100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #2

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#2 - Kenny Dalglish

There can only ever be one King and the man who's earned the right to sit on Anfield's throne is Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish.

With a delicate touch and the ultimate football brain, King Kenny is regarded by the majority of Liverpudlians as the club's greatest ever player.

When he joined in August 1977, it was hard to see how Bob Paisley's side could top their first European Cup triumph of the previous season. But, with the highly influential Dalglish in the team, the next 13 years brought untold riches.

Unlike many Liverpool signings of the era, the Scotland international was already a household name when he made the switch from Parkhead to Anfield. His deeds in the green and white hoops of Celtic had made him one of the most sought-after figures in British football and it required a record £440,000 fee to secure his services.

Dalglish was brought in to replace Kop idol Kevin Keegan, who'd moved to Hamburg earlier that summer, though any fears he couldn't fill those illustrious boots were quickly laid to rest.

The Glasgow-born forward found the net seven minutes into his league debut against Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park, and followed that with a goal on his first appearance in front of the Kop as Newcastle were beaten 2-0.

Dalglish slipped seamlessly into Paisley's all-conquering red machine and the new King of the Kop crowned his first season by topping the club's goalscoring charts. The most memorable of his 31 strikes came in the 1978 European Cup final against FC Bruges at Wembley, a delicate dink over the keeper that clinched a 1-0 victory.

The move south increased his profile dramatically, though Dalglish was never one to seek the limelight and remained typically modest despite his new found superstar status.

In 1979, his talent was recognised by the football writers of England, who voted the canny Scotsman their Footballer of the Year. The award was just desserts for a player whose every touch made Kopites purr with delight.

A selfless team player who brought others into play, Dalglish was an on-the-field visionary who could spot openings that few, if any, of his contemporaries could see.

David Johnson was the first grateful recipient of this in the late Seventies but it was the King's strike partnership with Ian Rush that was to fire the Reds to greater glory during the Eighties.

The club may have had a new chief goalscorer, but Dalglish remained the man pulling all the strings. If assists were recorded back then, he'd have been the first name on everyone's Fantasy Football teamsheet.

A double Footballer of the Year in 1983, he was without doubt the finest British-born player of his generation and was rightly spoken about in the same breath as Maradona, Zico, Platini and Rummenigge.

With the ball at his feet, he was a pure genius - a contention backed up by footage of just about every one of his 172 Liverpool goals. There's the aforementioned European Cup winner, his sublime curlers at Highbury, Portman Road and Goodison, a mazy dribble through the Man United defence at Maine Road, his stretching volley in the League Cup final versus West Ham and title clinchers against Tottenham and Chelsea.

Everyone has their own particular favourite but the one common denominator in all the above was the famous Kenny celebration: a quick turn with arms aloft and a beaming smile that would have lit up even the murkiest Mersey sky.

The Kop hero-worshipped him like no other. Dalglish was the first name they sang and many a bed sheet was converted into a homemade banner paying homage.

In the aftermath of the Heysel Stadium disaster, the playmaker was a surprising but popular appointment as player/manager.

Fears his new role would result in more time on the touchline and less on the pitch were initially unfounded. It was on his return to the side during the 1985-86 run-in that Liverpool embarked on a winning streak that would see them clinch a coveted league and FA Cup double. How fitting it was at Stamford Bridge when Dalglish 'the player' scored the goal that secured the title.

Inevitably, his appearances became fewer and fewer over the next few years but there was still the odd flash of brilliance as the master sought to teach his apprentices.

What Dalglish went on to achieve as Liverpool manager cemented his legendary status.

His double in 1986 was followed by league titles in 1988 and 1990, with another all-Merseyside Cup triumph in 1989.

Who knows how many European trophies would have found their way back to Anfield during this period had English clubs not been barred from continental competition?

It could be argued that it took a decade for the club to recover from his shock resignation in February 1991, but more than 18 years later, The King was emotionally reunited with the Reds when he accepted a role at the Academy in 2009.

As well as aiding the development of Liverpool's stars of the future, Dalglish also worked in an ambassadorial role helping develop the commercial side of the business around the globe.

But in January 2011, at the age of 59, he was positioned back at the Anfield helm by new owners Fenway Sports Group almost two decades after his resignation, assuming an interim position as Reds boss following the departure of Roy Hodgson by mutual consent.

Liverpool had endured a difficult campaign until that point, but Dalglish's impact was an instant one as the team quickly ascended from the lower reaches of the table in to the top half.

Even the deadline-day departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea could not dampen the optimism reverberating around Anfield as Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll arrived to replace the out-going Spaniard.

The Reds were once again playing with a confidence and belief - as demonstrated by their outstanding showing in a 3-1 Anfield victory over Manchester United in March - and just under four months after being appointed until the end of the season, Dalglish and his assistant Steve Clarke were handed permanent three-year deals.

Ultimately, Liverpool would narrowly miss out on Europa League qualification on the final day of the campaign as they finished in sixth place, but the progress made both on and off the pitch since the turn of the year was clear for all to see.

That summer, Dalglish brought in seven players as he attempted to restore the Reds back into contention for Champions League qualification.

However, despite a series of impressive displays in the league, Liverpool were unable to turn performances into results and finished the campaign in eighth position.

The team had no such problems in the cup competitions, though, as Dalglish steered his side to a Carling Cup success over Cardiff City at Wembley, ending the club's six-year wait for silverware and securing a return to European football for 2012-13.

Liverpool also reached the FA Cup final, where they narrowly lost out to Chelsea, however it was the league form which ultimately led to the announcement he would part company with LFC.

Dalglish departed Anfield on May 16, 2012 - just under 46 years since he first pitched up at Anfield for his trial.

He may not have decided to sign on that August afternoon in 1966, but what the King would go on to accomplish as both a player and manager for Liverpool Football Club may never be matched again.

However, time may prove that unifying the club and providing the Reds with a solid footing to move forward into a new chapter with owners Fenway Sports Group could turn out to be his greatest achievement of all.

Previous Clubs:

Glasgow Celtic. 

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #3

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#3 - Ian Rush

Just one word is needed to describe Ian Rush's Liverpool career: goals.

The Welshman scored 346 of them in 660 appearances, a club record which will take some beating.

Nothing shakes the Kop more than a goal, and no one has caused quite so much structural damage to the famous stand as Rush.

More importantly, his predatory instincts were instrumental in the Reds dominating the game for most of the 1980s. He was loved at Anfield, feared at every opposition ground and renowned throughout Europe.

It's hard to believe that such a glittering Liverpool career had such an inauspicious start.

Signed from Chester in 1980 for £300,000 (then a British transfer record for a teenager), Rush initially felt he wasn't getting a fair crack under Bob Paisley. He even asked for a transfer.

A possible move to Crystal Palace was discussed, though Paisley had no intention of sanctioning the deal. He knew that Rush's time would come.

Tall, thin and ungainly, the young striker looked anything but a future striking hero when he broke into the team, but looks can be deceptive.

It actually took nine games for him to register a first senior goal, but the floodgates opened from there.

It was in 1981-82 that Rushie fully established himself as a Reds regular. Paisley was in the process of rebuilding his team and the new boy's tally of 30 goals in 49 appearances helped deliver an ominous message to Liverpool's rivals. Oh, and there were two new additions to the Anfield trophy room to boot.

In November 1982, an awesome display of finishing by the boyhood Evertonian sunk the shell-shocked Toffees during an unforgettable afternoon at Goodison. The name Ian Rush was now etched indelibly into Merseyside folklore. No wonder Europe's big fish were starting to circle.

Often described by his teammates as Liverpool's first line of defence, the Wales international was not just a goalscorer but a hard-working, selfless runner who never gave up the chase.

 

Electric pace and eagle-eyed anticipation meant he was also a nightmare to mark and his attacking partnership with Kenny Dalglish is regarded as one of the best ever.

The 1983-84 season was perhaps Rush's finest. A remarkable 47-goal haul (50 if you count his spot kick conversion in Rome and two goals for Wales) was enough to see him become the first British player to win Europe's Golden Boot. This was a perfect accompaniment to an unprecedented treble of league title, European Cup and Milk Cup, not to mention double player of the year recognition.

 

Running on to perfectly threaded throughballs was Rush's forte and when one-on-one with a keeper you'd bet your mortgage on him netting. But what made him stand out from the rest was the variation in his goals. Of course there were countless close-range tap-ins, but also in his locker were many well-timed volleys, the odd 25-yard pile-driver and occasional header.

 

One of his finest displays of finishing came on an icy night at Villa Park in January 1984 when he bagged a memorable hat-trick.

Liverpool's master marksman netted against almost every team he faced but it was neighbours Everton on whom he inflicted most damage.

His memorable double against our Mersey rivals in the 1986 Cup final secured the club's first domestic double but, as the dust settled on that triumph, the blue half of the city was given reason to dance with joy when it was announced that Liverpool's lean, mean, goalscoring machine had agreed to join Juventus.

Unsurprisingly, news of his move, which was to go through the following summer, shook the Kop to its core and a 'Rushie Must Stay' campaign was launched in a futile bid to keep their hero at Anfield.

Determined to bow out on a high, Rush signed off by breaching the 40-goal barrier for only the second time in his career and left for the land of the lira with everyone's best wishes.

 

After just one season in Italy, however, he was to make a sensational return. Having been made aware that their former star had failed to fully settle in Turin (it was like living in a foreign country, said Rush at the time), Liverpool jumped at the chance to sign him once more.

The predator responded by picking up where he left off, scoring goals for fun and proceeding to smash any goalscoring record he hadn't yet broken.

Everton remained high on his hit-list and another brace in the 1989 FA Cup final saw him finally overtake the legendary Dixie Dean as the most prolific derby goalscorer.

Three years later he became the most fruitful forward in Cup final history after netting his fifth during the 2-0 victory over Sunderland.

All this was small fry compared to what Rush was to achieve in October 1992, however, when he netted for a 287th time in a Liverpool jersey and in doing so surpassed Roger Hunt as the leading scorer in Anfield history.

The same year saw him handed the captaincy by manager Graeme Souness and in 1995 he fulfilled a personal dream by lifting the Coca Cola Cup.

Rush's work on Merseyside was still not done, though, and his last act before leaving for Leeds on a free in the summer of 1996 was to pass on his goalscoring wisdom to striking prodigy Robbie Fowler.

 

While records are there to be broken, it's likely that the number nine's phenomenal tally of Liverpool goals will go unsurpassed well into the new millennium.

 

Even if it is eventually beaten, the fact Rush left the Kop with 346 heart-thumping memories means he'll forever be renowned as one of the all-time Anfield greats.

Other Clubs:

Chester, Juventus, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield United (loan), Wrexham, Sydney Olympic

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #4

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#4 - Billy Liddell

 For Liverpudlians of a certain generation, Billy Liddell remains the greatest player ever to pull on a red jersey.

Such was his impact, supporters even renamed the club in his honour by coining the nickname Liddellpool.

The winger came to prominence amid the gloom of the 1950s when relegation from the top flight and humiliating cup exits meant the Kop had little to smile about.

The one shining light was William Beveridge Liddell, a player whose name to this day evokes dewy-eyed reminisces of a bygone football age.

During a barren era which commands little coverage in Liverpool history books, the Scot ensured crowds continued to flock to Anfield in their thousands and was largely responsible for keeping the club's head above the abyss of Football League oblivion.

 

Although his modesty would never have allowed him to admit it, without Liddell the Reds could well have sunk into the murky depths of the old Third Division. And if they had, who's to say they'd ever have escaped?

 

Who, when the 17-year-old arrived on Merseyside back in 1938, imagined the club would one day owe him such a debt?

It is Manchester United legend Matt Busby, at the time Liverpool captain, who the Reds have to thank for tipping off scout Johnny Dougary about a precocious youngster plying his trade for Lochgelly Violet.

Here was a thrilling, skilful, two-footed winger - fast, direct and capable of bursting the back of any opposition net with one of his trademark thunderbolts.

 

Liddell's fame soon spread far beyond the boundaries of Merseyside, even if a quick glance at his medal collection does not make for impressive reading. A solitary League Championship, won in 1946-47, was scant reward to the talent he possessed.

But the fact he was twice selected to represent Great Britain during the course of his career – a feat matched only by the legendary Stanley Mathews – is ample proof, if needed, of his immense stature in the game.

Like all players of his generation, the outbreak of war proved restrictive but, having scored on his Liverpool debut in a wartime fixture, he was ready to take a place in the first team when league football resumed.

 

The flying Scotsman's league debut was a memorable affair, a 7-4 thriller at home to Chelsea in which he scored two, one direct from a corner. It was the start of a campaign that was to see Liverpool crowned the first post-war champions.

Unfortunately, George Kay's team failed to build on that success but Liddell's performances continued to be of the highest standard. In 1950 he inspired the Reds to their first Wembley FA Cup final, but on a grey day in the capital the Kop's star man was infamously kicked off the park as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners.

 

The following year, King Billy of Anfield almost became one of the British game's first exports when he was offered £2,000 to go and ply his trade in Colombia. It was a tempting proposition and one he seriously considered but, given the tender age of his twin sons, the Scottish international politely declined, much to the relief of his adoring fans around Stanley Park.

 

On the pitch, Liverpool was a club in decline, and in 1954 the unthinkable occurred when the Reds suffered the indignity of relegation to the Second Division. Many players of his ability would have jumped ship but Liddell's unswerving loyalty ensured he stayed to help rebuild.

A player of great versatility, Liddell filled every outfield position at one time or another but excelled most in an attacking role. 

A move from inside to centre forward resulted in him notching a career best 33 goals in 1955-56 – a tally which would have been 34 had referee Mervyn Jones not controversially disallowed his late, late equaliser in an infamous FA Cup replay defeat against Manchester City.

 

Ever the gentleman, Liddell – an accountant by trade - didn't complain. During the course of his illustrious career he was never booked and captained the club with distinction. One of the finest role models ever to play the game, he was the perfect club ambassador: a devout Christian who never drank, smoked or swore, he did a lot of work for charity, helped out at local boys' clubs and was a qualified Justice of the Peace.

 

But while he kept on banging in goals, promotion continued to agonisingly elude Liverpool. In November 1957 Liddell achieved a major milestone when he surpassed Elisha Scott's all-time appearance record for the Reds. However, the following season he missed his first FA Cup tie for the club when he was dropped for the humiliating third round defeat at non-league Worcester City - and it signalled the beginning of the end for the ageing Liddell.

 

His popularity remained as strong as ever with the fans, who campaigned for his recall, but on August 31, 1960, Billy Liddell represented the Reds' first team for the final time. It was his 537th appearance for the club – a record that remained until Ian Callaghan's 18-year stint in the 1960s and 70s.

 

When the forward's loyalty to the club was rewarded with a well-deserved testimonial, a crowd of almost 40,000 turned up to pay homage to a player who is still held in the highest regard over half a century since his heyday.

 

It was an unfortunate fact of life that Liddell's prime did not coincide with the Shankly revolution that followed. Had it done, who knows what he'd have gone on to achieve?

 

The great man is sadly no longer with us having passed away with Alzheimer's, but visit Anfield on a quiet day and old-timers will swear they can still hear the once famous roar of 'give it to Billy' ringing around the Kop. Gone but never forgotten.

Other clubs:

Kingseat Juvenlies, Lochgelly Violet; Chelsea, Linfield, Cambridge Town, Toronto Scottish and Dunfermline (wartime guest)

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #5

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#5 - Robbie Fowler

Christened 'God' by the Kop, Robbie Fowler is one of the most revered players in Anfield history.

The Toxteth Terror is also one of the most natural goalscorers ever to wear the famous red shirt.

 

A boyhood Evertonian, he switched allegiances aged 11 after being persuaded by scout Jim Aspinall to join Liverpool's Centre of Excellence. Even then, his vast potential was there for all to see as he tore apart just about every junior scoring record.

Fowler progressed through the ranks as expected and in April 1992 was rewarded with a professional contract.

Within nine months he appeared on a senior teamsheet for the first time when named as a sub in a third round FA Cup replay at home to Bolton. The lower league Trotters prevailed 2-0 on the night, proof if it was needed that Liverpool were crying out for a player like Fowler.

Somehow boss Graeme Souness resisted the temptation to blood him until two months into the following season – but it was worth the wait.

The starlet netted on his debut in a League Cup match against Fulham before amazing spectators and pundits alike by scoring all five in the return leg at Anfield.

An instinctive goal-poacher, Fowler ended the campaign as Liverpool's top scorer with 18.

Aided by a fastest-ever Premiership hat-trick against Arsenal, his first full season transformed him from promising youngster to fully-fledged superstar.

Breaching the 30-goal mark for the first time, the 1994-95 campaign ended with the Scouser clutching a Coca-Cola Cup winner's medal and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

What Fowler lacked in pace and height, he made up for with an uncanny ability to sniff out goals. Close-range tap-ins or 25-yard super strikes, the 'Growler' was wonderfully adept at both.

The 1995-96 season saw him plunder 30-plus goals once more and retain his Young Player of the Year award. He outshone Eric Cantona on his over-hyped 'return', much to the chagrin of Sky TV no doubt, and fired the Reds to an FA Cup final appearance at Wembley.

Four goals at home to Middlesbrough in December 1996 brought his tally to 100 in less time than striking mentor Ian Rush, while another 30-goal haul the following season took Liverpool the closest they came to a 19th League Championship during this era.

The classic 'local boy made good', Fowler's popularity among the fans was at a scale not seen since Kenny Dalglish in his pomp. To them, he could do wrong, even if his infamous Spice Boy image brought unwanted off-field attention.

A lovable rogue, Fowler never forgot where he came from and in 1997 famously went public with his support for the sacked Merseyside dockers during a UEFA Cup tie against Brann Bergen.

The year also brought a UEFA Fair Play Award for admitting he had not been fouled by Arsenal keeper David Seaman after a penalty had been awarded during a league match at Highbury.

 

Two serious injuries then forced him to endure a lengthy and frustrating spell on the sidelines, which coincided with the emergence of Michael Owen. But, although Fowler temporarily lost his 'golden boy' status, Owen could never boast the same kind of rapport with the Liverpool crowd.

 

With Gerard Houllier in sole charge, the marksman found himself a victim of a controversial rotation policy, though his popularity in the squad at least prompted the gaffer to hand him the captain's armband.

 

In February 2001, Fowler scored a spectacular goal during Liverpool's Millennium Stadium debut before holding aloft his first trophy as skipper - the Worthington Cup.

 

It proved to be the first leg of an unprecedented treble, with the number nine also featuring in the FA and UEFA Cup finals (and netting in the latter).

Despite these goalscoring heroics, speculation that Houllier wanted rid refused to disappear and in November 2001 the unthinkable happened: Fowler was offloaded to Leeds, against his will, for a record-busting £11million.

 

To say the Kop was shaken would be a gross understatement, with letters of protest flooding the local press.

 

The anger subsided slightly when Fowler failed to set the world alight at Elland Road and later Manchester City - but the general consensus remained that he was suffering from a broken heart at being forced out of his beloved club. He remained a big Reds fan and even travelled to Istanbul to watch the 2005 Champions League final.

 

Talk of a return occasionally popped up in the sports pages but was always shrugged off as pure fabrication. Until January 2006, that is, when Liverpool's prodigal son made a second coming.

Rafa Benitez did his own stock no harm at all by securing the striker on a free transfer, and though Fowler was not the player he once was, the Kop still purred at occasional glimpses of his old magic.

A year and a half later, after an up and down second spell, he bowed out when Charlton came to Anfield in the final league match of 2006-07.

Now a free agent, the veteran frontman signed for Cardiff City, for whom he'd feature at Anfield in the following season's League Cup.

The reception afforded by the Kop on this emotional return is testament to the high regard he'll always be held in these parts. God, but never forgotten.

Other Clubs:

Leeds, Manchester City, Cardiff City, Blackburn, North Queensland Fury (AUS)

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

Follow @Glady_Libs_LFC

100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #6

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#6 - Ian Callaghan

No one has played more games for Liverpool than Ian Callaghan. Chances are, no one ever will.

Cally wore a Liver bird on his chest a remarkable 857 times during 18 years at the club.

There can be no better role model for aspiring footballers than a midfielder who represented everything that's good about the game.

A true gentleman in every sense of the word, the Toxteth boy was the only player to survive Liverpool's fairy-tale journey from life as a mediocre Second Division outfit to the lofty summit of European football.

Along the way he won almost every honour possible, including the highest respect from his fellow professionals and the adulation of the fans, and was booked just once.

Cally initially joined the Reds as an apprentice and made his senior debut after just four outings for the reserves. The momentous occasion came in April 1960 at home to Bristol Rovers.

If that wasn't daunting enough, he also faced the added pressure of replacing Liverpool idol Billy Liddell. But while other youngsters may have buckled in such circumstances, the fresh-faced 17-year-old turned in a performance that belied his tender years and was deservedly applauded off at the end by both teams, the crowd and the referee!

It signalled the start of a remarkable career that can be divided into two distinct sections: the first as a winger, the second in the middle of the park.

Fast, direct and possessing incredible stamina, it was during the promotion winning campaign of 1961-62 that he became an established first-team regular and it was his pinpoint crossing that supplied many a goal for the prolific strike partnership of Hunt and St John.

Cally was one of the first names on Bill Shankly's teamsheets as League and FA Cup glory came Liverpool's way during the heady years of the mid to late Sixties.

However, a cartilage operation meant he missed a large chunk of the 1970-71 season and his long-term future at the club was considered to be in jeopardy.

Thankfully he came back fighting fit and the evergreen Callaghan was given a new lease of life in a central midfield role, confounding any doubters by raising his game to an even higher standard.

A tireless worker with bags of energy, he peaked in 1973-74 - a campaign in which he notched his one and only senior hat-trick, overtook Billy Liddell's record of 492 Liverpool appearances, helped the Reds to a second FA Cup success and became the first Anfield player to win the Football Writers' Player of the Year award.

If that was not enough, he was then recognised in the New Year Honours list with an MBE for services to the game.

Cally's remarkable longevity meant he was still an important part of the team when Europe was conquered for the first time in 1977, an emotional occasion for a man who'd played in the club's first game in continental competition 13 years earlier.

At 35, there was still one final chapter to the fairytale: a surprising recall to the England squad 11 years after last featuring during the early stages of the 1966 World Cup.

Despite all his success, the self-effacing Callaghan never changed and walked out of the Anfield dressing room for the final time in 1978 as the same affable individual who had joined the club for a £10 signing-on fee all those years before.

He left with an envious medal collection, a glowing reputation and a total number of appearances that is unlikely to ever be surpassed. Who said nice guys don't win?

Other clubs:

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (USA - on loan) Swansea, Canberra City (on loan), Cork, Crewe

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

Follow @Glady_Libs_LFC

100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #7

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#7 - Ron Yeats

Ron Yeats was the first Liverpool captain to lift the FA Cup – but his place in Anfield history goes way beyond that.

The Scot was the rock around which the legendary Bill Shankly built his first great side.

A colossus – that's how Shanks described his latest signing in the summer of 1961 before inviting journalists to take a walk around him.

Yeats was installed as captain within six months of his arrival from Dundee United, and it proved to be an inspired choice.

His debut season saw Liverpool win the Second Division Championship after eight years in the wilderness and, over the next decade, Yeats would help turn the Reds into one of the most feared sides in Europe.

A rugged and commanding presence, the original Big Ron once prompted Shanks to remark: "With him in defence we could play Arthur Askey in goal!"

Rowdy, as he was known on the Kop, captained Liverpool to their first league title in 17 years in 1963-64 – but that was just a taste of things to come for Yeats and co.

The following season was to prove one of the most momentous in Anfield history, and not just because it brought a first FA Cup.

In August 1964, Yeats – who worked in a slaughter house before turning pro - led his teammates on a journey into the unknown as the club played its first ever European match in Reykjavik.

From there, it was the skipper who famously guessed right as Liverpool eliminated Cologne on the toss of a coin in a replayed quarter-final.

The 1964-65 campaign also saw the club ditch its white shorts, and it was Yeats who Shanks chose to model his new all red kit. It was a move the great man thought would intimidate opponents – and if the sight of his centre-half was anything to go by, he was right.

The season culminated in that never-to-be-forgotten afternoon on 1 May, 1965, when the 6ft 2in defender proudly led his Liverpool teammates up the 39 steps at Wembley to collect the FA Cup.

Another title triumph was celebrated in 1966 but, as the decade drew to a close, the ageing Yeats had to admit his best days were behind him.

He eventually lost his place to Larry Lloyd, though continued to be a positive influence at the club. After a spell as an emergency left-back which took him up to 454 appearances, the now legendary Scotsman accepted an offer to become player/manager of Tranmere Rovers.

It seemed only natural that a living legend like Yeats would one day return to Anfield in some capacity, and he did just that in 1986 when appointed chief scout, a role he fulfilled with great success until well into the new millennium.

A footballing giant in size and stature, Ron Yeats can now enjoy his well deserved retirement and bask in the knowledge that, without him, Liverpool Football Club would not be the club we know today.

Other clubs:

Dundee Utd, Tranmere, Los Angeles Skyhawks, Santa Barbara Condors, Stalybridge Celtic (amateur), Barrow (amateur)

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

Follow @Glady_Libs_LFC

100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #8

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#8 - Alan Hansen

Cool on the ball, calm under pressure and an integral part of the meanest defence in Liverpool history, Alan Hansen in a red shirt was class personified.

Rated by many as the club's finest ever centre-half, the elegant Scot boasts one of the most impressive medal collections in football. 

Hansen helped bring eight league titles and three European Cups to Anfield during his 13 years on Merseyside. Oh, and in 1986 he captained the Reds to their first ever double.

Signed from Partick Thistle for £100,000 on the recommendation of legendary Celtic boss Jock Stein, Hansen arrived on Merseyside as a shy, skinny kid.

He made his debut in a 1-0 home win over Derby County in September 1977 and played in the following year's European Cup final triumph over FC Bruges at Wembley.

It was not until the magnificent 1978-79 season, however, that 'Jocky' finally ousted the legendary Emlyn Hughes from the team and made one of the two centre-half berths his own. This was the campaign in which Liverpool conceded a miserly 16 league goals.

Relying on brain rather than brawn, very few centre-forwards ruffled Hansen. A crisp tackler, his reading of the game was exceptional and he's widely regarded as one of the most skilful centre-halves in British football history.

The number six oozed elegance and his graceful style was tailor-made for Liverpool's penchant for patiently building from the back – a tactic that brought huge success at home and abroad.

Hansen's aptitude was underlined by his multi-sport prowess which also prompted international recognition at basketball, volleyball, squash and golf.

The defender was at his most majestic when striding forward with the ball at his feet, turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye. This skill was never better illustrated than on an unforgettable afternoon at Goodison in November 1982, when he set up Ian Rush for the first of his four goals in a much-celebrated 5-0 romp.

Whoever his defensive partner was, and there were a few during his Anfield career, Hansen never seemed phased. Like a fine wine, he seemed to get better with age and when new player/boss Kenny Dalglish decided to relieve Phil Neal of the captaincy in 1985, the centre-back was a natural successor.

He reveled in his new-found responsibility and led by example as the Reds clinched a coveted league and FA Cup double at the end of his first season in possession of the armband.

Astonishingly, despite winning 26 caps for Scotland, Hansen was snubbed by his country for the 1986 World Cup – a gross error of misjudgment that baffled everyone at Anfield.

But his legendary status increased as he skippered the club to a further two championships before a serious knee injury curtailed his career.

It's often said that you don't know what you've got until it's gone, and it was no coincidence that Liverpool were to endure almost a decade of defensive frailty following his retirement.

Once touted as a future manager, Hansen has since carved out a successful career in the media, notably as a pundit on Match of the Day. He remains a highly respected figure, not just among Liverpudlians but within the game in general.

Other clubs:

Partick Thistle

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #9

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#9 - Roger Hunt

The only player to have an honorary knighthood bestowed upon him by the Anfield faithful, Roger Hunt is one of the most popular figures ever to pull on the red jersey.

Quite why he wasn't made a 'Sir' by the Queen is still hard to fathom, especially as he was the only Red in the starting line-up when England won the World Cup in 1966.

The exploits of hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst mean he's sadly overlooked when a dewy-eyed nation reminisces about '66, and it's easy to forget he was regarded as one of Alf Ramsey's key men going into the tournament.

It was for his achievements at club level, however, for which Hunt will always be remembered on Merseyside.

Until Ian Rush came along he was the club's all-time record goalscorer, and to this day no-one has scored more for the Reds in the league. 

Without his many net-busters, Liverpool may never have escaped the depression of life in Division Two and regained their mantle as the country's top team.

Spotted by ex-Red Bill Jones as a 21-year-old plying his trade for a local amateur team, Hunt was signed by Phil Taylor and scored on his debut at home to Scunthorpe. Who was to know the strike would open the floodgates – and that they'd remain ajar throughout the entire Swinging Sixties?

Although new boss Bill Shankly embarked on a mass clear-out of playing personnel upon succeeding Taylor in the Anfield hot-seat, young Hunt's position was never in jeopardy. 

Shanks was a big admirer and immediately entrusted the 'Blonde Bomber' with the responsibility of spearheading Liverpool's charge back to the top-flight.

In 1961-62 he did just that, plundering a remarkable 41 goals from 41 games as the Reds went up as runaway champions. His partnership with Ian St John has since passed into football folklore and together they went on to terrorise First Division defences. 

Hunt top-scored when the title came Liverpool's way in 1963-64 and again two seasons later. And it was he who opened the scoring when the Reds finally ended their extensive wait for an FA Cup in 1965.

Despite his deadly finishing instincts, the Cheshire-born forward was also known for his workrate. Fast and strong, he would run himself into the ground for the Liverpool cause and was a handful for even the most accomplished of defenders. 

In January 1968 he overtook the great Gordon Hodgson as the club's all-time leading goalscorer with a typical poacher's strike at Stamford Bridge but the end was nigh for the Kop favourite.

As Shanks started the construction of his second great side, an ageing Hunt was one of the first casualties and he bade the Reds a fond farewell the following season.

Three years later, the 5ft 9in striker stepped onto the Anfield turf for one final time for a well-deserved testimonial. The gates were locked hours before kick-off as fans clamoured to pay their respects. An astonishing gate of 56,000 was recorded, with many thousands more reported to be locked outside.

If anyone had ever doubted his popularity among Liverpudlians, they had no ground for argument after this amazing show of support.

Belated recognition of the vital role he played in England's finest hour finally arrived at the turn of the century when he received an MBE but it went almost unnoticed by Kopites - because they had honoured him when it mattered.

Despite what biased members of the southern-based media may have thought, to quote a line from the famous Kop chant of his time - 'Sir Roger Hunt - was wonderful!'

Other clubs:

Stockton Heath, Bury, Stockton Heath (2), Devizes Town, Stockton Heath (3), Bolton, Hellenic FC

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

Follow @Glady_Libs_LFC

100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #10

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#10 - Elisha Scott

The legend of Elisha Scott will live forever in Liverpool folklore.

The Northern Ireland international is regarded by some as the greatest goalkeeper ever to guard the Anfield net after 21 years on Merseyside which saw him tot up nearly 500 appearances.

Born in Belfast, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Billy, who was a stopper for Everton and Ireland.

Scott Jr signed for Linfield aged just 14 but was soon moved on to Broadway United where he learnt his trade until Billy recommended him to his peers at Goodison.

Fortunately for Liverpool, Everton deemed him too young, and when Billy then tipped off Anfield chairman John McKenna, the Reds did not hesitate in swooping for the 17-year old.

With the experienced Kenny Campbell still keeping goal, young Scott was considered one for the future. But it was not long before he made an impression.

The rookie got his debut against Newcastle United on the first day of 1913, keeping a clean sheet in the process.

In fact, so accomplished was his performance at St James' Park, it prompted the Magpies to offer £1,000 for the teenager there and then.

Scott was informed of the bid on the way back to Liverpool and, believing that Campbell would be difficult to dislodge, he thought it might be in his best interests to leave. Liverpool's secretary/manager Tom Watson, though, wisely refused and reassured the youngster that his future was at Anfield.

He was right. Towards the end of the 1914-15 season Scott enjoyed an extended run as Liverpool's first-choice keeper.

The advent of World War One interrupted his progress but as the 1920s dawned he quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest custodians around. One reporter wrote: "He has the eye of an eagle, the swift movement of a panther when flinging himself at a shot and the clutch of a vice when gripping the ball."

Scott won the first of his 27 international caps in 1920 and in 1921-22 missed just three games as the Reds won their first league title for 16 years. The following season he was an ever-present between the sticks as the Championship was retained.

The shot-stopper was by now a firm favourite of the Anfield crowd and the adulation he received was unprecedented. In 1924, after pulling off a stunning save at home to Blackburn Rovers, one fan even ran onto the pitch and kissed him.

Unfortunately, Liverpool failed to capitalise on their back-to-back title triumphs but Scott's popularity never once waned.

The unthinkable almost occurred in 1934 when Everton offered £250 for his services. He was coming to the end of his career and the Reds were ready to accept the offer until supporters flooded the local newspaper with letters of protest.

Despite the public outcry, it was clear Scott's Anfield career was reaching a conclusion.

On February 21, 1934, he played his 467th and final game for Liverpool after being offered a player/manager role at Belfast Celtic.

During the final home game of the season, Scott gave a speech in the directors' box which is said to have brought tears from even the most hardened of Kopites present.

He finally retired from the game at the age of 42 in 1936 and continued to manage the Belfast club until it folded in 1949.

Meanwhile, Scott's appearance record at Anfield stood until 1957 when it fell at the hands of Billy Liddell.

Two years later the great man passed away.

Previous Clubs:

Linfield, Broadway United, Belfast Celtic

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

Follow @Glady_Libs_LFC