Legendary Reds

Louis Bimpson

D.o.B - 14/4/29
Position - forward
1st team games (goals) - 102 (39)

Louis Bimpson was a versatile player who proved a handy addition during Liverpool's bleak era of the 1950s.

His Liverpool career began when he was signed on a free transfer by, manager at the time, Don Welsh in January 1953. He quickly proved what he could offer the first team after scoring a hat trick against Burnley in a mid-season friendly. Welsh had no hesitation in putting his new centre forward in the fold and handed him his competitive debut at Villa Park, although the Reds took a pasting 4-0. The season ended on happier notes for Bimpson as he finished with three goals in six further appearances that season, including a goal on the final game of the season to cap off Anfield's season for the year.

The 53-54 season saw Bimpson reach new heights, with a goal every other game. He ended the season on 12 goals in 24 games with only Northern Ireland's Sammy Smyth netting more times than him that season with 13. But despite Bimpson and Smyth's record of 25 goals in 50 games between them, Liverpool still found themselves rooted to the foot of the First Division table and would be playing in the second tier the following season.

Bimpson made just 9 appearances in a Liverpool shirt during that first season back in the Second Division. This was mainly down to the form of Billy Liddell and John Evans who both hit 30 plus goals for the campaign. Bimpson himself contributed with two goals, one was away to Derby with the other at home to Ipswich. During the 55-56 season Bimpson was again limited to just 9 appearances although this time, goals didn't flow at all.

After failing to gain promotion to the First Division, the Liverpool board decided it was time for a new manager and appointed former club captain Phil Taylor to take the reigns. Taylor's appointment gave Bimpson a new lease of life as he played in half of Liverpool's league games that season. He also found his goalscoring touch again that season with four goals in the opening six league games. He scored another two goals that season, but despite Bimpson's efforts and the best defence in the league that season Liverpool again failed in their bid for promotion.

The following season saw Bimpson again struggle to stay in the side. He again finished with figures of a goal every other game, but he finished with just 10 appearances throughout the 57-58 campaign. On a more positive note for the Rainford born man, he managed to score his first FA Cup goal for the Reds that year as he scored Liverpool's final goal in a 3-1 win over Northwich Victoria.

He found himself in great scoring form in his final year with a fantastic return of 11 goals in just 15 league appearances during his final full season in a Liverpool shirt. In the summer of 1959, Phil Taylor signed Everton centre forward Dave Hickson who kept Bimpson's chances of first team football to a bare minimum. He was finally sold to Blackburn, not long before Taylor eventually left the managerial post and in came Bill Shankly.

Louis Bimpson - another legend Red before the success of Shankly's Liverpool.

Ian Robert Callaghan MBE (born 10 April 1942 in Toxteth, Liverpool) holds the record for the most appearances for Liverpool.
A Liverpool supporter as a youngster who idolised Billy Liddell, Ian Callaghan joined the Reds as an apprentice on the 28 March 1960 and made his debut that April on the 16th against Bristol Rovers at Anfield. Rovers couldn't live with the Reds with the score finishing 4-0 in their favour.
In the autumn of 1978, Callaghan finally left Liverpool after 856 first team appearances, during which he scored 69 goals.

Ian Robert Callaghan MBE (born 10 April 1942 in Toxteth, Liverpool) holds the record for the most appearances for Liverpool.
A Liverpool supporter as a youngster who idolised Billy Liddell, Ian Callaghan joined the Reds as an apprentice on the 28 March 1960 and made his debut that April on the 16th against Bristol Rovers at Anfield. Rovers couldn't live with the Reds with the score finishing 4-0 in their favour.
In the autumn of 1978, Callaghan finally left Liverpool after 856 first team appearances, during which he scored 69 goals.

Look mate I'm chuffed you wanna help in this thread, but surely you have more knowledge than just copying and pasting off wiki. Our record appearance holder deserves much, much more than a copy and paste. So if you do want to contribute, please try and use your own words.

excellent topic mate!! every little one is nice to read and learn from all of our glories!! thanks!!

Thanks for these DLS, my history of the club is extremely poor and these will certainly go a long way in helping me
Good thread and a + from me

Keep them flowing!

EDIT: I've got a suggestion whereby under position instead of having forward/midfielder/defender etc you can spefically put the position where they play in. For example, Right Winger, Defensive midfielder etc. I'm sure it'll go a long way in helping others understand where they fit on the field! 

Emlyn Hughes

D.o.B - 28/8/47
Position - Defender and Midfielder
1st team games (goals) - 665 (49)

Emlyn Hughes "Liverpool are magic, Everton are tragic."

One of the most charismatic players ever to wear the Red of Liverpool was signed by Bill Shankly in the early months of 1967 after impressing for Blackpool in just 31 games. He was originally signed as a central midfielder and that's the role he played during his debut against Stoke, in which the Reds won 2-1 with goals from Chris Lawler and Roger Hunt. Emlyn made a further nine appearances that season and started to impress the Liverpool faithful.

In his first full season with the Reds, the fans were treated to some wonderful performances from Hughes. He played in over 50 games that season, although this wasn't a unique feat as ten players, including Emlyn, played 50 or more times for Liverpool in the 67-68 campaign. During his 56 games that season, Hughes also found himself on the score sheet twice with the winner against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground and one of Liverpool's six against Newcastle at Anfield.

Although his appearance number dropped, his goal tally increased during the 68-69 season. Making 49 appearances, most of which were again in midfield, Hughes netted five times including Liverpool's second in their 2-1 win over Athletico Bilbao in the second leg of their Fairs Cup tie and the second in the Reds win over Burnley in the FA Cup. Hughes' only away goal that season came at Filbert Street where Liverpool won 2-1 with Ian Callaghan making sure of the win.

The love affair between Crazy Horse and the fans continued to grow from the late 60s right into the 70s. Although still mainly a central midfielder, Hughes was used as a full back on the odd occasion during the 69-70 season. This didn't seem to bother the very technically gifted lad from Barrow as he continued to impress and become an integral part of Shankly's Liverpool. Hughes became the fans favourite with his back to back goals against Everton and Man United in December 1969.

The 70-71 season saw Emlyn reach his first final in a Liverpool shirt but he'd have to wait until 72-73 before picking up his winners medal. In fact he'd go on to win both the First Division and UEFA Cup that season. Back to 70-71 season though and Emlyn was again vital to Liverpool's success as he took the field in an incredible 59 games, getting 5 goals in the process. Only two of his five goals came in the league, both were winners however. The first was the winner in Liverpool's opening day win 2-1 win at Turf Moor and the second was on the final day of the season as Liverpool ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over Southampton.

In the 71-72 season, Hughes was one of the very few members of the Liverpool side of the 60s as Shankly had started building his latest squad with the likes of Heighway, Keegan and Toshack now displacing the old guard. But nothing was moving Liverpool's permanent number 6 as he topped the appearance charts with Chris Lawler and Ray Clemence, all on 53. Hughes' goalscoring talents were at their best to date in this year as well with another 9 to his name. Just like in 69-70, he scored against both Everton and Man United and just like in 67-68 he scored in a resounding victory over Newcastle, although this time is was only 5-0 and not 6 like a few years earlier.

If the PFA Awards were created in 72-73 rather than 73-74, then there's a good chance Emlyn would have won the award as he was immense in his first trophy winning season with the Reds. Missing just one game in the entire season, left Emlyn on a staggering 65 games which unbelievably wasn't the most in the squad as Callaghan, Lawler and Lloyd were all ever presents. But it is still a huge achievement for anybody to play that many games in any season and it becomes even more impressive when you score 12 goals like Emlyn did that season. And again the impressive nature of the season continued as he scored yet another two against city rivals Everton. He was also on hand to net three times as Liverpool won their first ever European trophy.

The 73-74 season started in a new way for Hughes as he displaced Tommy Smith as the club's captain, an incident which is believed to started unrest between the two off the the field. Hughes was also played in the centre of defence for the majority of the season which limited his goals somewhat to just two, but he was as reliable as captain as he was without the armband and topping the appearance charts with 61 games along with Keegan, Callaghan and Clemence proved this. This was Hughes' first ever present season for Liverpool and it was capped off with an FA Cup winner's medal at the end of the season as Liverpool cruised through to their second FA Cup victory and created some of the most famous words ever spoken after an FA Cup final.

"Keegan two
Heighway one
Liverpool three
Newcastle none"

This game also saw the end of Bill Shankly's reign as Liverpool manager as his surprise resignation came shortly afterwards.

But in typical Liverpool fashion they didn't dwindle on that too much and instead quickly put assistant manager Bob Paisley in place to take the hot seat. It was a welcomed appointment by players and fans alike. Hughes, who had a good relationship with Paisley, was particularly happy with the appointment. Paisley trusted Hughes to lead his team and, just like the season before, the former Blackpool man was ever present in a Liverpool shirt. Although this time he was the only outfield player to do so, along with goalkeeper Clemence.

The following season ended in more silverware being lifted by Hughes. He led Liverpool to more league glory as well as another UEFA Cup. With Hughes at the heart of the defence, Liverpool ended the season with the best defensive record in the league including a staggering record of just 10 goals conceded away from home. Hughes was also part of the Liverpool side that went to the Nou Camp in the UEFA Cup and became the first English side to beat the Spanish giants on their home ground. The Reds came away from Spain with a 1-0 thanks to a goal from John Toshack and incredible defending from Hughes and co.

Hughes was again an ever present as Liverpool retained their First Division title and went on to conquer yet another European competition, this time it was our first European Cup success as Hughes led the Redmen out in Rome against Borussia Monchengladbach. The treble was on as well, but due to a couple of flukey goals we lost the FA Cup final to United. Throughout the heavily successful season, the ever present number 6 netted just once that being against Middlesborough in the First Division match at Ayrsome Park. He was also voted the Football Writer's Player of the Year in 77, just proving how good a season he had.

For the third consecutive season Hughes ended the year picking up a European Trophy as Liverpool successfully defended their European Cup, becoming the first and only (to date) British side to do so. Hughes also led Liverpool to their first Super Cup in 1977 although the one trophy Hughes still hadn't won at Anfield, the League Cup, was lost in the final to Nottingham Forest. Hughes personally took the field in 59 of Liverpool's 62 games that season and was just as impressive throughout.

Hughes was let go to Wolves in the summer of 1979, but not before he'd picked up another league championship in the Red of Liverpool. It was a fitting end to a career that span almost 12 unblemished years at Anfield. On his return to Anfield with Wolves, he and the rest of the side, were greeted by a three nil hammering by the Reds but it wasn't all bad for him in the Black Country as he finally won that elusive League Cup.

The world lost a true gentleman in 2003 when Emlyn lost his fight against the brain tumour he'd been suffering with.

RIP Crazy Horse, always be missed by all at Liverpool Football Club

Emlyn Hughes the one and only Crazy Horse

Another + from me mate.

This takes a lot of effort to compile and type out some stuff here and there, its great you are sharing your knowledge with us fans here.

Keep it up.

A plus from me too

Oh and shouldn't Gerrard be here ?

A plus from me too

Oh and shouldn't Gerrard be here ?

Will be once his boots are hung up mate.

Another + from me mate.

This takes a lot of effort to compile and type out some stuff here and there, its great you are sharing your knowledge with us fans here.

Keep it up.

And most of it mate isn't me own knowledge. A lot of the figures in appearances and goals comes from the internet. Dates of when we won things and when managers arrived, I know but again it's all there on the internet. I've said I don't want people just copying and pasting things off wiki because it shows a lot of disrespect to those of yesteryear. But obviously the vast majority of information will have to come from the internet, it's just being prepared to put into your own words which is something I take great pride in and appreciate the fact that it's being appreciated on here.

And cheers for the +s lads.

Well DLS, I do appreciate the fact that you go to the extent of providing information of some greats on here. Yes they're all spewed over the internet, but I'll say its some compliation that you do from all sources. Not only do you learn, but we learn as well, which is a good thing, sharing knowledge around etc.

I'm no history guru on Liverpool like you DLS, but if I do have the time I will certainly read up on some greats and post them up here as well. Your decidation to sharing knowledge with fans here is astounding. After all this is what a forum is after all.

John Barnes

Barnes, or 'Digger' as he is still commonly referred to (character from TV show Dallas) is a legendary Red.

"His remarkable mixture of raw power and ball artistry was enough to trouble the countries finest defenders and his goalscoring record proved him a more than capable finisher. This was all natural talent as well. Barnes was not the product of coaching or any youth system, he was just a young man with special gifts expressing himself on the football field."

Formely of Watford, the Jamaican born winger joined the Reds on 9 June 1987 in a £900,000 deal for Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool at the same time as Peter Beardsley.

Sadly in his first years at the club Barnes had to deal with with racist abuse from opposing supporters. A famous photo shows John casually back-heeling a banana that had been thrown at him during derby match Goodison.

However, this clearly did not affect Barnes during his time with Liverpool. He won the First Division twice, the FA Cup twice, and played for England 79 times, then a record for a black player. He, John Aldridge and Ian Rush would form one of the most formidable attacking lines of Liverpool's illustrious history. Barnes made his debut for the Reds, along with Beardsley, on the 15 August 1987 in the 2-1 league win over Arsenal at Highbury, it took just 9 minutes for Barnes and Beardsley to show just what was in store for the Anfield faithful, as they combined to set up Aldridge for an excellent team goal.

In his first season at Anfield, Barnes was outstanding as Liverpool coasted to the League title, remaining undefeated for the first 29 games of the season and ending up with just two defeats. Barnes was also instrumental the following year, with Liverpool taking the FA Cup with a 3-2 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton.

In April 1989, after the Hillsborough disaster claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans, Barnes was among many Liverpool stars left distraught by the tragedy, attending several funerals and visiting the injured in hospital.

Barnes also played in the 1990 title winning side at Liverpool and scored an astonishing 22 league goals from the left wing. Even talismanic Ian Rush finished with 4 fewer league goals than John, showing the importance of 'Diggers' presence in the Liverpool team.

Despite frequent opposition from fans of the National side who believed his performances were lacking in an England shirt, Barnes was always one to respond, similarly to the racial opposition that he faced earlier in his career. He showed where his priorities lay with frightening perfomances for Liverpool and the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester United, Wimbledon FC and Leeds United found this out as he scored spectacular goal after goal for the club cause. In 1992 Liverpool won the FA Cup again but unfortunately Barnes missed the final with an Achilles tendon injury.

By the mid-1990s, Barnes knew he was facing the end of his playing career as constant injuries took their toll, forcing him to take up a new position in the team. Barnes had now been converted into a holding midfielder where he, Redknapp and McManaman would pass their way through teams and set up countless goals for the likes of Fowler.

On the 13 August 1997, after 407 appearances and 108 goals, Barnes decided it was time to leave Anfield and was given a free transfer. He moved on to play for Newcastle United and Charlton. He then dedicated his time to the managerial side of football with spells at Celtic and Jamaica.

Honours:

    * 1987/88 League Championship
    * 1988/89 Charity Shield
    * 1988/89 FA Cup
    * 1989/90 Charity Shield
    * 1989/90 League Championship
    * 1990/91 Charity Shield Shared
    * 1991/92 FA Cup
    * 1994/95 League Cup

In one respect John Barnes had to play football simply because that is what he was born to do. By playing on through the tougher times when he could have rested on his considerable laurels shows him to be a man of ambition and desire.

As for putting up with the abuse that came his way there was always a thoughtful dignity in Barnes on and off the pitch that suggested he realised full well just how his behaviour and standing put into a telling context that of those aiming the abuse.

He has been equally an important global figure to a wonderful footballer.

Jerzy Dudek

Signed:  £4.85 million on 31st August 2001
Liverpool debut:  8th September 2001
Last appearance: 28th April 2007
Total LFC games:  186  



Dudek is a Polish international keeper and former Liverpool goalkeeper who played under the Houllier-Rafa era for the club. Signing for the club for a fee of 4.85 million pounds on transfer deadline day, he was Houllier's signing and he was the replacement for Sander Westerveld as first choice between the sticks of Liverpool. Arsenal were also interested in Dudek, but eventually they went for Richard Wright.

Dudek made his Liverpool debut on 8th September 2001 against Aston Villa in a 3-1 defeat but soon turned into a crowd favourite. Following a splendid season where his clean sheets and fine performances helped Liverpool finish second in the Premiership behind Double-winners Arsenal, he was nominated alongside Oliver Kahn and Gianluigi Buffon for UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year at the end of the 2001-02 season.

Dudek had a nightmare in the 2002 World Cup finals and his international form was in total contrast with his club. Unfortunately for him, he failed to rediscover his club form upon return and was susequently dropped by Houllier in December during the 02/03 season. However, Kirkland picked up a serious injury a couple of months later - handing the gloves back to the Pole. In that season, Dudek rebounded and turned in a Man of the Match performances in the League Cup final against Manchester United.

Chris Kirkland's dismal injury record meant Dudek was Liverpool's number one for the majority of 2003/04, missing only eight Premiership games.

Though he remained the first choice goalkeeper in 2004/05 under new boss Benitez, it was clear the manager was looking to being in his own man between the sticks.

On 25th May 2005, Dudek conceded 3 goals in the opening 45 minutes, and all seemed going wrong for him at that moment. Many were of the opinion that AC Milan had won the trophy, and Liverpool would finish the season empty-handed in Rafa Benitez's first season in charge. However, Liverpool clawed back in the game and in the 119th minute, Dudek pulled off an amazing double save, a save unbelieveable considering Dudek was on the ground and Sheva was one metre out, but somehow failed to convert the rebound.

"My brother phoned me in the morning and said: 'Have you seen it on TV again?' "I said no, I hadn't, and he said you need to see it; the rebound, the second Shevchenko shot was the 'Hand of God' because, from nowhere, came your hand to save the goal.
"I said I didn't know how I did it."  

There was more surprise when Dudek performed the 'wobbly legs' routine during the final shootout, where he emerged the Liverpool's hero, denying Sheva with a stop and making Liverpool go down in the history books of one of the clubs who have won the Champions League 5 times, and as a result being rewarded with the badge of honour.
 
"Before the penalties, Carra came up to me like he was crazy - as always! He said: "Jerzy, Jerzy - remember Bruce (Grobbelaar). He did crazy things to put them off and you have to do the same".

He was voted at No. 36 of the '100 players who shook the Kop' list.

DLS I've got a suggestion. Can you have a list of all the players whom we have posted on here and update it in the first post? Then update it as and when they are new additions etc.

The list of Liverpool players is long and certainly the readers need to know what profiles are on here already. And the posters also need to know which players are compiled on - so as not to re-compile the player.

This may be a long thread full of Liverpool greats in it, I'm sure no one wants to browse through many pages to find a particular idol of theirs only to get disappointed.

DLS I've got a suggestion. Can you have a list of all the players whom we have posted on here and update it in the first post? Then update it as and when they are new additions etc.

The list of Liverpool players is long and certainly the readers need to know what profiles are on here already. And the posters also need to know which players are compiled on - so as not to re-compile the player.

This may be a long thread full of Liverpool greats in it, I'm sure no one wants to browse through many pages to find a particular idol of theirs only to get disappointed.

Yeah that's a good idea actually, there's really good quality posts in here and there's the danger they'll just get kind of lost. Maybe have the player name that's been done in the first post of the thread with a link taking the person straight to that particular legend post when clicked on.

DLS I've got a suggestion. Can you have a list of all the players whom we have posted on here and update it in the first post? Then update it as and when they are new additions etc.

The list of Liverpool players is long and certainly the readers need to know what profiles are on here already. And the posters also need to know which players are compiled on - so as not to re-compile the player.

This may be a long thread full of Liverpool greats in it, I'm sure no one wants to browse through many pages to find a particular idol of theirs only to get disappointed.

No worries lad, that's been sorted. I've also added which page number each profile is on and who provided it. (providing it's not a copy from another website of any sort)

No worries lad, that's been sorted. I've also added which page number each profile is on and who provided it. (providing it's not a copy from another website of any sort)

Cheers

Bert Slater

D.o.B - 5/5/36
Position - Goalkeeper
1st team games (goals) - 111 (0)

Bert Slater - the small goalkeeper.

He was signed by manager Phil Taylor in the summer of 59 and was straight into the first team but by the Autumn he found himself outside of the squad and then by Christmas he found himself playing under a new manager, Bill Shankly. Shanks quickly reinstated his fellow Scotsman as number one and Slater finished the season with 30 games next to his name, which included four clean sheets in the last five games of the year.

Shankly's trust in Slater was further enhanced the following season as Slater, along with Dick White, was an ever present in Liverpool's unsuccessful bid to gain promotion back to the First Division.

The following season did finally see Liverpool regain their status in the top flight of English football, with Slater and new signing Jim Furnell sharing the number 1 shirt towards the back end of the season. As Shankly continued to build a side capable of staying in the First Division, he decided to let Slater go and he went back to his native Scotland for a stint with Dundee. Slater was deemed surplus with the impressive Furnell and emerging Tommy Lawrence sharing the goalkeeping slot.

Bert Slater - one season a certain starter, the next out on his ear.

Steve Heighway

Date of Birth: 25 November 1947
Position: Winger
1st team games: 475
1st team goals: 76



'We had Heighway on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing, of the glory round the fields of Anfield road.'

This rousing rendition of Fields of Anfield Road, sung by the Anfield faithful at every game, shows how much Heighway is loved by these Liverpool supporters. Heighway was one of Shankly's free signings as Shankly looked to rebuild his aging and underachieveing team of the 1960s completely. In 1970, Steve was studying for his final exams and played for amateur side Skelmersdale United. Steve wasn't a player spotted until then, and was swiftly signed up by Bill Shankly in May 1970. Due to Heighway's academic achievements, he has been nicknamed 'Big Bamber', while fellow teammate, Brian Hall, had the name of 'Little Bamber'.

Heighway made his Liverpool debut on 29 August 1970 against West Bromwich Albion, and as a strong and pacey winger with a good two feet, Heighway adapted into the Liverpool team with some ease. He had an unorthodox style about him and his pace usually caused a problem or two for defenders. Steve Heighway scored his first goal in a red shirt in a 2-0 win over Burnley on 21 October 1970.

A month later, Heighway scored in a hard fought 3-2 derby win over bitter rivals Everton. Heighway also played in the semis of the FA Cup, again defeating Everton in the process to set up a meeting with Arsenal. That game at Wembley was played out to a goalless draw after 90 minutes, and thus bringing it to extra time. In the second minute of the added half an hour, Heighway scored a goal against Arsenal's goalie Bob Wilson, but despite giving Liverpool that precious lead, he was still powerless from preventing Arsenal to win the trophy as Liverpool conceded 2 goals to hand Arsenal the title. To this day, that goal has been a great source of embarassment for Bob Wilson, and is constantly showed to young aspiring goalies what poor positioning could cost you in a game.

Heighway won his first League title, along with the UEFA Cup, in 1973. In 1974, Liverpool returned to Wembley in search of FA Cup glory, after missing out on that loss to Arsenal in 1971. This time they made no mistake, they beat Newcastle United 3-0 and Heighway scored on the 74th minute of the game. In 1976, Heighway completed another memorable season by winning both UEFA Cup and League titles, just as he did in 1973. The following season, Heighway was part of the team which came so close in completing the historis treble, which consisted of the League, FA Cup and the European cup. It was in 1977 then and Heighway's Liverpool won the league by a point, and again defeated bitter rivals Everton in the FA semis to have a faceoff with Manchester United at Wembley. Just as Heighway & co thought they could achieve another piece of footballing history, Manchester United finished the game winning 2-1, and the treble dream was dead. However, they overcame their FA cup disappointment by appearing in Rome 4 days later and emerged victories, this time defeating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1. In that game, Heighway went to create 2 assists, a pass for Terry McDermott and a corner for Tommy Smith.

In 1978 Heighway again tasted European success as Liverpool retained the European Cup. It makes Liverpool only British side to have won the cup in two successive seasons. His time however, Heighway was on the bench for Liverpool's 1-0 success over FC Bruges, but did come on as a substitute for Jimmy Case. Overtime, he started to had limited chances in the team. Heighway stayed for two more seasons, appearing only occasionally in the team and missing out on two more League title medals, another European Cup triumph and a first League Cup medal, which was successfully defended a year later.

Heighway was recalled back into the Liverpool ranks, this time as Academy Director. He saw through the development of the club's next batch of finest stars ever to have don the red shirt, and these included the likes of Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. His successes as Academy Director also include 3 FA Youth Cups, in 1996, 2006 and 2007.

Steve was named on no. 23 of the list of '100 Players who shook the Kop', showing he is still held in high regard by many Liverpool fans today.

Steve Heighway - Big Bamber!

Craig Johnston
DOB: 25/6/60
Appearances: 271
Goals: 40

Born in South Africa to Australian parents, Craig grew up in Australia. He had to overcome a serious condition early in life, osteomyelitis, which is a disease which affects the bone and bone marrow. Amputation was even considered but thanks to his mother, never done. Overcoming this he plied his footballing trade at Lake Maquarie & Sydney City, and feeling confident enough in his own footballing ability, he wrote off to a list of english clubs asking for a trial. Only one answered, that club being Middlesbrough, but thats all he needed.

After his trial proved successful, he was given a contract and made his debut against Everton (personally i think a sign he was meant for Liverpool ) as a teenager still.
His fighting qualities and never say die attitude brought about the attention of the bigger clubs. And in April 1981, after 64 appearences and 16goals for Boro, at the age of 20 he was signed by Bob Paisley for 650,000 pounds.
It was not until the second half of his first full season, 81/82, that he actually got a chance to show his worth, and quickly established himself as a crowd favourite through his tenacity and run until the games over attitude.
His first goal for the club was a memorable one, opening the scoring in extra time of the league cup replay against Arsenal on 8th December 1981. He went on to score 6 more goals that season as Liverpool went on to the title.
The 82/83 season was his best as far as goals scored go - scoring 10 in 42 appearances as Liverpool again went on to win the title. His next season brought even more appearances, but only 4 goals. However he was part of the team that lifted the European Cup, and again the title.
Never seemingly fully in favour with Joe Fagan, his career was lifted again when Kenny Dalglish took over the reigns post Heysel. Making 61 appearances in the double season of 85/86, he also scored in the 3-1 FA cup final win over Everton.
After starting the following season well, a reccurance of a back injury put him out of action, and then worse news came. His sister was seriously ill in a Morrocan hospital, and he rushed to be by her side. At the time it was kept from the press, and the fans didn't have any idea about it. He never stopped trying for Liverpool, but his mind was always on his family. Finally, days before the 88' FA Cup final, he told Kenny that his time was up. Making his final appearance in the forgettable final, he moved back to Australia to be with his Family.

Affectionately known as Skippy throughout his time at Liverpool, his love for the club never died. After the disaster and tragedy of Hillsborough on 15th April 1989, he raised thousands of dollars in his homeland and then chose to fly back to Liverpool to take part in the service seven days after the tragedy. Helping to console some of the grieving families, he further endeared himself to the Reds faithful. He furthered this by when being continually linked with a return to english football by other clubs, he famously said "Theres only two teams id ever play for - Liverpool and Liverpool reserves!"
He also wrote the famous Anfield Rap, and performed in it along with his Liverpool team mates. His input into football in retirement has been great, notably inventing the Adidas Predator football boot.
Coming 59th in our 100 Players that Shook the Kop wasn't a bad effort either considering his former Middlesbrough manager had once said he was "the worst footballer he'd ever seen"
Proved him wrong!!

As an aussie i love seeing highlights of Craig playing, and although not right up there with the likes of Dalglish, Keegan, Rush etc. I think he still is deserved of a place in our legends. If only for the Anfield Rap And the honours i list below show he enjoyed some good success here too!

Honours:

Titles: 82, 83, 84, 86, 88
European Cup: 84
League Cup: 83, 84
FA Cup: 86 
Charity Shield: 86

Roy Saunders

D.o.B - 4/9/30
Position - defender
1st team games (goals) - 146 (1)

Roy Saunders, father of former Liverpool forward Dean.

Yorkshire born Saunders never really established himself at Anfield simply because Phil Taylor and Bob Paisley had the wing-half position sewn up, and when you see Taylor and Paisley both become managers of the club it shows how highly rated they were at Anfield.

Despite being signed as a 17 year old from his hometown club, Hull City, Saunders had to wait a long time before making his first team debut. Once in the side he took the opportunity with both hands and ended up finishing the season with 15 appearances to his name and helped the Reds avoid relegation. The following season (53-54) saw Saunders make five more appearances than the season before, but this time the Reds did find themselves rooted to the foot of the table and were relegated to Division 2.

Saunders managed 32 appearances in Divison 2, once Taylor and Paisley had finish their careers. Saunders' appearances per season continued to grow the following season with 42 in Don Welsh's final year in charge. The following season saw a new manager, but not a new face, to Anfield as Saunders' former team-mate Phil Taylor was handed the role. Saunders found himself making only 28 appearances this year, including his only goal in an away 2-0 win over Bury. He then only made five appearances the year after. In what would become Taylor's final full season in charge, Saunders managed just four more games before finally moving onto Swansea in March 1959.

Roy sadly passed away on the 29th of January 2009 and will always be rememered as a player who deserved more games than he ever got.

I had a lot of time for Roy Saunders when he played for us,he loved getting stuck in and now and again he would get flattened,but he would always get up with a big grin on his face.You could see he loved playing for the REDS and always gave 100% commitment.He fully deserves to be on this thread.

Alan Kennedy
D.O.B 31/8/54
Apps 251
Goals  15


 Alan 'Barney Rubble' Kennedy camr through the ranks at Newcastle after slipping through the net at rivals Sunderland . He played in the side well beaten by the reds in the 1974 FA Cup final at Wembley and was liked for his raiding , robust style at left back. He was signed by the reds after several players had a shot at the left back slot finally replacing Joey Jones when Bob Paisley signed him for £330.000 in 1978.
Alan made his debut at Anfield in the 2-1 win over Q.P.R where he played badly, nearly scoring an own goal. When he went into the dressing room at half time looking for some sympathy or words of wisdom from Bob Paisley all he got was'they shot the wrong Kennedy'!!
He slotted into the side that regained the League Championship and retained it the year later, but missed most of the 80/81 season through injury but returned to play in the League Cup Final against West Ham, scoring the opening goal with the game going to a replay at Villa Park which the reds won 2-1.
But surely Barneys greatest moment was to be in the 1981 European Cup Final in Paris where he scored the winner against a fancied Real Madrid team and also scored the winning kick in the penalty shoot out against A.S Roma in the Olympic Stadium in 1984.
But back to the 82/83 seaon when he kept his place in the team that regained the title and League cup when he continued his happy knack of scoring important goals in the game against Man Utd scoring a late equaliser in the match the reds went on to win in extra time.
Then came the treble winning year of 1984 when he was prominent in winning the title,League cup and European cup, unfortunately the following trophy free season was to be his last as with the emergence of Jim Beglin he was sold to his hometown club Sunderland
Alan still has close associations with the club he served so well and will always be remembered fondly by the Kop.

John Molyneux

D.o.B - 3/2/31
Position - defender
1st team games (goals) - 249 (3)

One of the less familiar names in Liverpool's history, but one of the most reliable players to don the Red shirt.

The Warrington born right back was signed in the summer of 1955 by Don Welsh but spent only one year under Welsh's guidance before Phil Taylor was appointed manager in 1956. During his time playing under Welsh though, Molyneux played 37 times with his first coming in a 3-3 all draw at Ewood Park in September.

As already mentioned, a change of manager came at the end of the season as Liverpool searched to find the right man to take them out of Division 2. The club appointed former captain Phil Taylor to take the reigns and he signed only two players in his first season, one of which was right winger Johnny Wheeler from Bolton who started to build up a good relationship down the right with Molyneux who Taylor had entrusted as his regular right back. Molyneux missed just two games throughout the season in which Liverpool had the best defence in the league.

The following season saw the partnership of Wheeler and Molyneux contine to blossom with both making over 40 appearances during the campaign. Molyneux, personally, took the field in 45 of Liverpool's 48 games with only Dick White and Ronnie Moran playing more that year. Molyneux also broke his goalscoring duck during the 57-58 season when he opened the scoring in the FA Cup replay against Southend.

Another productive season for the Molyneux/Wheeler partnership down the right still wasn't enough for the Reds to break back into England's top flight. The 58-59 season saw Molyneux score his second goal for the club, when he scored Liverpool's fifth in their first win of the season against Brighton at Anfield. Another fourth place finish for the Reds was to be the last full season of manager Phil Taylor.

Taylor was replaced by Bill Shankly in December 59 after Liverpool kept only one clean sheet in the opening 19 league games. Molyneux, however was just as reliable at right back as he'd always been. New manager Shankly thought this as well as he included Molyneux in nine of his opening ten games in charge. During the back end of the season, Molyneux scored his third and final goal for the club in a thrilling four all draw at Villa Park.

In Shankly's first full season in charge Molyneux played in 44 games but this was to be his last season in the first team as he played just a mere 4 games the following season before being sold back to Chester in 1962.

John Molyneux a very solid right back with a very feared tackle.

Willie Stevenson

D.o.B - 26/10/39
Position - defender
1st team games (goals) - 241 (18)

Scottish born Stevenson was the joker of the team in the mid 60s.

After beating Preston to sign his fellow Scot from Rangers in November 62, Bill Shankly wasted very little time in putting his new signing in the side. Stevenson made his debut only a matter of days after arriving at Anfield, unfortunately it ended in defeat to Burnley. This didn't dampen Shankly's trust in his new signing as he played in the remaining 33 games of the season, including their run to the FA Cup Semi Finals. Within a month of signing for the club, Stevenson had bagged his first goal for the Reds in a comfortable 5-0 win over Leyton Orient as Liverpool won back to back games starting a run of 9 straight wins in the League.

Stevenson then had his first medal as a Liverpool player by the end of the 63-64 season. It was only Liverpool's second year back in Division 1, but they were crowned champions with eight players, including Stevenson, playing over 35 league games. Stevenson's only goal that year came in the last minute at Hillsborough in a two all draw against Sheff Wed.

The following season saw Liverpool unable to retain their crown as champions, but they did end up with winners medals of some sort as they went on to win the FA Cup for the first time. Stevenson played a prominent part in Liverpool's success on their way to Wembley including the second goal in our 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Semi Final. Stevenson also played in every one of Liverpool's games in their first season in Europe including the away leg to Inter Milan in which we were cheated out of a place in the final.

By the end of the 65-66 season, Stevenson and Liverpool were picking up the league title once again, this time using just 14 players including 9 who played 40 or more league games out of 42. Stevenson was one of the 9 to play over 40 games, ending up with 41 and a respectable 5 goals as well. His first was one of Liverpool's five in the hammering of Everton at Anfield. He then scored three goals in four games between late October and mid November all of which came from the spot at Anfield against Nottingham Forest, Northampton and Blackburn. Stevenson was also part of the Liverpool side that just missed out on winning the Cup Winner's Cup.

The following season saw Liverpool end up empty handed trophy wise, but Stevenson had a very good year personally. He made 51 appearances for the Reds that year scoring 3 goals, including the winner on the opening day of the year against Leicester. This however was Stevenson's last full year for the Reds and was sold to Stoke in December 67. He made just four appearances as new signing Emlyn Hughes had won the number 6 shirt. Stevenson's last game for the Reds was at Anfield against Wolves, where he scored the winning penalty.

Willie Stevenson as reliable as he was funny.