Sunday, February 25, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - No. 70 Ronnie Moran



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Coming in at number 70 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is Liverpool legend and 1950's full-back Ronnie Moran.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.


Name: Ronnie Moran

Years at Liverpool: 1952 to 1969 (as a player)
Position: Full-back

Date-of-birth: 28/2/1934
Birthplace: Crosby

Signed from: Amateur (January 1952)

Games: 379
Goals: 16

Honours: First Division Championship (1963/64), Second Division Championship (1961/62)

He may be more renowned for the sterling work he did as a member of Liverpool's fabled boot-room but Ronnie Moran's ability as a player with the Reds was equally commendable and should never be overlooked. He signed professional forms at Anfield just prior to his 18th birthday and made his debut away to Derby County in November 1952. A sturdy, reliable full-back, Moran was strong in the tackle and rarely beaten by an opposition winger for pace. It was following Liverpool's relegation to Division Two that he firmly established himself as a first-team regular and he became one of the mainstays in defence as the Reds frustratingly strove to reclaim their top-flight status. A highly consistent performer, the prematurely balding Moran could no doubt have commanded a starting place in many a First Division side of that time but such was his loyalty to the Anfield cause he never once sought a move to pastures new. His reward came when was handed the club captaincy, a role he carried out with great pride and distinction, but a series of injuries saw him sidelined for lengthy spell shortly after Bill Shankly's appointment as manager. Once fully recovered he played his part in Liverpool eventually winning promotion in 1961/62 and was then an almost ever-present as the title of the First Division was clinched two season's later. As well as his defensive capabilities, Moran was also well-known for his dead-ball expertise but unfortunately shook the Kop for the wrong reasons when he infamously missed a penalty in a FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Swansea at Anfield in 1964. With age catching up on him, Moran gradually saw his first team opportunities decrease and he played his last senior game for the club in the second leg of the European Cup semi-final against Internazionale in 1965. A position coaching the youngsters beckoned and the rest is history. He later served the club in a variety of back-room capacities until his eventual retirement from the game in the late 1990's. A true Liverpool legend, in every sense of the word.

Sold to: Retired (1969)

Claim to fame: Serving the club so loyally for almost 50 years

Did you know? He won no international honours but twice represented the Football League

Where is he now? Enjoying retirement but still a regular visitor to Melwood during the week and Anfield on match-days

Friday, February 23, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 71: Paul Walsh



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Dribbling his way into our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown at number 71 is skilful striker of the mid-eighties Paul Walsh.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.

Name: Paul Walsh

Years at Liverpool: 1984 to 1988

Date-of-birth: 1/10/1962
Birthplace: Plumstead

Signed from: Luton Town (May 1984)

Games: 112
Goals: 37

Honours: First Division Championship (1985/86)

Despite never really fulfilling the vast potential he arrived with, Paul Walsh was a big favourite among Liverpool supporters during the four years he spent at Anfield. It was in May 1984 that Walsh, then of Luton, was voted PFA Young Player of the Year and rated as one of the hottest striking prospects in the country. A host of top clubs courted his signature but armed with a cheque for £700,000 Joe Fagan swooped first. With a style of play reminiscent of Kenny Dalglish, the signing of Walsh was greeted with excitement in the red half of Merseyside and the England international did not take long to make an impression, netting after just 14-seconds of his home debut in a 3-0 win over West Ham. His close control and silky skills in front of goal were a joy to watch and the likeable Cockney, with his flowing blonde mullet, quickly endeared himself to the fans. A last-ditch equaliser in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Goodison raised his profile further and he started the 1985/86 season in blistering form. Unfortunately, an injury sustained against the same opponents in February 1986 was to cruelly curtail his season and signal the start of an injury-plagued spell that was to blight his time at Anfield. After watching from the sidelines as Liverpool completed the League and FA Cup double, Walsh bounced back the following season with a memorable hat-trick at home to Norwich and in response to press speculation that he might be sold, the Kop rallied around him with incessant chants of 'There's Only One Paul Walsh'. His outstanding form during this time looked to have secured his future at the club but with John Aldridge and Peter Beardsley soon added to the Anfield attacking ranks the writing was on the wall for the waspish Walsh and in February 1988 he eventually conceded defeat, returning to his native London in a £500,000 deal that took him to Tottenham. His loyal fans may have mourned his departure but the fond memories will always remain.

Sold to: Tottenham Hotspur (February 1988)

Claim to fame: Scoring one of Anfield's quickest-ever goals

Did you know? He played in two major Cup Finals for Liverpool but was on the losing side in both (1985 European Cup and 1987 Littlewoods Cup)

Where is he now? Living on the south coast, working in property and as a media pundit

Rob McCaffrey on Paul Walsh: "When Paul Walsh signed for Liverpool I thought he was the nearest thing I'd seen to Kenny Dalglish, in terms of the physique and the way he played with his back to goal and the skill."

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 72: Ephraim Longworth



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At number 72 in our ’100 Players Who Shook The Kop’ countdown is long-serving defender of Liverpool’s early days, Ephraim Longworth.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.

Name: Ephraim Longworth

Years at Liverpool: 1910 to 1928
Position: Full-back

Date-of-birth: 2/10/1887
Birthplace: Halliwell, near Bolton

Signed from: Leyton (June 1910)

Games: 371
Goals: 0

Honours: First Division Championship (1921/22, 1922/23)

Ephraim Longworth was one of the dominant and influential figures of Liverpool's early history and the first Anfield player to captain England, a notable achievement for which he'll forever be remembered. Described as 'a prince among full-backs', he was one of the most consistent defenders Liverpool have ever had on their books and his Reds career, from start to finish, covered a remarkable 18 years. During this time he captained the club with distinction and won two Championship medals. Halliwell-born, he joined the club for a substantial fee in 1910 following spells with Bolton and Leyton. His signing was the last made by secretary/manager Tom Watson but it was certainly one of his most inspired. With a lock of hair hanging over his forehead, Longworth was an instantly recognisable figure, whose composed style of play meant that his position at right-back was rarely threatened during his early years on Merseyside. He played in the FA Cup final against Burnley in 1914 and would continue to be a key member of the team for several seasons after the war, a rich period that saw the Reds memorably clinch back-to-back League titles in 1921 and 1922. Renowned as a superb kicker with either foot, Longworth made a total of 371 appearances for Liverpool but famously never scored a goal. He also won five England caps, skippering them against Belgium in 1921. In 1928 he finally brought the curtain down on his lengthy Liverpool career but stayed on at the club for a long while afterwards, first as a faithful member of the back-room team and then on the Anfield ground staff.

Sold to: Retired (May 1928)

Claim to fame: Being the first Liverpool player to captain England

Did you know? In 371 first team appearances for the Reds he failed to score a single goal

Where is he now? Passed away on 7 January 1968

Stephen Done on Ephraim Longworth: "If you go into the museum at the moment there's a piece of film with a groundsman on a misty day and he tells a story about spreading the ashes of one of our supporters in front of the goal and he says 'you don't want to put them there, he may jump up and stop the ball going in'. That is Ephraim Longworth. He served the club from just after the first world war up to the late Sixties."

Saturday, February 17, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 73: Peter Crouch



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At number 73 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is the current spearhead of Liverpool's attack, Peter Crouch.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.


Name: Peter Crouch

Years at Liverpool: 2005 to present

Date-of-birth: 30/1/1981
Birthplace: Macclesfield

Signed from: Southampton (July 2005)

Games: 49
Goals: 13

Honours: FA Cup (2006)

It's fair to say that more than a few eyebrows were raised when Rafa Benitez earmarked Peter Crouch as one of his main transfer targets during the close-season of 2005. The gangling six foot seven inch tall striker, who'd previously experienced spells at Tottenham, QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Norwich, had enjoyed a fine season at Southampton and gave Jamie Carragher a torrid time in a game at St Mary's in January 2005. He'd also broken into the full England set-up but serious doubts were expressed among some supporters about whether or not he was a 'Liverpool' type of player. However, almost one year on, and Crouch has firmly established as an Anfield favourite after enjoying an excellent debut season in red. For such a big man he surprisingly possesses a deft touch, while his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play has been an equally valuable asset. It took him until December to net his first Liverpool goal but the fans stood loyally by him throughout this much-publicised goal drought and he has since more than repaid them, most notably with famous strikes against Everton in the Premiership and Manchester United in the FA Cup. The latter certainly shaking Kop as it secured our first FA Cup win over United in 85 years and ensured the Reds remained on course for Cardiff. Crouchy went on to end the season as the proud owner of a FA Cup winner's medal, was part of the England squad that travelled to Germany for the World Cup and is potential Liverpool legend of the future.

Claim to fame: His FA Cup winner v Manchester United

Did you know? He was once a ball-boy at Stamford Bridge

Chris Bascombe on Peter Crouch: "Peter Crouch is very much a player brought for a specific purpose. Bill Shankly did it when he brought John Toshack and Crouch is very much in that kind of mould for the little men to feed off. He holds the ball, to relieve the pressure and to offer a different option and he's done that extremely well."

Thursday, February 15, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 74: Jack Balmer



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At number 74 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is Jack Balmer, a famous and prolific goalscorer for the Reds either side of the Second World War.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.



Name: Jack Balmer

Years at Liverpool: 1935 to 1952
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 6/9/1916
Birthplace: Liverpool

Signed from: Everton (May 1925)

Games: 313
Goals: 111

Honours: First Division Championship (1946/47)

Jack Balmer achieved everlasting fame with a remarkable and unprecedented goalscoring achievement in November 1946, when he stole the sporting headlines by netting three hat-tricks in as many games. It was the undoubted highlight of a distinguished 17-year career at Anfield, during which time he captained the club and won a First Division Championship medal. A centre forward who possessed pace and skill in equal abundance, Balmer packed a powerful shot. He loved to try his luck from any distance and was forever on the lookout for goalscoring opportunities. He established himself as a regular in Liverpool's first team during the late 1930's and was being tipped for an international call-up before the outbreak of War interrupted his career. When League Football resumed in August 1946 Balmer was considered a veteran of the side and his balding head disguised the fact that he had only just turned 30. It was to be a momentous season for him in more ways than one. Together with new signing Albert Stubbins he fired the club to an unexpected title triumph. He netted 24 times, which was a personal season best, and ten of them came during his famous purple patch in November. Amazingly, despite his heroic hat-trick of hat-tricks, Balmer could never claim to be a firm favourite among the fickle Liverpudlians of the time. Despite being a native of the city, his middle class upbringing earmarked him as a predictable target of the mainly working class Anfield crowd, as did his dislike for the physical aspect of the game, especially when the Reds were enduring a lean spell. A loyal club servant, Balmer eventually hung up his boots in the early 1950s, having played his last game at the age of 36. He may not have won many popularity contests on the Kop but there can be no doubting that his exploits in front of goal shook the famous old terrace. And whenever the subject of hat-tricks are mentioned in the pubs around Anfield you can be sure the name of Jack Balmer will figure prominently.

Sold to: Retired (1952)

Claim to fame: His hat-trick of hat-tricks

Did you know? He started his career as an amateur with Everton, for whom his two famous uncles, Walter and Tom Balmer, had played at the turn of the century

Where is he now? Went to work in the family joinery business after leaving Liverpool and passed away on Christmas Day 1984

Stephen Done on Jack Balmer: "He looked more like an open university professor than a footballer but he was a very good, honest, hard working servant of the club whose best years were probably lost to the war. He was an unsung hero and if you read the match reports of that time you realise he was solid as a rock and dependable."

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 75: Brian Hall



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At number 75 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is Brian Hall, a 1970s midfield terrier who is still playing an important role at the club today.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.

Name: Brian Hall

Years at Liverpool: 1968 to 1976

Date-of-birth: 22/11/1946
Birthplace: Glasgow

Signed from: University (July 1968)

Games: 222
Goals: 21

Honours: First Division Championship (1972/73), FA Cup (1974), UEFA Cup (1973), Charity Shield (1974)

A graduate of Manchester University, Brian Hall signed professional forms for Liverpool in July 1968 at the relatively late age of 22. He arrived during a period of change at the club and, after patiently biding his time in the reserves, broke into the first team at the start of the 1970s. Small in stature but with the heart of a lion, Hall was a terrier-like midfielder who's stamina and sheer hard work made him a valuable asset in Bill Shankly's second great team. His diminutive frame and academic background earned him the moniker of 'Little Bamber' and it was in the 1970/71 season that he firmly established himself as a Reds regular. He famously netted in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton at Old Trafford and played in the final defeat to Arsenal. It was a disappointment he made up for three years later though, missing just one game during that memorable cup run of 1974 and scored the crucial opener in the semi-final replay victory over Leicester. The previous season he'd also been part of the squad that tasted League Championship and UEFA Cup success but was bizzarely overlooked by Scotland boss Willie Ormond for the World Cup in West Germany. Jimmy Case's sudden rise through the ranks eventually resulted in Hall losing his place in the side halfway through the 1975/76 season and he moved on to Plymouth during the summer that followed. He finished his career back in the north-west at Burnley before returning to the club as head of public relations. A fine club servant in more ways than one.

Sold to: Plymouth Argyle (July 1976)

Claim to fame: Scoring in two FA Cup semi-finals in the 1970s

Did you know? He worked as a school teacher and in local government after hanging up his boots

Where is he now? Working for Liverpool as head of Public Relations

John Bishop on Brian Hall: "If you look at Brian Hall he looks like a librarian or a bank manager but on the pitch he was as hard as nails and he was playing with skill at a time when you could kick people."

Sunday, February 11, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 76: Ronny Rosenthal



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Bursting into our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown at number 76 is Ronny Rosenthal, every Liverpudlian's favourite Israeli.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.

Name: Ronny Rosenthal

Years at Liverpool: 1990 to 1993
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 11/10/1963
Birthplace: Haifa, Israel

Signed from: Standard Liege (March 1990)

Games played: 97
Goals scored: 22

Honours won: First Division Championship (1989/90, Charity Shield (1990)

Sold to: Tottenham Hotspur (January 1994)

'Rocket Ronny' burst onto the Anfield scene with devastating effect during the run-in to the 1989/90 season. Initially signed on loan from Standard Liege, the Israeli international striker put a smile back on Liverpudlian faces in the immediate aftermath of a moral-shattering FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace. After impressing for the reserves he was thrown into first team action and didn't disappoint, sensationally hitting a hat-trick on his full debut away to Charlton. He managed to net a further four goals as the Reds wrapped up their last league title and a bright future on Merseyside beckoned. A permanent £1 million deal to sign him was sealed that summer but, sadly, he was never able to repeat the goalscoring heroics that catapulted him to cult-status on the Kop during the spring of 1990. Despite his unique, unorthodox, running style, Rosenthal's ability to barge his way through opposition defences made him a valuable asset but more often that not it was as a substitute that his talents were utilised. In September 1992 he achieved fame for the wrong reasons when missing an open goal in a 4-2 Liverpool defeat at Villa Park yet he still remained a firm crowd favourite. Later that season Rosenthal scored a much-celebrated last-minute winner in a Merseyside derby, which was to be his parting gift to the club before his £250,000 departure to Tottenham in January 1994.

Claim to fame: Becoming the first player since Bobby Graham to score a hat-trick for Liverpool on his full league debut

Did you know? He was the last Israeli to represent the Reds

Where is he now? Working as football agent back in his native Israel

Les Lawson on Ronny Rosenthal: "He was a very enigmatic player, sometimes he wouldn't be in the game and the next thing he'd burst to life and beat three players and score a wonder goal. He was a player I did enjoy watching and he did score some valuable goals for the club."

Friday, February 9, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 77: David Johnson



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At number 77 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is striker David Johnson, an unsung member of the great Liverpool side that dominated in the late 70s/early 80s.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.

Name: David Johnson

Years at Liverpool: 1976 to 1982
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 23/10/51
Birthplace: Liverpool

Signed from: Ipswich Town (August 1976)

Games played: 209
Goals scored: 78

Honours won: First Division Championship (1976/77, 78/79 & 79/80), European Cup (1981), League Cup (1982), European Super Cup (1977), Charity Shield (1979 & 1980)

Sold to: Everton (May 1982)

David Johnson was an unsung member of the great Liverpool team that dominated at home and abroad in the late seventies and early eighties. He may not have earned the plaudits that came the way of his striker partner of the time Kenny Dalglish but he contributed with some vital goals and his presence in the team was highly valued by the backroom staff at Anfield. A boyhood Liverpool fan, Johnson began his career across the park at Everton in the early seventies and enjoyed meteoric success as he rose through the ranks at Goodison, establishing himself as a teenage scoring sensation with goals on his debut for the Blues in every competition - including the Merseyside derby! He was surprisingly sold to Ipswich on 1972 and continued to impress during a successful spell in East Anglia. International recognition soon came his way and in the long hot summer of 1976 Bob Paisley forked out a club record £200,000 to bring him home. It was a dream move for Garston-born 'Johnno' and by the end of his first season with the Reds he was the proud owner of a League Championship medal. Strong in the air and a powerful forward runner, Johnson was both a goalscorer and goal maker. His predatory instincts were certainly in evidence on 5 April 1978 when he achieved the unique distinction of becoming the first player to score for both teams in a Mersey derby, netting the only goal of a 1-0 victory in front of the Gwladys Street, but it was not until the 1978/79 season that he became an automatic choice in the first eleven. He top-scored the following season with an impressive 21 League strikes, including two in the title clincher against Aston Villa, and won a European Cup winners medal in 1981. However, despite his popularity on and off the pitch, the emergence of a young Ian Rush signalled the beginning of the end for him at Anfield and eventually resulted him moving back to Everton in 1982.

Claim to fame: Being the first player to score winning goals for both Everton and Liverpool in the Merseyside derby

Did you know? He once knocked himself unconscious by running into the goalpost when scoring in a 3-0 win against Derby County at Anfield in April 1980.

Where is he now? Living locally and popping up regularly on the after-dinner circuit.

John Keith on David Johnson: "He was a tremendous centre forward who would run all day and put himself about. Sadly, there aren't a lot like him around today. He would run through a barn door! Local lad of course, schooled at Everton and had this wonderful record of scoring on his debut at every level, moved on and then came to Liverpool. When I think of David I see the ball coming over and the headers going in."

Thursday, February 8, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 78: Sam Raybould



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Thanks to his prolific goalscoring form during the early years of the 20th century Sam Raybould has made it into our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown at number 78.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.

To watch the clip, click here>>

Name: Sam Raybould

Years at Liverpool: 1900 to 1907

Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 1875
Birthplace: Chesterfield

Signed from: New Brighton Tower (January 1900)

Games: 225
Goals: 128

Honours won: First Division Championship (1900/01, 1905/06) Second Division Championship (1904/05), Dewar Shield (1906)

Sam Raybould was Liverpool's original record-breaking marksman and for the first 37 years of the club's existence it was his name that headed the all-time Anfield goalscoring chart. Way back in the early days of the last century he set the standards for every future Reds striker to follow and his goals played a prominent role in Liverpool's earliest triumphs. The Chesterfield-born centre-forward did not have far to travel when he joined the club in January 1900, hopping on the Mersey ferry and putting pen to paper to complete his transfer from New Brighton Tower, having previously played for Ilkeston Town, Chesterfield, Derby County. He was pitched immediately into the Liverpool first team and a week after making his debut scored the then fastest-ever goal in a Merseyside derby, finding the back of the net after just 30 seconds in an otherwise disappointing 3-1 reverse at Goodison. He served notice of his outstanding ability in front of goal by netting a further six goals in the remaining ten games he played in that season before exploding out of the starting blocks at the start of the following campaign. It was to a be a historic season at Anfield with the First Division Championship trophy taking residence in the club boardroom for the first time come the end of April and there’s no doubt that had it not been for the prolific scoring form of Raybould such a triumph wouldn’t have been possible. The moustachioed master marksman continued to find the net on a regular basis and in 1902/03 wrote his name indelibly into the record books by setting a new League record of 31 goals in a single season. A hat-trick against Manchester United in the promotion-winning campaign of 1904/05 no doubt raised his popularity even higher and despite switching positions to inside-left the goals continued to flow for the big striker. In his final season with the club – 1906/07 - he signed off on a high note by topping the Anfield scoring charts for the fourth time in seven seasons and duly netting in his final ever game for the Reds. A move to Sunderland followed but his stay on Wearside was a brief one and his illustrious career eventually petered out at Highbury with Woolwich Arsenal, who he represented for two seasons before hanging up his shooting boots for good.

Sold to: Sunderland (May 1907)

Claim to fame: Being the club's all-time leading goalscorer until 1931

Did you know? He scored Liverpool's first-ever hat-trick against Manchester United and the club's faster-ever goal against Everton

Where is he now? Has long since passed away but details of his death are unknown

Stephen Done on Sam Raybould: " He was only here for seven seasons but in that time he notched up three club records. He really made a mark and if he was around today you'd probably want to sign him."

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 79: Patrick Berger



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Blasting his way into our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is the attacking Czech Republic midfielder Patrik Berger.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.


Name: Patrik Berger

Years at Liverpool: 1996 to 2003

Date-of-birth: 10/11/1973
Birthplace: Prague

Position: Attacking midfielder
Signed from: Borussia Dortmund

Games: 196
Goals: 35

Honours: FA Cup (2001), UEFA Cup (2001), Charity Shield (2001)

Signed by Roy Evans in a £3.2 million deal just months after impressing for the Czech Republic in Euro 96, Patrik Berger made an explosive start to his Liverpool career. A Bundesliga winner with Borussia Dortmund, he came off the bench to net twice in only his second game – a 3-0 win away to Leicester – then repeated the feat on his first home start as Chelsea suffered a 5-1 drubbing. Not surprisingly, the fans took to Berger straight away following these early goalscoring heroics, while his flowing dark locks drew an army of female admirers. Possessing pace, skill and a thunderous shot he was a lethal weapon in the Liverpool armory but injuries were to frustratingly plague him for much of his time at Anfield. Despite being one of the club's most exciting attacking talents he fell out of favour with the manager towards the end of the 1997/98 season and at one point looked to be on the verge of leaving. Fortunately, for Berger, Evans was soon replaced by Gerard Houllier and the new boss showed faith in him, for which he was rewarded with an impressive run of form from the left-sided Czech international. Unfortunately, he was then hit by injury again, although he recovered in time to play a bit-part in both the FA and UEFA Cup Finals in May 2001. But with new blood being drafted in by Houllier time was running out for Berger to stake his claim for a regular starting place and after suffering more ill-fortune with regards his fitness it came as a shock to no-one when he was allowed to leave on a free transfer during the summer of 2003. He left having not fulfilled the vast potential he arrived with but will always be warmly remembered by his many fans at Anfield.

Sold to: Portsmouth (July 2003)

Claim to fame: Hitting the defence-splitting pass that set Michael Owen up for the winning goal in the 2001 FA Cup Final

Did you know? He scored a penalty in Czech Republic's 2-1 defeat to Germany in the final of Euro 96

Where is he now? Aston Villa

Chris Bascombe on Patrik Berger: "He was a very elegant midfield player, with lots of skill. I remember speaking to Jamie Redknapp when Patrik was first getting into the team and he said he was one of the best midfielders he's ever played against and a real class player. I think injuries took their toll in the end but again you know Patrik left a lot of fantastic goals for us all to remember him by, and also that pass for Michael Owen in the FA Cup Final which helped Liverpool win that cup."

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 80: Tommy Lawrence



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Diving full length into our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is legendary goalkeeper of the sixties Tommy Lawrence, aka 'The Flying Pig'.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.


Name: Tommy Lawrence

Years at Liverpool: 1957 to 1971

Position: Goalkeeper

Date-of-birth: 14/5/1940
Birthplace: Ayrshire

Signed from: Warrington (October 1957)

Games: 390
Clean Sheets: 133

Honours: First Division Championship (1963/64, 1965/66), FA Cup (1965), Charity Shield (1964, 1965, 1966)

The role Tommy Lawrence played in the success enjoyed by Bill Shankly's first great Liverpool team during the 1960s should never be underestimated. Affectionately dubbed 'The Flying Pig', his contribution is often overlooked when compared to that of his more illustrious team-mates but there's no doubting he was a key member of the side that swept all before them in a glory-laden spell between 1964 and 1966. Having joined the Reds as an apprentice, Lawrence had to bide his time before establishing himself as the undisputed number one between the sticks at Anfield. It was in October 1962 that he made his debut and he remained an almost permanent fixture in the senior side for the best part of the next decade. At 14 stone you'd assumed he wasn't the most agile of keepers but he often thwarted opposition forwards with spectacular flying saves, hence the nickname. The Scottish stopper, who mysteriously won just three international caps, was also renowned for the speed at which he'd rush off his line to sniff out danger and was famously dubbed by Joe Mercer as football's first 'sweeper keeper'. An amazingly consistent performer, Lawrence very rarely missed games and was an ever-present in the 65/66 title-winning campaign. He'd already won a Championship medal two seasons earlier and played in every match during the memorable run to a first FA Cup triumph in 1965, while in 1968/69 he conceded only 24 League goals, which was then a record for a 42-match season. The emergence of a young Ray Clemence in the early seventies was to signal the end of a colourful Anfield career for the ever-popular Lawrence and in 1971, aged 31 and just 10 games short of 400 appearances for the Reds, he made the short trip across the Mersey to join Tranmere Rovers.

Sold to: Tranmere Rovers (September 1971)

Claim to fame: Being the first so-called 'sweeper keeper'

Did you know? Despite being born in Scotland he was brought up in Lancashire after his family moved there when he was a young boy

Where is he now? Retired and living in Warrington

Ron Yeats on Tommy Lawrence: "We used to call him the Flying Pig. He was a little bit overweight but he was a good goalkeeper. When you last ten years as the Liverpool goalkeeper you must have something and Tommy had a lot."

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 81: Alan A'Court



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At number 81 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is stalwart winger of the fifties and early sixties, Alan A'Court.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.


Name: Alan A'Court

Years at Liverpool: 1952 to 1964

Position: Outside-left

Signed from: Prescot Cables (September 1962)

Date-of-birth: 30/9/1934
Birthplace: Rainhill

Games: 382
Goals: 63

Honours: Second Division Championship (1961/62)

Had Alan A'Court been born ten years later he'd no doubt be able to now boast a medal collection to rival those of the more decorated colleagues in the Liverpool Former Players Association. It's an unfortunate fact of life that his best days in at Anfield coincided with the most barren spell in the history of the club. His talents deserved more yet he remained loyal to the club he's supported since a child and refused to turn his back on the Second Division Reds, despite strong interest from several top-flight clubs, including Arsenal. Signed from Prescot Cables as an 18-year-old in September 1952, A'Court spurned the advances of Everton and Bolton to become an Anfield apprentice. A speedy left-winger who packed a powerful shot, he worked his way rapidly through the junior ranks and just six months after joining made his first team debut away to Middlesbrough. Sadly Liverpool were not the powerful force they had been in the immediate post-war years and the following season A’Court played 16 times as the Reds dropped through the First Division trapdoor. Stepping into the shoes of the great Billy Liddell was a daunting task but not one that overawed the youngster and he soon established himself as a first team regular. In January 1955 he made a famous goalscoring contribution in a much-celebrated FA Cup win over Everton and international recognition beckoned. He represented the Reds at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden and few could have held it against A'Court if he’d decided to desert the Liverpool ship that found it so hard to escape the muddy waters of Division Two during the mid-to-late fifties. But it was never an option he seriously considered and his loyalty paid off in 1962 when, as an ever-present, he celebrated promotion back to the big time. He played 23 times during the Reds first season back among the elite but injuries began to take their toll and the end was in sight. Following the arrival of Peter Thompson, A'Court was allowed to leave and the curtain came down on an illustrious, if not entirely glorious, Liverpool career when he joined Tranmere for £4,500 in 1964.

Sold to: Tranmere Rovers (1964)

Claim to fame: Representing England at the 1958 World Cup despite plying his domestic trade in Division Two for Liverpool.

Did you know? He was one of only two players to suffer relegation with the Reds in 1954 and promotion eight years later

Where is he now? Retired and living in Nantwich

Ron Yeats on Alan A'Court: "He was a little bit like Harry Kewell; he could go past people and was a great crosser of the ball from any angle. I think our strikers of that day Roger Hunt and Ian St John fed a lot from him."

Saturday, February 3, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 82: Phil Taylor



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Phil Taylor, one of Liverpool FC's finest ever servants, has been voted in at number 82 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.


Name: Phil Taylor

Years at Liverpool: 1936 to 1954 (as a player)

Date-of-birth: 18/9/1917
Birthplace: Bristol

Signed from: Bristol Rovers (March 1936)

Games: 345
Goals: 34

Honours: First Division Championship (1946/47)

Phil Taylor is one of Liverpool Football Club's greatest ever servants. Signed from his hometown club Bristol Rovers as an 18-year old in 1936 he went on to serve the Reds for 23 years as a player, coach and manager. It's as Bill Shankly's predecessor in the Anfield hot-seat for which he's probably most remembered but that should not be allowed to overshadow his exemplary playing career on Merseyside. An England schoolboy captain, who was originally an inside-forward, he cost a modest fee of £5,000 and marked his Liverpool debut by scoring a last-minute goal that rescued a point in a 2-2 draw away to Derby County. But it was to be in the half-back line that Taylor firmly established himself at Anfield and it wasn't long before he was being widely hailed as a player of supreme elegance. Oozing class and professionalism, he was a fine ambassador for the club and proved to be the ideal replacement for an ageing Matt Busby. The outbreak of World War Two halted the fine progress he was making but by the time League football resumed in 1946, the now 29-year old was at the peak of his game. He made 35 appearances as the Reds upset the odds to snatch the inaugural post-war title and his talent did not go unnoticed by the FA who awarded him three England caps in 1947. In 1949/50 he was seen as the natural candidate to succeed Jack Balmer as Liverpool captain and later that season proudly became the first man to lead this club out at Wembley, although a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal ruined his big day. As Liverpool slid towards the Second Division in the years that followed Taylor continued to be a regular and reliable member of the team's defence but played just six times in the season that relegation was finally confirmed. His last appearance was on Christmas Day 1953 and upon hanging up his boots he was offered a position on the backroom staff. Within two years he had taken over from Don Welsh as manager, a role he occupied until November 1959.

Sold to: Retired (July 1954)

Claim to fame: Being the first captain to lead Liverpool out at Wembley

Did you know? He played first-class cricket for Gloucestershire

Where is he now? Retired, living in Blundellsands and still a regular at all Liverpool home games

Stephen Done on Phil Taylor: "Full respect to Phil Taylor. Definitely one of our great players of all-time. And the lovely thing about it is that he still comes to the games even now. I don't know whether he's been to every game but he must have been to as many games as probably anybody around I would think – you know, between playing, managing and watching."

Thursday, February 1, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 83: Michael Thomas



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At number 83 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is a player who once broke Liverpudlian hearts but later won them over - Michael Thomas.
Four years after our ground-breaking '100 Days That Shook The Kop', we are delighted to invite you to enjoy our new '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' series – the definitive countdown of the 100 players who have made the biggest impact at Liverpool.

Over 110,000 supporters have all nominated their own personal Top 10 players in order of impact made and now the definitive top 100 countdown is underway.

Every player who has made the top 100 – and there are some surprises in there - will be honoured on this website via the e-Season ticket console with a specially produced video clip, including archive footage and exclusive interviews.

Since 1892 hundreds of players have represented this club but everyone has their own particular favourites so don't expect this list to be based solely on talent. The greatness of a player can be measured in many ways – obviously, his ability on the pitch is the most important, but 100 PWSTK is much more than that. It's about the impact the individuals chosen have had on this club, be it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was because of their unique rapport with the crowd, a specific incident that has never been forgotten or anything else that has left a lasting impression.

Name: Michael Thomas

Years at Liverpool: 1991 to 1998

Date-of-birth: 24/8/1967
Birthplace: Lambeth

Signed from: Arsenal (December 1991)

Games: 161
Goals: 12

Honours won: FA Cup (1992)

Michael Thomas initially shook the Kop for all the wrong reasons but was later forgiven by the Anfield faithful when he netted one of the best-ever FA Cup Final goals. It was in May 1989 that his last-gasp goal for Arsenal cruelly snatched the title from Liverpool's grasp. No Reds fan present that evening will ever forget the gut-wrenching moment his close-range effort hit the back of the Anfield Road net and at that time you'd have no doubt got odds of over a million-to-one on him one day donning a shirt embossed with the famous Liver Bird crest. But just over two-and-a-half years later Thomas was doing exactly that after manager Graeme Souness splashed out £2 million to sign him. It was with some scepticism that Kopites first greeted the man who'd broken their hearts in such dramatic fashion but the London-born midfielder soon won them over. Bought as a replacement for Steve McMahon, Thomas enjoyed an impressive Reds debut when coming off the bench in a 2-1 away win at Tottenham. Fast and powerful, his surging runs from the centre of the park played a key role in Liverpool's surge to the 1992 FA Cup Final. He netted the crucial winner that saw off Aston Villa in the last eight but it was his performance in the final at Wembley for which he's most fondly remembered. His stunning volley fired Liverpool into the lead against Sunderland and he later set-up the clinching goal in a 2-0 victory. A bright future on Merseyside seemingly beckoned for the now popular Cockney but he then frustratingly succumbed to a series of injuries, the most notable being a ruptured Achilles tendon, which curtailed his progress. As a result, his Liverpool career never took off in the way it should and he eventually left Anfield in 1998 to team up with Souness once again at Benfica. Injuries may have prevented him from becoming an all-time Liverpool great but at least he left in the knowledge that he'd earned redemption from the Kop.

Sold to: Benfica (August 1998)

Claim to fame: Scoring the spectacular opening goal of the 1992 FA Cup Final

Did you know? He's a main-stand season ticket holder at Anfield and travelled to Istanbul as a fan

Where is he now? Running a VIP security firm, based on the Wirral

John Keith on Michael Thomas: "He was a very gifted player Michael Thomas but sadly the victim of injuries, too many injuries really stopped him making a very deep impact at Liverpool, but he has his own two niches in history and he will always be remembered for those."