side made up of local legends. As well as the football, all the players will be taking part in a whole host of activities during their week-long stay in Asia and we will be with them every step of the way. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:54:39 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_On-Tour-with-the-LFC-Masters-in-Brunei/blog/3372676/173471.html Markp 2011-03-08T00:53:15Z The Kop I’m Mark Platt from LFC TV and I'm in Brunei and Malaysia this week with a team of Liverpool Legends as they compete in the 2011 EPL Asian Masters tournament. Follow this blog for a behind-the-scenes insight into how they fare in Brunei.If you want to follow the team in Malaysia, click here to follow Part 2 of my blog: http://alturl.com/g3oei [image]   Friday 11 March, 11pm (7am local time) The Liverpool Masters of 2011 come in all shapes and sizes. Some have admittedly put on a few pounds since hanging up their boots, others are losing their hair and some are going a little bit greyer. Winner of ‘he could probably still be playing now’ award however goes unanimously to that lean, mean, Czech attacking midfield machine that is Paddy Berger. In the words of the other lads he’s, ‘looking in better shape than when he was actually playing.’ Paddy himself puts it down to his new shorter haircut but this is probably one for the Ladies so we’ll leave it for them to judge. Take a look at this… [image] Just leaving our hotel in Brunei now. Catch you later. Friday 11 March, 8pm (4am local time) Goodnight from Brunei. We are leaving in the early hours to catch a flight to Malaysia so in case I don't get a chance to update this blog in the morning,  thank-you to the people of Brunei for their hospitality. It's been a pleasure to stay in your country, hopefully we'll see you again soon. Friday 11 March, 7.50pm (3.50am local time) Henchoz, Henchoz, Hechoz. Henchos, Henchoz, Henchoz – when we attack he’s always back - Henchoz, Henchoz, Hechoz. Henchos, Henchoz, Henchoz… [image][image] Friday 11 March, 7.45pm (3.45am local time)  Observations from today’s Brunei Cup. Four things that took me by surprise... 1. Stephane Henchoz scoring another goal, especially coming just a matter of minutes after the LFC TV team had bet him that he wouldn’t! 2. This half Liverpool/half Man United shirt. [image] Upon further investigation we discovered he was a Liverpool supporter and that the United half was for his ex-fiancé. The emphasis being on ex!  3. Us cheering a Viv Anderson goal. The former Forest, Arsenal and United defender netted the winning goal in the final to deny his former team-mates a chance of silverware. 4. And, finally, the local fans asking me to say hello to, my esteemed and "beautiful" colleague, Claire Rourke! Friday 11 March, 11.45am (7.45pm local time) Over dinner at the Orchid Garden Hotel we’ve just been discussing the merits of Luis Suarez with two members of the Premier League All-Stars team who certainly know their stuff when it comes to the beautiful game in Holland. Dutch duo Regi Blinker, ex-Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday, and Michael Mols, ex-Rangers, spoke glowingly about Suarez and predicted that we’re yet to see the best of the former Ajax man. Friday 11 March, 10.40am (6.40pm local time)  Speaking on behalf of the LFC Masters squad that is out here in Brunei, Steve McManaman has asked us to relay the following message in response to the devastating earthquake in Japan. He told us: "The thoughts of myself and all the lads are with anyone who has been affected by this awful disaster. It came as a real shock when the news was broken to us earlier today and it's been the main topic of conversation since. It really does put everything into perspective and we can only offer our sympathies at what is such a terrible and worrying time for all concerned." Friday 11 March, 10.15am (6.15pm local time) Champions! Not LFC Masters unfortunately, but Stephane 'the cat' Henchoz has ensured the Brunei Reds went home with something to smile about. Following an injury to Pavel Snrcek, Stephane took over between the sticks and played a blinder as the Premier League All-Star team beat the Manchester United Masters 4-3 in the final. We always knew he was decent in goal following his heroics in the 2001 FA Cup Final but, amid much cheering from his former Liverpool team-mates on the touchline, he surpassed even that with a series of stunning saves to deny United. Well in Stephane. I wonder if he'll be back in the LFC squad for Sunday's Malaysian leg of the Asian Masters? [image][image]  Friday 11 March, 9.15am (5.15pm local time) There's only one team the LFC TV crew are going to be supporting in the final of the Brunei Cup and it's not Manchester United. After a promising start to the tournament with that 2-1 win against the local All-Star team, two defeats against first United and then a Premier League All-Star side put paid to any hopes LFC had of lifting the first piece of silverware on this tour. After losing 7-5 to United (with Fowler grabbing a hat-trick and Phil Babb and Michael Thomas both also making it onto the scoresheet), LFC needed to beat the Premier League All-Stars to reach the final but despite another goal for Fowler (his 5th of the tournament) and one apiece for Mark Wright and Thomas, we somehow conceded seven - with boyhood Red Craig Hignett getting on the scoresheet for Stephane Henchoz's team. Stephane - you know what you need to do in the final![image] Friday 11 March, 7.40am (3.30pm local time) The whole tournament has taken a ten-minute break for prayer time. In Istanbul in 2005, we had prayer time at half-time! Friday 11 March, 7.20am (3.20pm local time) The players are on the pitch... but there's no internet connection off it! I've had to phone a friend to ring through this one sentence match report but when I get back to the hotel (or when the staff at LFC TV wake up) I'll update the blog properly. Anyway, I've just watched Liverpool win their opening game of the Brunei Cup 2-1 against DPMM, a team of local legends, with goals from Michael Thomas and Robbie Fowler. I'll have more later. [image] [image] Friday 11 March, 5am (1pm local time) We've just prepared for today's tournament in true footballer style with a 'high-carb' lunch. - plenty of fresh vegetables and pasta. Rather than raring to go though a pre-match kip would be good right now after a busy morning filming interviews with Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. The excitment, however, is building in Brunei ahead of the event and Viv Anderson is already stirring the friendly banter between the Liverpool and United lads by reminding us of last night's result at every opportunity. Let's hope we have the last laugh in a few hours time. Off to the indoor arena now for the Brunei Cup 2011. Friday 11 March, 3.30am (11.30am local time) There can be not escaping Brunei’s passion for football, so much so that even the LFC TV team have been the subject of eager autograph hunters. We’ve just returned from a visit to the nearby National Stadium, where the staff seemed as excited by our arrival as they would the first team. Trying to explain that our presenter on the trip Mark Volante was not a player was lost in translation and in 40 degrees of intense heat he handled his five minutes of fame impeccably. After some gentle persuasion he briefly experienced the life of a professional by modestly posing for photographs and adding his signature to all manner of Liverpool paraphernalia that was pushed in his direction, doing his bit for club PR in the process. Friday 11 March, 2.30am (10.30am local time) Being the ultimate professionals that they were (and are), there was no sign of the Liverpool Masters at breakfast - all must be preserving their energy for this afternoon's tournament with a later line-in that the rest. Or maybe they're just sleeping off another late night! You decide, but not being the cynical types we're going for the professional approach. Talking of breakfast, the saying 'when in Rome do as the Romans' sprung to mind as the LFC TV lads tucked into a hearty morning meal. No-one can accuse us of not embracing the Brunei culture by trying the local delicacies. For the third day running it was fried egg on toast for three! Friday 11 March, 1.45am (9.45am local time) Dull and  overcast in Brunei today but still very hot, so no need for that cold shower I've just had to take. Certainly woke me up though! Wonder if the players are up. Time to find out. Friday 11 March, 1.30am (9.30am local time) It's matchday in Brueni. Bit of a lie-in (if that's what you can call it!) for the lads over here today. Just going for breakfast, then we've got some pre-match interviews to do before leaving for the stadium around early afternoon. Let's hope the Masters can make up for the disappointment for the first team's defeat in Braga last night. Thanks to Steve Hunter and David Fairclough for keeping us informed of events out in Portugal, just a shame about the result. Ah well, never mind. Can today have a silver lining for messrs Jones (x2), Babb, Wright, Thomas, McManaman, Smicer, Berger and Fowler? Keep logging on to the blog for updates throughout the day. Thursday 10 March, 6.30pm (2.30am local time) Panic over. Not ideal but saved by logging onto www.liverpoolfc.tv and I'm now listening to dulcet tones of my old travelling companion Stevie Hunter and his sidekick, supersub himself, Davey Fairclough. Last time I listened to a Liverpool match at this time of the night (morning) was the World Club championship in 1981 v Flamengo in Tokyo. Can't believe we're losing but come on you Reds. You can do it. Definitely logging off now to enjoy the match. Thursday 10 March, 6.05pm (2.05am local time) Can't sleep so thought I'd get up and watch the match with my new pet Tiger (beer). Unfortunately I've searched all channels and can't find it. Any advice from the locals? It must be on somewhere!   Thursday 10 March, 5.20pm (1.20am local time) With the 2011 Brunei Cup now just a matter of hours away the Liverpool Masters, after a few pre-mach beers, have unfortunately had to retire to their rooms and won’t be watching the first team’s Europa League tie in Braga. But the message from the legends is good luck to the Reds. Goodnight and here’s hoping we wake up to a Liverpool win. Thursday 10 March, 5pm (1.00am local time) [image][image] His central defensive partnership with Sami Hyypia is remembered as arguably the best in Liverpool’s recent history and a decade on from the glory of that never-to-be-forgotten cup treble Stephane Henchoz is celebrating another triple success based on a sound defence. Our former centre-half has been displaying his skills on the hotel XBOX and he’s taken no time at all in establishing himself as the man to beat on FIFA 11. After twice seeing off the challenge of Vladimir Smicer, the Swiss star completed a hat-trick of victories against Phil Babb. Remarkably he didn’t concede in either game. All good things must come to an end, however, and, in a second rematch with Vladi, Stephane eventually lost his proud record – losing to a goal four minutes from the end of extra-time. The two LFC Masters then teamed up to take on LFC TV in a doubles match and, with their greater experience in conning the ref coming to the fore, we had to settle for a couple of narrow defeats. They may have won the battle but not the war and with four days of the tour remaining we vow to bounce back. Thursday 10 March, 1.20pm, (9.20pm local time) While it’s debatable whether the LFC Masters will get to see tonight’s Europa League tie in Braga the fortunes of the first team in Portugal are certainly uppermost in the thoughts of the former players here in Brunei, with Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman both predicting a crucial away win for Kenny’s men. Macca’s gone for 1-0 but Robbie reckons they can go one better and is saying 2-0. Thursday 10 March, 1pm (9pm local time) [image] For 100 members of the Brunei branch of the official Liverpool supporters club, tonight was the stuff dreams are made of. At a specially arranged event they got to meet their heroes as the LFC Masters squad took time out from their preparations for tomorrow’s tournament by posing for photographs and signing autographs. “It’s a dream come true for myself and Liverpool supporters in Brunei,” said club President Edmund Sumping, “to see the likes of Fowler and McManaman in person and meet with them is the ultimate. I am so excited about the tournament. We’ve got a very strong team and I’m in no doubt that we’re going to win.” Robbie Fowler kicked off proceedings and made sure it certainly was a night to remember by leading the Brunei Reds in an impromptu rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Glen (Hoddle) and Chris (Waddle) beware, God's got the voice of an angel and could be football's next singing sensation! [image] Thursday 10 March, 10.45am (6.45 pm local time) More breaking transfer news from the Orchid Garden Hotel in Brunei. The LFC Masters have agreed a swap deal with the Premier League All-Stars that will see Phil Babb (who was initially set to make way for Patrik Berger) reunited with his former team-mates for tomorrow's Brunei Cup. Stephane Henchoz moves in the opposite direction. Thursday 10 March, 10.30am (6.30 pm local time) The LFC TV team are slowly adjusting to life in Asia. The jet-lag has gone but the eight hour time difference remains a constant irritation, although we’ve got no-one else to blame for that other than ourselves. Like Bill Shankly famously did when he took Liverpool on tour to America in 1964 we’ve not adjusted our watches. But if it was good enough for the great man then it’s good enough for us, so Shankly time it is from now on! Thursday 10 March, 10am (6pm local time) Just remembered I didn't the update the blog to reveal the answers to the quiz question set on Tuesday about going through the alphabet and listing the Premier League's top goalscorer for each initial. So here goes... A = Anelka, B = Bent, C = Cole, (Andy not Joe!) D = Drogba, E = Ehiogu, F = Fowler, G = Giggs, H = Henry, I = Izzett, J = Johnson (Andy not Glen!), K = Keane, L = Lampard, M = McAllister, N = Nolan, O = Owen, P = Phillips, Q = Quinn, R = Rooney, S = Shearer, T = Torres, U = Unsworth, V = Van Nistelrooy, W = Wright (Ian not Mark!), X = Xavier, Y = Yorke, Z = Zola. Blame the former Man United players if incorrect as they set the question! Thursday 10 March, 9.30am (5.30 local time) Afterwards, LFC TV also conducted a 'Big Interview' with Vladi (see pic below) in which he spoke candidly about his time at the club and why Liverpool will always hold a special place in his heart. Look out for it on the channel soon. [image] Thursday 10 March, 8am (3pm local time)  An empty Negara Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Brunei may seem a world away from that highly-charged night at the Ataturk in 2005, but Vladimir Smicer has just netted a goal every bit as good, if not better, than that famous strike of his against AC Milan. The ever-popular Smicer is here to conduct a coaching session for a team of local aspiring footballers. As the current coach of the Czech Republic national side, he is more than well-qualified to pass on some tips and the awestruck local youngsters are lapping it up. It’s also a good way for him to limber up ahead of tomorrow’s Brunei Cup. He’s looking as lean as he did in his playing days and sporting a face the colour of the shirt he used to wear following a morning on the golf course without his sun cream! [image] [image] Thursday 10 March, 5.30am (1.30pm local time) [image]  “It’s good to get out and see a bit of culture,” said Michael Thomas and he was right. Just got back from what was a really interesting guided tour of Brunei, where we visited the Royal Palace, took a boat trip around the largest water village in the world (Kampung Ayer) and were even invited to the home of a local family. “It is things like this that we could never experience as a professional because it was always a case of just flying into a place, playing a match and flying back out,” added Thomas. So what did we discover from the tour? Well, here are five reasons why we think Brunei would be a sound place to live. The government provide free housing. With oil being the country’s main source of income, petrol is subsidised – a litre costing as little as 25 pence. The streets are so spotless you can walk around with no shoes and not have to wash your feet. The locals love their footy and cannot be faulted for their friendliness. And the 29th Sultan of Brunei (The King) is one of the boys. He dresses casually, has a proper job and takes a real interest in the welfare of his people.  [image] [image] [image] Thursday 10 March, 12.30am (8.30am local time) Early start and a busy day ahead, with some of the players going to golf and some taking in a city tour. We're on the latter. Report back with our findings later. Wednesday 9 March, 6pm (2am Thursday local time) The 2011 Asian Masters has been officially launched with a lavish banquet at the Orchid Garden Hotel in Brunei. All the Liverpool lads are now together and earlier this evening the fans were out in force to welcome them. Present among the 300-plus crowd was the Brunei Royal family and there was an electric atmosphere as many fans got to see their idols in the flesh for the first time.   [image][image] [image] Everyone has endured an arduous journey but it was certainly well worth it as the locals put on a stunning show. As well as meeting up with fellow Scousers Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman the LFC TV team also caught up with Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. [image]   [image] [image]  More to come from them over the coming days but three nicer fellas you’d struggle to meet. All maintain a deep love of the Reds and they couldn’t get enough of what life is now like at Anfield under Kenny. Legend is an often overused term in football, especially with regards to former players so young, but this trio can certainly be assured that their place in Liverpudlian folklore is secured. Genuine lads, with the Liver Bird forever attached on their chest, they all are. On what was a wonderful night the passion of the Brunei Reds was very much evident and below are pictures of just a few we met. [image]                   Members of the official LFC Brunei Supporters Club [image]                                  Ridauddiiy 'Keegan' Ibraliim Wednesday 9 March 9.45am (5.45pm local time) So much for bringing my sunglasses, flip flops and factor 50! Torrential downpour in Brunei at the minute. Apparently it's the rainy season. Wednesday 9 March, 9am (5pm local time) In Brunei at long last and just checked in at the hotel that will be our base for the next four days. Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman have now also arrived but we’re yet to see them. A gala dinner awaits tonight, where hopefully we’ll meet up with the rest of the Liverpool Masters squad. On the final leg of our outward journey we managed to have a good chat with ex-Blackburn and United defender David May who was reminiscing about the man who gave him his big first team break – a certain Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish. May was also telling us about his ‘enjoyable’ experience in one of the executive boxes at Anfield on Sunday and turned quiz-master to pose the following teaser – For each letter of the alphabet name the player who has scored the most number of Premier League goals. For example: S = Shearer. Myself, Mark and Dave managed to score an impressive 23 out of 26, although we must hold our hands up and admit that, shamefully, the three we got wrong all had a strong Liverpool connection. See how you do and we’ll reveal the answers later. Wednesday 9 March, 1am (9am local time) According to the Asian Master Tournament organisers Liverpool are the red-hot favourites to scoop the 2011 title with what they genuinely believe is, ‘the best squad we’ve ever had over here.’ They’ve also informed us that tickets are selling well for the events in Brunei and Malaysia. Not surprisingly, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman are expected to be the main centre of attention. They are flying in later today, as are Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz. There’s plenty of excitement surrounding their participation and there's also a lot of interest in former Newcastle and Columbia star Faustino Asprilla, who will be turning out for the All-Stars team. There was some doubt as to whether he would turn up for the event but we’ve just heard that he’s landed in Brunei ahead of us. As for us, we are still at the Pan Pacific hotel in Kuala Lumpar but will be shortly returning to the airport for the much shorter flight to Brunei.  Tuesday 8 March, 11pm (6am local time) We’ve eventually touched down in Kuala Lumpar – just a six hour wait now until we board our connecting flight to Brunei! Been an eventful journey so far and to help while away the hours of boredom LFC TV have been conducting interviews with Mark Wright and Rob Jones for the documentary we will be producing. So impressive was Mark Volante’s interviewing technique that it received widespread praise from our fellow passengers and has seemingly earned him a new one-man fan club! [image] [image] In terms of strength in numbers the travelling Manchester United legends may still hold the upper hand but the Liverpool lads, although looking forward to meeting up with the rest of their former team-mates, are in good spirits and mixing well. Jones, meanwhile, has reacted further to the earlier tweet about his dismal record in front of goal by insisting he, ‘always does well in the scoring stakes when playing for the Legends’ We hope his ‘prolific’ form continues in the Masters but we’re not recommending that anyone should seriously back his claims with their hard-earned cash. Liverpool’s most senior squad member Wright maintains there will be ‘fireworks’ when the action finally gets underway on Thursday and Michael Thomas is certainly making sure he’ll be ready for it. Despite over-sleeping and being the last to check-in at Stanstead this morning the former midfield man remarkably managed to sleep through most of the flight. [image] And finally for now, the launch of a new (probably short-lived) feature for this blog entitled ‘worst shout of the day’, with the inaugural award going to cameraman Dave Cartwright. Not impressed with food being served up by Asia Airlines, Dave wisely suggested that the pilot should just stop off at KFC! Nice one for that Dave. Maybe we should just put it down to sleep deprivation on this occasion or possibly his preoccupation with one of the air hostesses! Tuesday 8 March, 8.25am It's a freezing cold morning here in London but the temperature will soon be soaring! The message from the LFC camp: 'We are going there to win. No chance of us taking it easy. The games are always competitive.' Those the words of Mark Wright. We are about to embark upon our 13 hour flight now, so my next update will be when we touch down in Asia tonight.  [image] Tuesday 8 March, 7.15am Breaking transfer news ahead of the Masters has just reached us. LFC TV have been reliably informed by Mark Jones, he of Radio City fame and the offical PA for the tournament, that Patrik Berger will now represent Liverpool in Brueni and Malaysia with Phil Babb moving in the opposite direction to turn out for the Premier League All-Stars. Neither player is with us at the moment to comment but is it a fair swap? I’ll let you decide. Tuesday 8 March, 7am Some bleary-eyed ex-footballers emerging for breakfast here in the Radisson Blu hotel at Stanstead airport, including renowned good red and one of Huyton’s finest – former LFC apprentice Craig Hignett, who, of course, later starred for Middlesbrough and Blackburn. We'll hopefully catch a few words with him about his days at Liverpool during the course of the trip. Tuesday 8 March, 6.30am While the legends sleep the LFC TV boys are up early getting ready for today’s long-haul flight to Brunei and we can report that the Liverpool ranks here in Stanstead have been now boosted by the arrival of the man who will keep goal for the Reds out in Asia. He made just two first team appearances during a brief loan-spell at the club in 2003, and, although he holds the distinction of being our club’s oldest post-war debutant, is almost too embarrassed to be bracketed alongside some of the more illustrious names in the LFC Masters squad. However, Llandudno-born Paul Jones instantly comes across as one of the most genuine and down-to-earth ex-footballers. No longer actively involved in the game he drove up to the team hotel late last night from his home in Chichester and regards his inclusion in the squad as a real honour. Tuesday 8 March, 1am He may have broken our hearts in ’89 but there can be no doubting where Michael Thomas’ football allegiances now lie. When we caught up with Mickey T (as his friends call him!) in the hotel bar he welcomed us as if we were long lost team-mates and quickly got down to the business of basking in Sunday’s victory over United. He told us: “Unfortunately I couldn’t be there but I watched it around at a friend’s house and was going mental throughout. What a performance and a result. I was expecting some stick off the United lads after they’d beat us in the final of the Masters last time but I’m not so sure they’ll be quick to mouth off now!’ Good lad. Monday 7 March, 11.30pm Just checked in at the Radisson Blu hotel in Stanstead airport, where another Liverpool legend (and hero of our 1992 FA Cup win) Michael Thomas was waiting to join up with the travelling party. On the coach journey south it was nice to see the players sticking to a strict pre-tournament diet of fast-food, with KFC just ousting Burger King from the number one snack of choice. Myself, Mark and Dave have just been mistaken for Liverpool players by a Chelsea fan in the hotel lift. Easy to see why but we've pledged our loyalty to the Reds, just in case Roman is thinking of directing any more cash towards the Anfield coffers. Unlike his last purchase, we are irreplaceable, as I'm sure our bosses will agree! We've got another long day of travelling ahead of us tomorrow so just time for a quick nightcap before getting our heads down in readiness for that dreaded early start in the morning. Monday 7 March, 8.15pm In reply to @chrislawley77’s tweet: “Are the former United players allowed to speak?” Yes, they are but it suddenly appears that some are suffering from selective memory loss!In reply to @TonyBarretTimes’ tweet: “Tell Jonesy he owes us a fortune for almost a decade of lost first goalscorer bets.” He reckons even he would have scored Kuyt’s opener yesterday. I’m not so sure!Monday 7 March, 6.15pm Arrived at Manchester Marriott Airport Hotel to be greeted by Liverpool’s 1992 FA Cup winning captain Mark Wright. Rob Jones is the only other member of the Liverpool contingent in the travelling party at this time, the rest either making their own way or already there. The ex-Manchester United players  among us at the moment – Lee Martin, David May and Clayton Blackmore to name just three - are remarkably upbeat despite the weekend result and, amid much laughter, one of the main topics of conversation is whether its right for footballers to cry! The general consensus being NO – no matter how hurt they are. Looking ahead to the forthcoming Masters Tournament and Mark Wright is confident of a Liverpool victory, “to make up for last year when United spawned it on penalties!” The banter is already starting to flow. On our way to London now and our Dave is currently the toast of the bus after discovering a way of how we can watch tonight's Blackpool v Chelsea match via the laptop. Monday 7 March, 4.30pm Just getting ready to leave. First part of what will be a long journey is a taxi to the Manchester Marriott Airport Hotel where myself and LFC TV colleagues Mark Volante and David Cartwright are catching a coach that will take us to another hotel at Stanstead airport in readiness for our early morning flight to Brunei tomorrow morning.  Among the players expected to be involved in the Liverpool Masters squad are Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Rob Jones, Vladimir Smicer, Stephane Henchoz, Michael Thomas and goalkeeper Paul Jones. To give you a bit of background on the tournament itself, it’s in its third year and Liverpool are seeking to win it for a second time. They were the inaugural winners in 2008 but lost out to Manchester United the following year. United are back to defend their crown this year. Also competing will be a Premier League All-Stars team, which we believe will include Patrik Berger, and a side made up of local legends. As well as the football, all the players will be taking part in a whole host of activities during their week-long stay in Asia and we will be with them every step of the way. asia, babb, berger, brunei, chartered, club, fans, fowler, henchoz, jones, lfc, malaysia, manchester, mark, masters, mcmanaman, michael, pareik, phil, platt, rob, robbie, singapore, smicer, standard, stephane, steve, supporters, thomas, united, vladimir, wright nonadult false On Tour with the LFC Masters in Brunei text blog asia,babb,berger,brunei,chartered,club,fans,fowler,henchoz,jones,lfc,malaysia,manchester,mark,masters,mcmanaman,michael,pareik,phil,platt,rob,robbie,singapore,smicer,standard,stephane,steve,supporters,thomas,united,vladimir,wright 136346 76 4.07895 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 75 3 3372676 29859341 Silver 28130 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Why-Shanklys-first-signing-was-a-flop/blog/3341732/173471.html The name Sammy Reid will mean little to the vast majority of Liverpudlians. Take a quick glance through most history books and you'll find no mention of his name in connection with Liverpool Football Club. He never made a single first team appearance for the Reds and was registered as a Liverpool player for less than a year. So just why, is his place in Liverpool folklore forever assured? In February 1960 Bill Shankly was just two months into his managerial reign at Anfield. New blood was needed and a big name purchase was expected. But rather than a Dave Mackay, Denis Law, Brian Clough or Jack Charlton it was the diminutive Motherwell winger Reid who was unveiled to the small gathering of local press-men. [image] Liverpool were languishing in the old Division Two at the time and it's fair to say Reid's #8,000 arrival did not register on the richter scale outside of Merseyside. But for the success-starved Liverpudlians, accustomed to the doom and gloom of living in the shadow of near neighbours Everton, his signing represented hope for a brighter future. That brighter future was not long in coming but sadly Reid was not around to be part of it and whenever supporters discuss the greatest Shankly signings you'll never hear the name of Sammy Reid spoken in the same breath as Yeats, St John, Thompson, Hughes, Clemence, Toshack and Keegan, to name just a few. So what went wrong? Why did Sammy, who went onto achieve fame and fortune in Scotland, fail to make the grade at Anfield and does he regret on missing out on the Liverpool success story of the sixties? In his own words, this is his story... "Most people think I was a complete failure at Liverpool and if you look at the records that's absolutely true but I wasn't as big a failure as everybody tries to make out. "What happened with me was that when I arrived at Liverpool I wasn't really fit enough to play. I was only a part-time player up in Scotland and had hurt my back at work. This prevented me from playing for three weeks and I'd hardly trained either. "But I got to Liverpool on a Tuesday night and twenty-four hours later I was making my debut for the reserves in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie against Blackburn "Shanks wanted to fast track me into the first team and was keen that I played so that I could get acclimatised to English football. I didn't agree with his decision but it wasn't my place to argue with the boss so I went along with it. "On the morning of the match I trained with the first team, while all the other players who were playing that night had the morning off. In Scotland it was unheard of to train on the morning of a night match but this is what happened to me. "I then played in the game and to be honest played pretty well, but the park was a quagmire that night. It was a relief to get the game over with and I could really feel my legs afterwards. "At the end of the game Shankly came up to me and confirmed that I had played well but that I need to work on my fitness. That was fair enough but he had me in for training again early the next morning, which I don't think helped "I was selected for another reserve game on the Saturday and then trained morning and afternoon every day the following week. By this time my legs were feeling so tight it wasn't real. It was that bad I was struggling to walk. I felt terrible and halfway through the next game I pulled a muscle. "I didn't play again for another three to four weeks. By that time there was only about four games left in the season. Shankly had bought me to take over from the great Billy Liddell - one of my great heroes in football - but because I wasn't able to play he went out and bought another guy, Kevin Lewis from Sheffield United. "Kevin played well for the first team in the games I watched him play and when I came back to fitness, if you can call it that, the season had finished. "It was unusual for me to go somewhere, to go to a team and not be a good player for them. I blame whoever was in charge of the training situation at Liverpool for causing me to have a pulled muscle within 10 days. I'd never in my life, ever, pulled a muscle in training or in football in my career of 13 years, but I did within 10 days at Liverpool, so there was something wrong there." The leaving of Liverpool... "I lasted until the end of the season and I was still a Liverpool player all through the close season. When I came back for training before the start of the next season there was word of a move to Falkirk. I had to consider it and eventually it came to pass that I went to Falkirk. "I got a lot of money to go to Liverpool, but I got double the amount of money to go back to Falkirk. When Shankly approached me about the move he gave me the impression that he didn't want me to go but there was no guarantee of me being in the first team, which was fair enough because nobody gets a guaranteed place in the first team. "There was a lot of money in it for me if I moved but that was not my sole motivation because the contract I signed with Liverpool guaranteed me first team wages whatever my situation was. The digs in Liverpool were horrendous though and I wasn't prepared to gut it out in Liverpool as a reserve team player so I decided to call it quits." Shanks, King Billy and The Saint... "The first time that Bill Shankly showed an interest in me was when he was the manager of Huddersfield Town. He'd signed a player called Alec Bain, who my brother knew, and through him I found out that Shanks really fancied me as a player. "The first time that I met him was on the Saturday before I signed. I was watching the Liverpool game and I met him then. I wouldn't say he was quite eccentric, I'd say that he was very, very eccentric, that's what I thought of him. "When I stopped playing football, I think I was about 38 at the time, I went on holiday to Blackpool with my two boys. There was lad from where I lived staying in the same hotel and he was Liverpool mad, even as a Scotsman. I suggested that we drive to Liverpool and I said, 'I'll take you to Melwood and maybe we'll see the players training.' I went there and we asked if it would be possible to take this lad - Peter Ritchie his name was - to the ground and see the trophy room and we did that. After we'd been to the ground I said to Peter, 'Do you want to go and see Everton's ground?' and he said, 'Aye I wouldn't mind that.' So we went through Stanley Park and I couldn't believe it. Coming out of Everton's ground was Bill Shankly! It really was a miracle that. "I shouted to him as he was getting into the car and he looked. We were speaking Scottish and obviously he realised we were Scottish people. I said to him, 'Do you know who I am?' And he said, 'No I don't.' I said 'I'm Sammy Reid, your first signing, obviously I'm your first flop as well!' He started to laugh and he gave me a cuddle and said, 'Oh I should never have let you go, I know you didn't have a good time.' I said, 'Well you did magnificently, you didn't need me anyway.' It was a really nice experience. "Bill Shankly was always a great name up here in Scotland, but one of the great players I always admired was Billy Liddell. I thought he was a marvellous player. "I didn't see much of him, but I saw him in a few internationals up here and no wonder they called Liverpool 'Liddellpool.' When I came back in the close season after having a bad time at Liverpool word had got around the club that I was maybe leaving and I always appreciated this from Billy Liddell, he said to me, 'Sammy I hear you might be going back to Scotland,' and I said, 'It looks that way Billy.' I was in awe of him. "I was only 20 years of age and he was about 38. He said to me, 'Listen, I think you're a really good player. I know you're just a wee guy, but you've got the guts and if I was you I'd stay here.' I thought it was very nice of him to say that to me. "Then there was Ian St John, I'd left Liverpool by the time he was signed but I played a big part in him making that move. Like me, Ian was a former Motherwell player. He'd asked for a transfer and there were various other clubs interested in him but as soon as he heard of Liverpool's interest, he asked me and I strongly advised him to make the move because I reckoned Shankly would like his style of play. He wasn't the best player in the world, but he was a terrific goalscorer. He played 150 games for Motherwell and scored about 100 goals. He was the type of player that I thought Shankly would love and I was right because he did love him." Life before Liverpool... "I'm only five foot four but what everybody used to say to me was that 'you're no bigger than a shirt button and you're two pound heavier than a meringue!' But I wasn't a wee Scottish lad who arrived at Liverpool with no experience. I was known as a smashing player for Motherwell Football Club, had played about 80 games and scored 30 goals." Life after Liverpool... "Over a period of about 13 years playing Scottish football I played over 300 games and I would have played a lot more, but I broke my kneecap, which was a horrendous injury. In over 300 games, I scored about 100 goals and even in six games for the reserve team at Liverpool, I scored a couple of goals." "I achieved fame at Berwick Rangers. The only reason I went to Berwick was because I broke my kneecap playing against Hibs at Easter Road, with Clyde. That was a horrendous injury and they told me I'd never play football again and maybe I'd be walking with a limp. So consequently, I didn't play for about a year and a half. I got back to fitness but I was never the same and I had to move to a lower division so I joined Berwick Rangers. "It was a bit of luck or a bit of hard luck, depending on which way you look at it that we drew against Rangers in the Scottish Cup and I scored the goal for Berwick to win the game. Then it was the biggest upset in Scottish football and it still the biggest upset in Scottish football and I think it will be that way for all time." Any regrets? "Not really because at the end of the day, you're a professional footballer and when your football career is finished you can't live on the glory of the medals. I know Liverpool went on to become one of the greatest English clubs ever, but there was no guarantee I'd have been playing in that team so I don't regret that at all. I remembered the players that they had at Liverpool. Peter Thompson on the left wing and Ian Callaghan was coming through as a young boy at the time on the right wing, so I might have just been a Liverpool reserve and I wasn't prepared to do that." The name Sammy Reid will mean little to the vast majority of Liverpudlians. Take a quick glance through most history books and you'll find no mention of his name in connection with Liverpool Football Club. He never made a single first team appearance for the Reds and was registered as a Liverpool player for less than a year. So just why, is his place in Liverpool folklore forever assured? In February 1960 Bill Shankly was just two months into his managerial reign at Anfield. New blood was needed and a big name purchase was expected. But rather than a Dave Mackay, Denis Law, Brian Clough or Jack Charlton it was the diminutive Motherwell winger Reid who was unveiled to the small gathering of local press-men. [image] Liverpool were languishing in the old Division Two at the time and it's fair to say Reid's #8,000 arrival did not register on the richter scale outside of Merseyside. But for the success-starved Liverpudlians, accustomed to the doom and gloom of living in the shadow of near neighbours Everton, his signing represented hope for a brighter future. That brighter future was not long in coming but sadly Reid was not around to be part of it and whenever supporters discuss the greatest Shankly signings you'll never hear the name of Sammy Reid spoken in the same breath as Yeats, St John, Thompson, Hughes, Clemence, Toshack and Keegan, to name just a few. So what went wrong? Why did Sammy, who went onto achieve fame and fortune in Scotland, fail to make the grade at Anfield and does he regret on missing out on the Liverpool success story of the sixties? In his own words, this is his story... "Most people think I was a complete failure at Liverpool and if you look at the records that's absolutely true but I wasn't as big a failure as everybody tries to make out. "What happened with me was that when I arrived at Liverpool I wasn't really fit enough to play. I was only a part-time player up in Scotland and had hurt my back at work. This prevented me from playing for three weeks and I'd hardly trained either. "But I got to Liverpool on a Tuesday night and twenty-four hours later I was making my debut for the reserves in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie against Blackburn "Shanks wanted to fast track me into the first team and was keen that I played so that I could get acclimatised to English football. I didn't agree with his decision but it wasn't my place to argue with the boss so I went along with it. "On the morning of the match I trained with the first team, while all the other players who were playing that night had the morning off. In Scotland it was unheard of to train on the morning of a night match but this is what happened to me. "I then played in the game and to be honest played pretty well, but the park was a quagmire that night. It was a relief to get the game over with and I could really feel my legs afterwards. "At the end of the game Shankly came up to me and confirmed that I had played well but that I need to work on my fitness. That was fair enough but he had me in for training again early the next morning, which I don't think helped "I was selected for another reserve game on the Saturday and then trained morning and afternoon every day the following week. By this time my legs were feeling so tight it wasn't real. It was that bad I was struggling to walk. I felt terrible and halfway through the next game I pulled a muscle. "I didn't play again for another three to four weeks. By that time there was only about four games left in the season. Shankly had bought me to take over from the great Billy Liddell - one of my great heroes in football - but because I wasn't able to play he went out and bought another guy, Kevin Lewis from Sheffield United. "Kevin played well for the first team in the games I watched him play and when I came back to fitness, if you can call it that, the season had finished. "It was unusual for me to go somewhere, to go to a team and not be a good player for them. I blame whoever was in charge of the training situation at Liverpool for causing me to have a pulled muscle within 10 days. I'd never in my life, ever, pulled a muscle in training or in football in my career of 13 years, but I did within 10 days at Liverpool, so there was something wrong there." The leaving of Liverpool... "I lasted until the end of the season and I was still a Liverpool player all through the close season. When I came back for training before the start of the next season there was word of a move to Falkirk. I had to consider it and eventually it came to pass that I went to Falkirk. "I got a lot of money to go to Liverpool, but I got double the amount of money to go back to Falkirk. When Shankly approached me about the move he gave me the impression that he didn't want me to go but there was no guarantee of me being in the first team, which was fair enough because nobody gets a guaranteed place in the first team. "There was a lot of money in it for me if I moved but that was not my sole motivation because the contract I signed with Liverpool guaranteed me first team wages whatever my situation was. The digs in Liverpool were horrendous though and I wasn't prepared to gut it out in Liverpool as a reserve team player so I decided to call it quits." Shanks, King Billy and The Saint... "The first time that Bill Shankly showed an interest in me was when he was the manager of Huddersfield Town. He'd signed a player called Alec Bain, who my brother knew, and through him I found out that Shanks really fancied me as a player. "The first time that I met him was on the Saturday before I signed. I was watching the Liverpool game and I met him then. I wouldn't say he was quite eccentric, I'd say that he was very, very eccentric, that's what I thought of him. "When I stopped playing football, I think I was about 38 at the time, I went on holiday to Blackpool with my two boys. There was lad from where I lived staying in the same hotel and he was Liverpool mad, even as a Scotsman. I suggested that we drive to Liverpool and I said, 'I'll take you to Melwood and maybe we'll see the players training.' I went there and we asked if it would be possible to take this lad - Peter Ritchie his name was - to the ground and see the trophy room and we did that. After we'd been to the ground I said to Peter, 'Do you want to go and see Everton's ground?' and he said, 'Aye I wouldn't mind that.' So we went through Stanley Park and I couldn't believe it. Coming out of Everton's ground was Bill Shankly! It really was a miracle that. "I shouted to him as he was getting into the car and he looked. We were speaking Scottish and obviously he realised we were Scottish people. I said to him, 'Do you know who I am?' And he said, 'No I don't.' I said 'I'm Sammy Reid, your first signing, obviously I'm your first flop as well!' He started to laugh and he gave me a cuddle and said, 'Oh I should never have let you go, I know you didn't have a good time.' I said, 'Well you did magnificently, you didn't need me anyway.' It was a really nice experience. "Bill Shankly was always a great name up here in Scotland, but one of the great players I always admired was Billy Liddell. I thought he was a marvellous player. "I didn't see much of him, but I saw him in a few internationals up here and no wonder they called Liverpool 'Liddellpool.' When I came back in the close season after having a bad time at Liverpool word had got around the club that I was maybe leaving and I always appreciated this from Billy Liddell, he said to me, 'Sammy I hear you might be going back to Scotland,' and I said, 'It looks that way Billy.' I was in awe of him. "I was only 20 years of age and he was about 38. He said to me, 'Listen, I think you're a really good player. I know you're just a wee guy, but you've got the guts and if I was you I'd stay here.' I thought it was very nice of him to say that to me. "Then there was Ian St John, I'd left Liverpool by the time he was signed but I played a big part in him making that move. Like me, Ian was a former Motherwell player. He'd asked for a transfer and there were various other clubs interested in him but as soon as he heard of Liverpool's interest, he asked me and I strongly advised him to make the move because I reckoned Shankly would like his style of play. He wasn't the best player in the world, but he was a terrific goalscorer. He played 150 games for Motherwell and scored about 100 goals. He was the type of player that I thought Shankly would love and I was right because he did love him." Life before Liverpool... "I'm only five foot four but what everybody used to say to me was that 'you're no bigger than a shirt button and you're two pound heavier than a meringue!' But I wasn't a wee Scottish lad who arrived at Liverpool with no experience. I was known as a smashing player for Motherwell Football Club, had played about 80 games and scored 30 goals." Life after Liverpool... "Over a period of about 13 years playing Scottish football I played over 300 games and I would have played a lot more, but I broke my kneecap, which was a horrendous injury. In over 300 games, I scored about 100 goals and even in six games for the reserve team at Liverpool, I scored a couple of goals." "I achieved fame at Berwick Rangers. The only reason I went to Berwick was because I broke my kneecap playing against Hibs at Easter Road, with Clyde. That was a horrendous injury and they told me I'd never play football again and maybe I'd be walking with a limp. So consequently, I didn't play for about a year and a half. I got back to fitness but I was never the same and I had to move to a lower division so I joined Berwick Rangers. "It was a bit of luck or a bit of hard luck, depending on which way you look at it that we drew against Rangers in the Scottish Cup and I scored the goal for Berwick to win the game. Then it was the biggest upset in Scottish football and it still the biggest upset in Scottish football and I think it will be that way for all time." Any regrets? "Not really because at the end of the day, you're a professional footballer and when your football career is finished you can't live on the glory of the medals. I know Liverpool went on to become one of the greatest English clubs ever, but there was no guarantee I'd have been playing in that team so I don't regret that at all. I remembered the players that they had at Liverpool. Peter Thompson on the left wing and Ian Callaghan was coming through as a young boy at the time on the right wing, so I might have just been a Liverpool reserve and I wasn't prepared to do that." Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:59:15 GMT http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/_Why-Shanklys-first-signing-was-a-flop/blog/3341732/173471.html Markp 2011-02-24T11:17:26Z The Kop The name Sammy Reid will mean little to the vast majority of Liverpudlians. Take a quick glance through most history books and you'll find no mention of his name in connection with Liverpool Football Club. He never made a single first team appearance for the Reds and was registered as a Liverpool player for less than a year. So just why, is his place in Liverpool folklore forever assured? In February 1960 Bill Shankly was just two months into his managerial reign at Anfield. New blood was needed and a big name purchase was expected. But rather than a Dave Mackay, Denis Law, Brian Clough or Jack Charlton it was the diminutive Motherwell winger Reid who was unveiled to the small gathering of local press-men. [image] Liverpool were languishing in the old Division Two at the time and it's fair to say Reid's #8,000 arrival did not register on the richter scale outside of Merseyside. But for the success-starved Liverpudlians, accustomed to the doom and gloom of living in the shadow of near neighbours Everton, his signing represented hope for a brighter future. That brighter future was not long in coming but sadly Reid was not around to be part of it and whenever supporters discuss the greatest Shankly signings you'll never hear the name of Sammy Reid spoken in the same breath as Yeats, St John, Thompson, Hughes, Clemence, Toshack and Keegan, to name just a few. So what went wrong? Why did Sammy, who went onto achieve fame and fortune in Scotland, fail to make the grade at Anfield and does he regret on missing out on the Liverpool success story of the sixties? In his own words, this is his story... "Most people think I was a complete failure at Liverpool and if you look at the records that's absolutely true but I wasn't as big a failure as everybody tries to make out. "What happened with me was that when I arrived at Liverpool I wasn't really fit enough to play. I was only a part-time player up in Scotland and had hurt my back at work. This prevented me from playing for three weeks and I'd hardly trained either. "But I got to Liverpool on a Tuesday night and twenty-four hours later I was making my debut for the reserves in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie against Blackburn "Shanks wanted to fast track me into the first team and was keen that I played so that I could get acclimatised to English football. I didn't agree with his decision but it wasn't my place to argue with the boss so I went along with it. "On the morning of the match I trained with the first team, while all the other players who were playing that night had the morning off. In Scotland it was unheard of to train on the morning of a night match but this is what happened to me. "I then played in the game and to be honest played pretty well, but the park was a quagmire that night. It was a relief to get the game over with and I could really feel my legs afterwards. "At the end of the game Shankly came up to me and confirmed that I had played well but that I need to work on my fitness. That was fair enough but he had me in for training again early the next morning, which I don't think helped "I was selected for another reserve game on the Saturday and then trained morning and afternoon every day the following week. By this time my legs were feeling so tight it wasn't real. It was that bad I was struggling to walk. I felt terrible and halfway through the next game I pulled a muscle. "I didn't play again for another three to four weeks. By that time there was only about four games left in the season. Shankly had bought me to take over from the great Billy Liddell - one of my great heroes in football - but because I wasn't able to play he went out and bought another guy, Kevin Lewis from Sheffield United. "Kevin played well for the first team in the games I watched him play and when I came back to fitness, if you can call it that, the season had finished. "It was unusual for me to go somewhere, to go to a team and not be a good player for them. I blame whoever was in charge of the training situation at Liverpool for causing me to have a pulled muscle within 10 days. I'd never in my life, ever, pulled a muscle in training or in football in my career of 13 years, but I did within 10 days at Liverpool, so there was something wrong there." The leaving of Liverpool... "I lasted until the end of the season and I was still a Liverpool player all through the close season. When I came back for training before the start of the next season there was word of a move to Falkirk. I had to consider it and eventually it came to pass that I went to Falkirk. "I got a lot of money to go to Liverpool, but I got double the amount of money to go back to Falkirk. When Shankly approached me about the move he gave me the impression that he didn't want me to go but there was no guarantee of me being in the first team, which was fair enough because nobody gets a guaranteed place in the first team. "There was a lot of money in it for me if I moved but that was not my sole motivation because the contract I signed with Liverpool guaranteed me first team wages whatever my situation was. The digs in Liverpool were horrendous though and I wasn't prepared to gut it out in Liverpool as a reserve team player so I decided to call it quits." Shanks, King Billy and The Saint... "The first time that Bill Shankly showed an interest in me was when he was the manager of Huddersfield Town. He'd signed a player called Alec Bain, who my brother knew, and through him I found out that Shanks really fancied me as a player. "The first time that I met him was on the Saturday before I signed. I was watching the Liverpool game and I met him then. I wouldn't say he was quite eccentric, I'd say that he was very, very eccentric, that's what I thought of him. "When I stopped playing football, I think I was about 38 at the time, I went on holiday to Blackpool with my two boys. There was lad from where I lived staying in the same hotel and he was Liverpool mad, even as a Scotsman. I suggested that we drive to Liverpool and I said, 'I'll take you to Melwood and maybe we'll see the players training.' I went there and we asked if it would be possible to take this lad - Peter Ritchie his name was - to the ground and see the trophy room and we did that. After we'd been to the ground I said to Peter, 'Do you want to go and see Everton's ground?' and he said, 'Aye I wouldn't mind that.' So we went through Stanley Park and I couldn't believe it. Coming out of Everton's ground was Bill Shankly! It really was a miracle that. "I shouted to him as he was getting into the car and he looked. We were speaking Scottish and obviously he realised we were Scottish people. I said to him, 'Do you know who I am?' And he said, 'No I don't.' I said 'I'm Sammy Reid, your first signing, obviously I'm your first flop as well!' He started to laugh and he gave me a cuddle and said, 'Oh I should never have let you go, I know you didn't have a good time.' I said, 'Well you did magnificently, you didn't need me anyway.' It was a really nice experience. "Bill Shankly was always a great name up here in Scotland, but one of the great players I always admired was Billy Liddell. I thought he was a marvellous player. "I didn't see much of him, but I saw him in a few internationals up here and no wonder they called Liverpool 'Liddellpool.' When I came back in the close season after having a bad time at Liverpool word had got around the club that I was maybe leaving and I always appreciated this from Billy Liddell, he said to me, 'Sammy I hear you might be going back to Scotland,' and I said, 'It looks that way Billy.' I was in awe of him. "I was only 20 years of age and he was about 38. He said to me, 'Listen, I think you're a really good player. I know you're just a wee guy, but you've got the guts and if I was you I'd stay here.' I thought it was very nice of him to say that to me. "Then there was Ian St John, I'd left Liverpool by the time he was signed but I played a big part in him making that move. Like me, Ian was a former Motherwell player. He'd asked for a transfer and there were various other clubs interested in him but as soon as he heard of Liverpool's interest, he asked me and I strongly advised him to make the move because I reckoned Shankly would like his style of play. He wasn't the best player in the world, but he was a terrific goalscorer. He played 150 games for Motherwell and scored about 100 goals. He was the type of player that I thought Shankly would love and I was right because he did love him." Life before Liverpool... "I'm only five foot four but what everybody used to say to me was that 'you're no bigger than a shirt button and you're two pound heavier than a meringue!' But I wasn't a wee Scottish lad who arrived at Liverpool with no experience. I was known as a smashing player for Motherwell Football Club, had played about 80 games and scored 30 goals." Life after Liverpool... "Over a period of about 13 years playing Scottish football I played over 300 games and I would have played a lot more, but I broke my kneecap, which was a horrendous injury. In over 300 games, I scored about 100 goals and even in six games for the reserve team at Liverpool, I scored a couple of goals." "I achieved fame at Berwick Rangers. The only reason I went to Berwick was because I broke my kneecap playing against Hibs at Easter Road, with Clyde. That was a horrendous injury and they told me I'd never play football again and maybe I'd be walking with a limp. So consequently, I didn't play for about a year and a half. I got back to fitness but I was never the same and I had to move to a lower division so I joined Berwick Rangers. "It was a bit of luck or a bit of hard luck, depending on which way you look at it that we drew against Rangers in the Scottish Cup and I scored the goal for Berwick to win the game. Then it was the biggest upset in Scottish football and it still the biggest upset in Scottish football and I think it will be that way for all time." Any regrets? "Not really because at the end of the day, you're a professional footballer and when your football career is finished you can't live on the glory of the medals. I know Liverpool went on to become one of the greatest English clubs ever, but there was no guarantee I'd have been playing in that team so I don't regret that at all. I remembered the players that they had at Liverpool. Peter Thompson on the left wing and Ian Callaghan was coming through as a young boy at the time on the right wing, so I might have just been a Liverpool reserve and I wasn't prepared to do that." nonadult false Why Shankly's first signing was a flop text blog 2931 5 5.0 http://thekop.liverpoolfc.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29859341&as=173471 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/173471/photos/PHOTO_13265832_173471_29859341_ap_160X120.jpg false 5 0 3341732 29859341 Silver 28130