Liverpool player who reflects the heart and soul of the club through all era's

Nostalgia time being New Year etc. I have watched a lot of LFC TV over Christmas and it gets you thinking how many wonderful people from all over the world have represented this club. The club however has an energy that transcends all of time going back to 1892 and for me some players still embody this passion for the club and they become bigger and better players once they put on the Red Shirt.
Shankly obviously is seen as the father of our modern era but we did have a great history before then and many famous players great players put on the red shirt prior to 1959.
So who is your Liverpool player from any Era who represents what this club all about and for me it can only be Ian Callaghan a man who for 640 games lived and died for this club for 20 years he gave everything for Liverpool FC a local lad from Toxteth embodies what every player should show when putting on a Liverpool Shirt.
This is not a competition there are no winners I just want to know who is "Mr Liverpool" for you

I was born in 1991 (I'm 27) and started watching Liverpool in 1999. Until he was with us, Michael Owen, I really cried when he wanted out.

When I grew older and  Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher brought the fifth Champions League, and they become my Mr Liverpool. A foreign Mr Liverpool was Sami Hyypia.

Obviously, everyone has his/her depending on their age and era.

Trent has the potential to be one!

Nostalgia time being New Year etc. I have watched a lot of LFC TV over Christmas and it gets you thinking how many wonderful people from all over the world have represented this club. The club however has an energy that transcends all of time going back to 1892 and for me some players still embody this passion for the club and they become bigger and better players once they put on the Red Shirt.
Shankly obviously is seen as the father of our modern era but we did have a great history before then and many famous players great players put on the red shirt prior to 1959.
So who is your Liverpool player from any Era who represents what this club all about and for me it can only be Ian Callaghan a man who for 640 games lived and died for this club for 20 years he gave everything for Liverpool FC a local lad from Toxteth embodies what every player should show when putting on a Liverpool Shirt.
This is not a competition there are no winners I just want to know who is "Mr Liverpool" for you

Great post. I'm sure you'll get a lot of answers as there are many candidates. Just reading about Ian Callaghan I note one (of many) extraordinary statistic: He was booked just once in his entire career.

Great topic

Like you say Walton there were/are many many names that have adorned this wonderful institution throughout 126 yrs of history ,
Most ppl i expect would opt for their favourite player, most probably from the year on year domination periods, the younger fans will look to their particular hero who adorned their bedroom walls, and  that's fine, me tho, although i loved Kenny, Souness, Gerrard, etc  i have say the one and only Bob Paisley,

He signed for Liverpool in 1939 at 20yrs of age, and served Liverpool for 50 years as player, reserve team coach, physiotherapist, assistant manager and of course manager, he was a tactical genius who guided our club through the most successful period that will never be surpassed,  20 major honours in just nine seasons. Incredible really.

(Sir) Bob Paisley,  the word Legend was made for him.


YNWA

Ronnie Moran for me. Still missing him. I cried when me first saw this pic.

Ronnie Moran for me. Still missing him. I cried when me first saw this pic.

that's a great shout when you think of the years he Bob and Joe gave to the club its an incredible achievement.

Great topic

Like you say Walton there were/are many many names that have adorned this wonderful institution throughout 126 yrs of history ,
Most ppl i expect would opt for their favourite player, most probably from the year on year domination periods, the younger fans will look to their particular hero who adorned their bedroom walls, and  that's fine, me tho, although i loved Kenny, Souness, Gerrard, etc  i have say the one and only Bob Paisley,

He signed for Liverpool in 1939 at 20yrs of age, and served Liverpool for 50 years as player, reserve team coach, physiotherapist, assistant manager and of course manager, he was a tactical genius who guided our club through the most successful period that will never be surpassed,  20 major honours in just nine seasons. Incredible really.

(Sir) Bob Paisley,  the word Legend was made for him.


YNWA

Great topic

Like you say Walton there were/are many many names that have adorned this wonderful institution throughout 126 yrs of history ,
Most ppl i expect would opt for their favourite player, most probably from the year on year domination periods, the younger fans will look to their particular hero who adorned their bedroom walls, and  that's fine, me tho, although i loved Kenny, Souness, Gerrard, etc  i have say the one and only Bob Paisley,

He signed for Liverpool in 1939 at 20yrs of age, and served Liverpool for 50 years as player, reserve team coach, physiotherapist, assistant manager and of course manager, he was a tactical genius who guided our club through the most successful period that will never be surpassed,  20 major honours in just nine seasons. Incredible really.

(Sir) Bob Paisley,  the word Legend was made for him.


YNWA

Not sure if it was Mark Lawrenson when he signed for us he Stayed in the Atlantic Hotel and Bob picked him up in the morning whilst still wearing his slippers.

Sir Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish, MBE.

Great topic

Like you say Walton there were/are many many names that have adorned this wonderful institution throughout 126 yrs of history ,
Most ppl i expect would opt for their favourite player, most probably from the year on year domination periods, the younger fans will look to their particular hero who adorned their bedroom walls, and  that's fine, me tho, although i loved Kenny, Souness, Gerrard, etc  i have say the one and only Bob Paisley,

He signed for Liverpool in 1939 at 20yrs of age, and served Liverpool for 50 years as player, reserve team coach, physiotherapist, assistant manager and of course manager, he was a tactical genius who guided our club through the most successful period that will never be surpassed,  20 major honours in just nine seasons. Incredible really.

(Sir) Bob Paisley,  the word Legend was made for him.


YNWA

This all day.

Sir Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish, MBE.

.....and this.

Cally as well. A legend and an absolute gent

Great topic

Like you say Walton there were/are many many names that have adorned this wonderful institution throughout 126 yrs of history ,
Most ppl i expect would opt for their favourite player, most probably from the year on year domination periods, the younger fans will look to their particular hero who adorned their bedroom walls, and  that's fine, me tho, although i loved Kenny, Souness, Gerrard, etc  i have say the one and only Bob Paisley,

He signed for Liverpool in 1939 at 20yrs of age, and served Liverpool for 50 years as player, reserve team coach, physiotherapist, assistant manager and of course manager, he was a tactical genius who guided our club through the most successful period that will never be surpassed,  20 major honours in just nine seasons. Incredible really.

(Sir) Bob Paisley,  the word Legend was made for him.


YNWA

Good shout.


He also was a brick layer and painter - if a job needed doing, Bob did it. I'm certain about the bricklaying and painting, think he may also have done some plumbing.


In a similar vein, Ronnie Moran was an incredible servant to the club.


Excellent topic.



Apart from people already mentioned, Billy Liddell & Craig Johnston stand out for me as people with that little extra heart and soul who represent Liverpool's values.

Roger Hunt and Emlyn Hughes

Nothing against those greats, but I'm too young to remember them. Fowler is probably Nostalgia for me more than Kenny or Shankley etc... Reading history books isn't the same as experiencing it.

Souness - embodies the arrogance of the mighty redmen when were on the F***ing march.

That sight of him marching out onto the Rome pitch - no F***ing fear!!

I guess for me, the time when I first realized there was such a thing as world football and that this club called Liverpool were giants in it, the player who stood out for me was Alan Hansen. A leading light on eight league champions, three European Cup winners and six domestic cup winners. When I got to see a match on video, he was the one who stood out for me among a number of extremely talented players. A picture of composure at the back, and someone who loved the club. Attended a number of funerals after Hillsborough and penned the following when the independent report was released in 2012:

"I have encountered ignorance about Hillsborough on many occasions, finding myself having to correct the inaccurate version of events. The report explicitly removes the excuse of ignorance for those who misunderstood the tragedy. Each sentence in it reads as a tribute to the honesty, integrity and dignity of the families and is an acknowledgement of everything they have been saying since those first, scurrilous accusations surfaced." - from Daily Telegraph article.

Cally as well. A legend and an absolute gent

they say you should never meet your legends but I have to say having met quite a few former player everyone has been a pleasure and really decent blokes.

Stevie G for me.

they say you should never meet your legends but I have to say having met quite a few former player everyone has been a pleasure and really decent blokes.

Once turned down the chance to give a player of the year award to rushie. Bitterly regret it to this day

Once turned down the chance to give a player of the year award to rushie. Bitterly regret it to this day

how did that chance come about?

Some great answers.To give a different one...

Gerry Byrne. Playing on with a broken collar bone for majority of the game...thats my Liverpool

how did that chance come about?

Supporters club thing. Decided the pub was more enticing. My dad is in the picture which was printed in the programme with the surname spelt wrong

For loyalty and dedication to Liverpool Football Club I can only nominate the following-Billy Liddell,  Bob Paisley,Ronnie Moran,Roy Evans,all one club men who gave their heart and soul to this club.One other person I must nominate is ex club chairman T.V.Williams who had the vision to bring one Bill Shankly to the club and start the revolution in December 1959.

Supporters club thing. Decided the pub was more enticing. My dad is in the picture which was printed in the programme with the surname spelt wrong

A picture is a 1000 words anyway.

Stevie G for me.

we should discount Stevie because he could win most things and I think we are still yet to appreciate just how good he was often carrying some very average players to extra ordinary achievements.
I think Bill Shankly would have loved him in his teams

Jamie Carragher!

In terms of whom I’ve seen with my own eyes - and the reason I became a red at 6yrs of age - it’s Kenny.

A special talent. One every 3-4 generations maximum.

From the broader history there’s so many great ones. Shanks, Joe, Bob, Reuben, Ronnie but I guess I’d go for Billy Liddell or Cally just for their selfless commitment on the park.

There was one person that made me fall in love with this great club...Steve Heighway, but many down the ages that embodied what Liverpool was and meant to supporter some still with us, and some have passed. But all will live on in the through the annals of club history, but I have to go with the man who started my love affair with Liverpool and that was Steve Heighway

Nostalgia time being New Year etc. I have watched a lot of LFC TV over Christmas and it gets you thinking how many wonderful people from all over the world have represented this club. The club however has an energy that transcends all of time going back to 1892 and for me some players still embody this passion for the club and they become bigger and better players once they put on the Red Shirt.
Shankly obviously is seen as the father of our modern era but we did have a great history before then and many famous players great players put on the red shirt prior to 1959.
So who is your Liverpool player from any Era who represents what this club all about and for me it can only be Ian Callaghan a man who for 640 games lived and died for this club for 20 years he gave everything for Liverpool FC a local lad from Toxteth embodies what every player should show when putting on a Liverpool Shirt.
This is not a competition there are no winners I just want to know who is "Mr Liverpool" for you

Great topic Mate...  Sitting here reading these post with a tear in my eye, as i guess many here are too

There was one person that made me fall in love with this great club...Steve Heighway, but many down the ages that embodied what Liverpool was and meant to supporter some still with us, and some have passed. But all will live on in the through the annals of club history, but I have to go with the man who started my love affair with Liverpool and that was Steve Heighway

Steve Heighway oh how I wished for a pair of his football boots, He is another man who was very humble and served the club both as a player and as a coach.
Maybe there is some common theme about these legends in that they were all solid gold people down to earth hard working and very appreciative of the lives they led playing for and being associated with the Club and the City

Lucas deserves a shout in here as well.

Definitely Steven Gerrard. will never forget the joy he put on my face so many times and the times he saved us from defeats.

legend

For me it's Ronnie Moran. I was in bits the day I found out he'd passed away - more than I have been for any member of me own family going.

He did every single job at the club. From a schoolboy right up to a stint as manager of the club. He was there throughout our most successful period. While others may have come and gone (mainly through retirement) there was Ronnie and Roy Evans under each and every manager. When Souness changed the staff in the early 90s, he kept Ronnie on such was his importance to the club. Close to half a century with the club he loved.

Everybody who played under him tells the same stories as how he would be barking out instructions. How he would never let you rest on your laurels. How he made every single player who walked through the gates of Anfield realise that they are playing for the biggest and best club in the world.

Even long after his retirement, he'd still make trips to Melwood to help out. And he'd still be explaining to the modern day players that this is the biggest club in the world such was his love for our club.

He was everything you'd want a Liverpool man to be.

Lucas deserves a shout in here as well.

Not sure about that. Very loyal, but ultimately his style of play didn't suit PL. He does suit the Italian league. Alonso on the other hand, I'd argue he's a step up from Lucas and got himself a CL medal here. In 20 years time people will remember Alonso, but Lucas I'm not sure. The only cup we won during his time here was league cup and he was injured during that.

There’s so many, where do you start ?
And whoever I choose, I then think of another, or are reminded of someone else from other posts.
Not the earliest, or probably of the longevity of Sir Bob or Ronnie, but solely as a player, I’m gonna agree with a previous post.
The Mighty Emlyn !

Not everyone’s cup of tea, but Liverpool through and through !

Not sure about that. Very loyal, but ultimately his style of play didn't suit PL. He does suit the Italian league. Alonso on the other hand, I'd argue he's a step up from Lucas and got himself a CL medal here. In 20 years time people will remember Alonso, but Lucas I'm not sure. The only cup we won during his time here was league cup and he was injured during that.

I think the idea is to select who you think made the biggest impact on YOU !

Not to contradict others selections.

You clearly have social issues mate.

I think the idea is to select who you think made the biggest impact on YOU !

Not to contradict others selections.

You clearly have social issues mate.

no, the idea is who best represents the club not who the biggest impact on a fan. Who made the biggest impact on you would need a new thread. In my opinion it's got to be an elite player, or at least a player who won an important trophy here. If Lucas Levia is somebody's opinion of Liverpool greatness, upto them. It's weird though. We might as well give wee Joe Allen a mention then.

King Kenny! 

Really fantastic topic to post
Enjoying the trip down memory lane.
So many great players and wonderful men who are all worthy of being considered. We have an embarrassment of riches in this area.
It’s hard to not look beyond individuals who have given their entire professional lives to our club and in that regard, Paisley, Moran and Callaghan certainly fit the unique mold.
I am 42 now so I will go with Paisley, Moran and Dalglish.
Those three define to me my adoration and utter respect of what the club stands for.
Hard work, humility and honor.

Souness - embodies the arrogance of the mighty redmen when were on the f**king march.

That sight of him marching out onto the Rome pitch - no f**king fear!!

Here's one for you then:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ5LM03Ctwk

This may have been the first time I saw a Liverpool match on video - the replay that is (all I had back then). Before I became a fan, that didn't happen until I was able to go to Anfield 15 years later. But you might remember this one, hey?

Good shout.


He also was a brick layer and painter - if a job needed doing, Bob did it. I'm certain about the bricklaying and painting, think he may also have done some plumbing.


In a similar vein, Ronnie Moran was an incredible servant to the club.


Excellent topic.



Apart from people already mentioned, Billy Liddell & Craig Johnston stand out for me as people with that little extra heart and soul who represent Liverpool's values.

Mr Wiki pedia explains that Bob like his dad and brothers were miners, however when the pit closed down Bob learnt bricklaying and done that until he signed for Bishop Auckland...

....Ronnie Moran has to be up there alongside Bob, of course,
 i was going to mention him in my original post...and should have done to be honest,  so I'm glad DLS  has  him as his choice,

LFC would not be where we are today without these two Legends,
You can include Reuben Bennett & Tom Saunders too, When Shank's came in in '59' Reuben was already here, as was Bob, Ronnie & Joe Fagan, not entirely sure when Tom arrived , though i think he worked with the ressies ?


YNWA

Mr Wiki pedia explains that Bob like his dad and brothers were miners, however when the pit closed down Bob learnt bricklaying and done that until he signed for Bishop Auckland...

....Ronnie Moran has to be up there alongside Bob, of course,
 i was going to mention him in my original post...and should have done to be honest,  so I'm glad DLS  has  him as his choice,

LFC would not be where we are today without these two Legends,
You can include Reuben Bennett & Tom Saunders too, When Shank's came in in '59' Reuben was already here, as was Bob, Ronnie & Joe Fagan, not entirely sure when Tom arrived , though i think he worked with the ressies ?
YNWA

Wiki says Shankly hired Saunders in 1968 as youth development officer (first position of its type in English football). He did this as well as scouting until 1986. Prior to that he has coached both Liverpool and England schoolboys. He had been a teacher and headmaster in Wavertree before that. I had read about this but I didn't know he later was a member of the club board.

All this reminds me that while I have been reading LFC history since before I first visited Anfield 20 years ago, I still learn new things on a regular basis, such is its rich quality.

Phil Thompson should get a mention a local lad 6 stone wet through and Captain of a wonderful side.
Talking of brick laying I think Bob helped or built the Dug outs at Anfield there talents knew no bounds.
All these players had one thing in common .. a quiet self confidence and a strong belief in their team mates

Phil Thompson should get a mention a local lad 6 stone wet through and Captain of a wonderful side.
Talking of brick laying I think Bob helped or built the Dug outs at Anfield there talents knew no bounds.
All these players had one thing in common .. a quiet self confidence and a strong belief in their team mates

Yes, that's what I remember reading - that Bob helped build the dug outs.



There is a reference to him rebuilding the dugout at http://www.sixcrazyminutes.com/index.php?threads/bob-paisley.80107/


Which also hosts this rather staged photo







In 'The Real Bob Paisley' there's a quote from Tommy Smith about how a gateman was complaining to a groundsman about a girder sticking out at one of the turnstiles, Bob turning to Tommy & saying 'You're a strong lad, come with me,' and they sawed off the offending girder.

Fourth Place Cally

Third Place  Emlyn

Second Place  Kenny

First Place    Stevie

Not sure about that. Very loyal, but ultimately his style of play didn't suit PL. He does suit the Italian league. Alonso on the other hand, I'd argue he's a step up from Lucas and got himself a CL medal here. In 20 years time people will remember Alonso, but Lucas I'm not sure. The only cup we won during his time here was league cup and he was injured during that.

This is about heart and soul, not ability, not about what he won. Lucas's work, in the community and with the youth players, on and off the field, including those breaking into the first team is why he should be considered. His turning his injury into a learning experience that both helped him and benefitted this club is why he deserves a mention. Not the greatest player we've had, but underrated and undervalued during his time here, a player that utilised all his potential and used his knowledge to help others and those coming through. A player that got this club and one, if what I've heard about him are true, that has a chance to make a name for himself in coaching after he hangs up his boots.

I gave up on heroes a long time ago and whilst Lucas didn't make me believe in them again,  he made me have similar feelings and when it comes to heart and soul, he gave and bared both for this club which is why he deserves a mention in this thread and the respect and appreciation of the fans of this great club.

This is about heart and soul, not ability, not about what he won. Lucas's work, in the community and with the youth players, on and off the field, including those breaking into the first team is why he should be considered. His turning his injury into a learning experience that both helped him and benefitted this club is why he deserves a mention. Not the greatest player we've had, but underrated and undervalued during his time here, a player that utilised all his potential and used his knowledge to help others and those coming through. A player that got this club and one, if what I've heard about him are true, that has a chance to make a name for himself in coaching after he hangs up his boots.

I gave up on heroes a long time ago and whilst Lucas didn't make me believe in them again,  he made me have similar feelings and when it comes to heart and soul, he gave and bared both for this club which is why he deserves a mention in this thread and the respect and appreciation of the fans of this great club.

Spot on.

Kenny

This is about heart and soul, not ability, not about what he won. Lucas's work, in the community and with the youth players, on and off the field, including those breaking into the first team is why he should be considered. His turning his injury into a learning experience that both helped him and benefitted this club is why he deserves a mention. Not the greatest player we've had, but underrated and undervalued during his time here, a player that utilised all his potential and used his knowledge to help others and those coming through. A player that got this club and one, if what I've heard about him are true, that has a chance to make a name for himself in coaching after he hangs up his boots.

I gave up on heroes a long time ago and whilst Lucas didn't make me believe in them again,  he made me have similar feelings and when it comes to heart and soul, he gave and bared both for this club which is why he deserves a mention in this thread and the respect and appreciation of the fans of this great club.

sounds more reasonable with an explanation.

I'd personally think Kenny though.
Great player, won stuff, gave to charities, done things for us off the field. He even got knighted for his stuff.

Fourth Place Cally

Third Place  Emlyn

Second Place  Kenny

First Place    Stevie

Yes Skip, but i would suggest....

1 Paisley
2 Moran
3 Cally
4 Kenny
5 Stevie
6 Emlyn
7 Souness
8 T Smith
9 Carra
10 Liddle
11 Thommo
12 Neal
 
Many names could be added but only one sub allowed  back in the day. 😉


YNWA

Yes Skip, but i would suggest....

1 Paisley
2 Moran
3 Cally
4 Kenny
5 Stevie
6 Emlyn
7 Souness
8 T Smith
9 Carra
10 Liddle
11 Thommo
12 Neal
 
Many names could be added but only one sub allowed  back in the day. 😉


YNWA

Sorry to correct you mate but you have spelt my Hero's name wrong,it is Billy Liddell.Also there was no subs when we won our first F.A.Cup,hence Gerry Byrne playing near the full match with a broken collarbone.

Kenny - couldn’t be any simpler for me

Phil Neal would be a worthy shout well more than worthy actually he played an incredible 9 years 365 games consecutively  and won the odd trophy
Football League First Division (: 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86
Football League Cup (4): 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
FA Charity Shield (5): 1976, 1977 (shared), 1979, 1980, 1982
European Cup (4): 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84
UEFA Cup (1): 1975–76
UEFA Super Cup (1): 1977

Sorry to correct you mate but you have spelt my Hero's name wrong,it is Billy Liddell.Also there was no subs when we won our first F.A.Cup,hence Gerry Byrne playing near the full match with a broken collarbone.

I stand corrected Billy, appreciate you pointing it out.

YNWA

Phil Neal would be a worthy shout well more than worthy actually he played an incredible 9 years 365 games consecutively  and won the odd trophy
Football League First Division (: 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86
Football League Cup (4): 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
FA Charity Shield (5): 1976, 1977 (shared), 1979, 1980, 1982
European Cup (4): 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84
UEFA Cup (1): 1975–76
UEFA Super Cup (1): 1977

The most Decorated of all the players i believe Walton,  can't think of many who has won more ?


YNWA

In my personal lifetime, it's gotta be Dalglish - as a player and manager, he gave his everything to the club and the city.

Closely followed by Stevie, Jamie and Barnes.

Throughout history, I think Ian Callaghan spring to mind as all time

Lots of great shouts here.  As a kid, I remember Emlyn Hughes as being the embodiment of what Liverpool football club was all about.  Gave 100% every time he took to the pitch.

Also, his winding up of the blue-noses (Everton are tragic!) was pretty much the start of the bitterness that remains till this day.

Met him at a function 14/15 years ago and he was red through & through.