Saturday, March 31, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 55: Steven Finnan



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Current Reds right-back Steve Finnan, aka Mr Consistency, has been voted into our '100 PWSTK' countdown at number 55.
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: Steve Finnan

Years at Liverpool: 2003 to present
Position: Right back

Date of birth: 24/04/1976
Birthplace: Limerick

Signed from: Fulham (July 2003)

Games: 135
Goals: 1

Honours: European Cup (2005), FA Cup (2006), Super Cup (2005)

Republic of Ireland international Steve Finnan has been a model of consistency at right back under the management of Rafael Benitez. Limerick-born but English-raised, Finnan began his career with non-league Welling United, turning professional with Birmingham City in 1995, but, soon moved on to Notts County. After some strong showings for County in 1997-98, then Fulham boss Keving Keegan paid £600,000 for his services and it was at Craven Cottage that his talents first came to the fore. Gerard Houllier snapped him up for £3.75m during the summer of 2003 but after a fairly ordinary debut season at Anfield the jury was out on him. When Benitez then took over the managerial reigns at Anfield many believed Finnan would be automatically deemed surplus to requirements, especially when Spanish right-back Josemi was brought in. However, he successfully fought of any threat to his place in the starting eleven and enjoyed an outstanding 2004/2005 season that culminated in Champions League success. A good attacking right-back, he provides the team with width and balance down the flank when going forward and reliability when defending. His stock rose once again last season when he produced another faultless campaign, which was capped by FA Cup glory in May, and he's now firmly established as one of the mainstays of Rafa's team. Quiet and unassuming, the likeable Irishman has become a firm favourite with the fans and is equally popular among team-mates. Arguably the finest right-back in Britain at the moment, Finnan's steady rather than spectacular style may not have rocked the Kop as such but his sterling displays at the back have played a prominent role in Liverpool's recent triumphs and should he maintain his current rate of progression then we may well be describing him has one of this club's all-time greats in years to come.

Claim to fame: He is the only member of the current Liverpool squad to have played in every English division, from Conference to Premiership

Did you know? He played in all of Ireland's games at the 2002 World Cup in Japan/Korea

John Arne Riise on Steve Finnan: "Maybe for me this year the best right back in the Premier League. So relaxed, shows that he's confident with the ball. People don't think he's the quickest but he's reading the game very good. For me he's a very good right back I'm very happy that he stayed last year."

Thursday, March 29, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 56: Bob Paisley



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He's more famous for his legendary deeds as a manager but Bob Paisley was not a bad player either, hence his inclusion at number 56 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: Bob Paisley

Years at Liverpool: 1939 to 1954

Date-of-birth: 23/1/1919
Birthplace: Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham

Signed from: Bishop Auckland

Games: 278
Goals: 13

Honours: First Division Championship 1946/47

He's obviously more famous for his achievements as Liverpool manager but it should never be forgotten that Bob Paisley was an influential figure in the club's immediate post-war era. An FA Amateur Cup winner with Bishop Auckland, he signed for the Reds as a 20-year old in 1939 but had to wait until the hostilities were over until making his official debut. Once the League Football resumed in 1946 he quickly established himself as a tough, uncompromising, half-back in the team that lifted the inaugural post-war Championship. But in 1950, after famously netting in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton at Maine Road, he found himself unceremoniously dropped from the starting line-up for the club's first Wembley final against Arsenal. A tough tackler with boundless energy and spirit, Paisley was a hugely popular member of the club's playing staff and it was feared that the disappointment of missing out on a place in the Cup Final would result in him walking away from Anfield. Thankfully, he was persuaded to carry on, which, given what he achieved in later years as Liverpool manager, must rank as one of the most important decisions in this club's history. Paisley continued to serve the Reds until the forgettable relegation campaign of 1953/54. Upon hanging up his boots he was immediately offered a job on the club's backroom staff and the rest is history. Paisley's legendary deeds in the Anfield hot-seat two decades later may have overshadowed his highly-respectable playing career but a combination of the two means there has probably been no fine servant to this club than the humble Geordie.

Sold to: Retired (May 1954)

Claim to fame: Scoring in the 1950 FA Cup semi-final but being dropped for the final

Did you know? Albert Stubbins had to talk Paisley out of leaving Liverpool following his omission from the 1950 FA Cup Final side

Where is he now? Passed away 14 February 1996

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 57: Stan Collymore



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The gifted, but often controversial, striker Stan Collymore enters our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown at number 57.
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: Stan Collymore

Years at Liverpool: 1995 to 1997
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 22/1/1971
Birthplace: Stone, Staffordshire

Signed from: Nottingham Forest (July 1995)

Games: 81
Goals: 35

Honours: None

Stan Collymore shook the Kop in more ways than one during his brief, incident-packed, time at Anfield and remains one of the most talked about players to have ever pulled on the famous red shirt. Opinion among the fans remains divided when his name crops up in conversation but there can be no denying the impact he made. The manner of his arrival from Nottingham Forest during the summer of 1995 was to set the tone for rest of his Liverpool career. Courted by Liverpool and Everton debate about his final destination raged for weeks and it took a club record £8.5 million for Roy Evans to acquire his services. With such a huge transfer fee hanging over his head, Cannock's most famous export unsurprisingly found himself under an intense media glare and initially he handled it well. An explosive Anfield debut, in which he scored the winning goal against Sheffield Wednesday and a stunning strike at home to Blackburn, installed him as an immediate crowd favourite. His ability on the pitch was never questioned but mentally there were problems lurking just around the corner. Despite those early goals Collymore struggled to settle off the pitch and that led to a serious loss of form. As frustration set in he made matters worse by openly criticizing the club and manager in a magazine article and clear the air talks were required before he was back in the team. He then forged a prolific strike partnership with Robbie Fowler, scored a dramatic winner in the famous 4-3 thriller against Newcastle and helped Liverpool reach the 1996 FA Cup Final. But what should have been one of the highlights of his playing career was to signal the beginning of the end for him at Anfield. A below-par performance at Wembley saw him substituted and he struggled to hold down a regular place in the side the following season. Collymore's refusal to move nearer to Merseyside was a constant source of irritation to the club management and the controversy-hungry newspapers had a field day when he failed to turn up for a midweek reserve outing at Tranmere. A subsequent fine had little effect on his ever-increasing poor attitude and with a young Michael Owen waiting in the wings Liverpool decided to cut their losses and offloaded a troubled Collymore to his boyhood favourites Aston Villa for £7 million. On the evidence of what he went on to achieve after leaving Anfield, the decision was a wise one, but even now you can't help wondering 'what might have been' when it comes to Stanley Victor Collymore's Liverpool career.

Sold to: Aston Villa (July 1997)

Claim to fame: His late winner in the classic 4-3 victory over Newcastle

Did you know? He retired from football at the premature age of 30

Where is he now? Often seen at games in his role as a media pundit and recently launched an acting career by appearing alongside Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct 2

Roy Evans on Stan Collymore: "I have no regrets signing Stan. If we are talking about his ability, in the first year he showed fantastic strength, pace, could finish as well, could make goals but if one thing let him down – probably his mentality."

Friday, March 23, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 58: Stephane Henchoz



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Voted in at number 58 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is Swiss centre-half from the treble cup-winning team, Stephane Henchoz.
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: Stephane Henchoz

Years at Liverpool: 1999 to 2005
Position: Defender

Date of birth: 07/09/1974
Birthplace: Billens, Switzerland

Signed from: Blackburn Rovers (July 1999)

Games: 205
Goals: 0

Honours with Liverpool: FA Cup (2001), UEFA Cup (2001), League Cup (2001, 2003), Charity Shield (2001)

Popular centre half Stephane Henchoz proved to be an inspirational signing and, together with defensive partner Sami Hyypia, formed the rock on which Gerard Houllier built his foundations for the unprecedented cup treble success of 2001. Signed from Blackburn Rovers for £3.5 million during the summer of 1999, Henchoz was a much-sought after figure, despite suffering relegation from the Premiership with Rovers, and Houllier had to move swiftly to bring the cultured Swiss international to Anfield. Unfortunately, Liverpool supporters had to wait to witness the first appearance of Henchoz in a red shirt. A groin injury delayed his debut but he quickly made up for lost time. Strong in the air and an uncompromising man marker, Henchoz became a vital member of the much improved Liverpool rearguard and was an unsung hero of the treble success, always appearing to be in the right place at the right time when it came to snuffing out the danger posed by opposition attacks. He missed a large part of the 2002/03 season due to injury and it was clear for all to see that without him Liverpool's defence looked vulnerable. As a result the Reds ultimately missed out on Champions League qualification but Henchoz did return from injury in time to play in the 2003 Worthington Cup win over Manchester United. Quiet and unassuming, he rarely complained when left out of the team but when Rafael Benitez took charge at Anfield it soon became apparent that his days in Red were numbered. Henchoz brought the curtain down on a Liverpool career he can look back on with great pride when he joined Celtic on a free transfer in January 2005. His spell at Parkhead was brief and he came back to England just a few months later to sign for Wigan. The fantastic reception Henchoz received when he returned to Anfield with the Latics last season told its own story and he will be forever remembered as a key player in the club's regeneration under Houllier.

Sold to: Celtic (January 2005)

Claim to fame: Being part of one of the most effective central defensive partnerships this club has ever seen

Did you know? He scored only one goal for Liverpool and that was in a pre-season friendly against Celtic in America

Where is he now? Playing for Wigan

Dietmar Hamann on Stephane Henchoz: "He had a tough start when he came because he was injured for a few months but once he started playing every week he was a tremendous player. He was as tough as any I've seen. He never lost a tackle or a challenge. He didn't look the strongest but he was a very strong boy. I think him and Sami were just an awesome partnership for five or six years."

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 59: Craig Johnston



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At number 59 in our countdown of '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is Craig Johnston, a unique character who played a major role in the club's glory-laden era of the 1980's.
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: Craig Johnston

Years at Liverpool: 1981 to 1988
Position: Attacking midfielder

Date-of-birth: 25/6/1960
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa

Signed from: Middlesbrough (March 1981)

Games: 271
Goals: 40

Honours: First Division Championship (1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86, 1987/88), European Cup (1984), FA Cup (1986), League Cup (1983, 1984)

Craig Johnston was one of the most popular characters to ply his trade at Anfield during the 1980's and an integral member of the all-conquering teams of this time. Nicknamed Roo or Skippy due to his Australian upbringing, Johnston defied medical opinion to pursue his dream of a career in professional football. As a child he suffered from a polio-related illness that doctors believed would prevent him from ever playing professionally. Always one to chase a lost cause though, Johnston made a miraculous recovery and was taken on by Middlesbrough in 1977, after writing to them for a trial. In 1981, Bob Paisley swooped to sign him, paying Boro £575,000 for the livewire midfielder and a glorious Reds career was born. As was the case with most players at that time, he served his Anfield apprenticeship in the reserves but once established in the first team he never looked back. Blessed with an abundance of energy, skill and lightening pace, not to mention an uncanny knack of scoring vital goals, he played a major role in success achieved by the formidable Red machine of the mid-eighties that dominated at home and abroad. With his bouncing perm and bubbly personality he also made a huge impression in the dressing room but a falling-out with then boss Joe Fagan almost resulted in him leaving the club before Kenny Dalglish took over the managerial reigns. With a new lease of life under Dalglish, Johnston netted perhaps his most famous goal as Liverpool beat Everton at Wembley to clinch the coveted League and FA Cup double in 1986. Another title success followed two years later but on the eve of the FA Cup Final against Wimbledon that year he dropped a massive bombshell by announcing he was hanging up his boots to care for his sick sister in Australia. It brought a premature end to a colourful seven-year stint at Anfield but did nothing to taint his popularity among Liverpudlians. On leaving the Reds he spoke of his love for the club when saying: "I'd never play for anyone else than Liverpool. The only other team I'd play for would be Liverpool reserves!" In 1989 he flew 12,000 miles back to Merseyside to help out in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster and was deservedly given a rapturous reception when paraded at Anfield on the occasion of the Kop's last stand in 1994.

Sold to: Retired (May 1988)

Claim to fame: Scoring the second of our three goals in the 1986 FA Cup Final

Did you know? He was also a talented songwriter who wrote the lyrics to the 'Anfield Rap' and 'Pride of Merseyside'

Where is he now? Since leaving Liverpool he has worked in the media and been involved in many innovative projects, including that of the revolutionary Predator football boot, but recently invested heavily in a football school idea for inner city children that failed to win expected business backing and went bankrupt

Stephen Done on Craig Johnston: "What a character. He was an extraordinary player, a dynamo of a player. He was a breath of fresh air in some ways because I don't think anyone had ever seen anything quite like him. That shock of hair and the way he ran around like a mad thing, but he had real skill and real vision."

Monday, March 19, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 60: Rob Jones



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At number 60 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is ROb Jones, the popular full-back of the 1990's whose career was tragically cut short by injury.
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: Rob Jones

Years at Liverpool: 1991 to 1999
Position: Right back

Date of birth: 05/11/1971
Birthplace: Wrexham

Signed from: Crewe Alexandra (October 1991)

Games: 243
Goals: 0

Honours: FA Cup (1992), Coca Cola Cup (1995)

The Liverpool career of Rob Jones may have been tragically cut short but his contribution during the early to mid 1990's was such that he'll always be fondly recalled by those connected to the red half of Merseyside. Arguably the finest signing made during the turbulent Anfield managerial reign of Graeme Souness, Jones was plucked from Crewe Alexandra for a bargain £300,000 just weeks into the 1990/91 season. He was pitched immediately into first team, experiencing a baptism of fire when he lined up for Liverpool in the white-hot atmosphere of a clash against fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. His performance that day has never been forgotten and set the tone for the remainder of his time with the Reds. The virtual unknown Jones marked Ryan Giggs out of the game and was instrumental in Liverpool securing a creditable goalless draw. Giggs later described Jones as the most difficult opponent he'd faced and the Anfield new boy went on to finish a highly impressive first season by playing in the 1992 FA Cup victory over Sunderland at Wembley. International honours followed with England and over the next few years Jones established himself as the best right back in England with a series of energetic, powerful displays down the right, where he linked brilliantly with Steve McManaman. When new manager Roy Evans introduced the wing-back system Jones filled it perfectly and added another medal to his collection when he played in the 1995 Coca Cola League Cup win over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley. The following season Evans signed Jason McAteer from Bolton, a move that saw Jones switch to the left side. It was a role he disliked but, such was his professionalism, he got on with the job without making a fuss. Unfortunately, a cracked vertebrae in his spine restricted his appearances to just three in the 1996/97 season and signaled the beginning of the end for him in football. An injury plagued spell came to a head when he failed overcome a persistent knee problem in 1999. He was released by Liverpool and went on to play just one game on trial at West Ham before finally calling it a day. To lose a player of his calibre in this way was a devastating blow but the happy memories of his early years in the red shirt will never fade.

Sold to: Released (May 1999)

Claim to fame: Failing to score a goal for Liverpool in 243 first team games

Did you know? Rob's grandfather Bill played for Liverpool in the 1950 FA Cup Final

Where is he now? Runs a children's nursery in Warrington

Jamie Carragher on Rob Jones: "I played with Rob a few times and he was a bit unfortunate with injuries and his best form was probably before I got into the team when he was as good as probably as anything in Europe at the time. He was playing out of his skin and I think if he'd have stayed fit he probably would have gone on to win 70 or 80 caps for England instead of Gary Neville."

Saturday, March 17, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 61: Pepe Reina



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Coming in at number 61 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is current Reds shot-stopper Pepe Reina.
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: Pepe Reina

Years at Liverpool: 2005 to present
Position: Goalkeeper

Date-of-birth: 31/8/1982
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

Signed from: Villarreal (July 2005)

Games: 53
Clean Sheets: 29

Honours: FA Cup (2006), Super Cup (2005)

Pepe Reina enjoyed a dream first season between the sticks at Anfield, setting a new club clean-sheet record and saving the vital spot-kick that confirmed FA Cup success against West Ham at the Millennium Stadium in May. Although born in Madrid, Reina started his career with Barcelona, for whom he made his debut when just 18 and played against Liverpool at Anfield in the 2001 UEFA Cup semi-final. With first team opportunities at the Nou Camp limited he joined Villarreal on loan in 2002 before making the switch permanent two years later. While at El Madrigal, Reina made a name for himself by saving seven out of nine penalties and helping Villarreal achieve an unlikely Champions League qualification berth. Reds boss Rafa Benitez was suitably impressed with the form of his compatriot and snapped him up for £6 million during the summer of 2005. Reina immediately replaced Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek as Liverpool's number one choice goalkeeper and didn't look back. His commanding presence inspires confidence all around him, while his exemplary shot-stopping and eye-catching agility makes him a very difficult keeper to beat. A total of 29 clean sheets in his first 53 games for the Reds is a stat that any of the world's greatest goalkeepers would be proud of and his eleven game run without conceding a goal midway through last season bettered that of every previous Anfield custodian. He capped his first season on Merseyside by boasting the most shut-outs in the Premiership and pulled off three stunning saves in the FA Cup Final penalty shoot-out to deny West Ham. It may still be early days in his career at Anfield but if José Manuel Reina Páez – to give him his full title – continues to progress at the rate he has done then expect the Kop to be shaken by him on countless more occasions in the future.

Claim to fame: Saving Anton Ferdinand's decisive spot-kick v West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup Final

Did you know? His father, Miguel Reina Santos was once a goalkeeper with Atletico Madrid

Rafa Benitez on Pepe Reina: "What can you say about a goalkeeper, who in his first season had more clean sheets than Clemence. He is a goalkeeper with a big future. He's quick, has a very good mentality. A very good goalkeeper."

Thursday, March 15, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 62: Danny Murphy



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At number 62 in our countdown of '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' is renowned goalscoring midfielder Danny Murphy.
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: Danny Murphy

Years at Liverpool: 1997 to 2004
Position: Midfielder

Date-of-birth: 18/3/1977
Birthplace: Chester

Signed from: Crewe Alexandra (July 1997)

Games: 249
Goals: 44

Honours: FA Cup (2001), UEFA Cup (2001), Worthington Cup (2003), Super Cup (2001), Charity Shield (2001)

Danny Murphy achieved everlasting fame in the eyes of all Liverpudlians thanks to a series of memorable match-winning strikes against arch-rivals Manchester United in the early 2000's. In total, the boyhood Red, netted three winners against Alex Ferguson's side, all at Old Trafford, but also chipped in with many other vital goals during the course of his seven-year stay at Anfield. Signed from Crewe Alexandra by Roy Evans for £2 million in 1997, he arrived with a reputation as one of the most promising youngsters in the game. However, with competition for first team places at Liverpool so tough he struggled to establish himself as nothing other than a fringe player and was loaned back to Gresty Road at the tail end of the 1998/99 season. His Liverpool days were seemingly numbered but on his return the following year he finally made the break though into the first team, scored his first goals for the club and staked a claim for a regular place in Gerard Houllier's starting line-up. A cruel injury blow forced him to miss out on the Worthington Cup final success against Birmingham in 2001 but he started in the memorable cup final triumphs over Arsenal and Alaves. A skilful, hardworking, midfielder, his ability to find the back of the net on a consistent basis and eye for a killer pass made him an integral member of Houllier's side. Despite being unfairly targeted by the critics when things weren't going Liverpool's way, Murphy's much-improved form also earned him a deserved call-up to the England squad. In 2003 he was part of the team that lifted the Worthington Cup again and was runner-up only to Michael Owen in the club goalscoring charts – a fact that no doubt contributed to him being voted the fans' player of the season. Surprisingly, his association with the club came to an abrupt end on the eve of the 2004/05 campaign, not long after the arrival of new manager Rafael Benitez. It may have been with a heavy heart that Murphy agreed a £2.5 million deal with Charlton Athletic he will always be able to look back with immense pride on all that he achieved at his beloved Anfield.

Sold to: Charlton Athletic (August 2004)

Claim to fame: Scoring three-winning goals at Old Trafford

Did you know? Danny first impressed Liverpool scouts after starring alongside Michael Owen for England in the World Youth Championships

Where is he now? Playing for Tottenham Hotspur

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 63: Joey Jones



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At number 63 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is the ever-popular Welsh full-back of late 1970's Joey Jones.
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: Joey Jones

Years at Liverpool: 1975 to 1978
Position: Left-back

Date-of-birth: Llandudno
Birthplace: 4/3/55

Signed from: Wrexham (July 1975)

Games played: 100
Goals scored: 3

Honours won: First Division Championship (1976/77), European Cup (1977), Charity Shield (1976, 1977)

Sold to: Wrexham (1978)

A cult figure among Kopites, Joey Jones will always be inextricably linked with our first glorious European Cup win in 1977 - courtesy of the now famous 'Joey Ate The Frogs Legs, Made The Swiss Roll, Now He's Munching Gladbach' banner produced in his honour for the Rome final. A no-nonsense left-back whose enthusiasm held no bounds, Jones was just 20 when Bob Paisley paid Wrexham £110,000 for his services during the summer of 1975. A proud Welsh international and avid Liverpudlian, his trademark clenched-fist salute helped him establish an almost instant rapport with the Kop but he narrowly missed out on qualifying for a Championship medal in his first season at the club. Tigerish in the tackle and never less than 100 per cent committed to the Anfield cause, he became a regular in the Reds first team during the momentous 1976/77 season, playing in all but three games of the League campaign and figuring in every match on route to that never-to-be-forgotten European Cup Final triumph over Borussia Moenchengladbach. A highly popular individual on and off the pitch, Jones was living the dream of every Reds fan but lost his place midway through the following season and soon found himself back at Wrexham. With his place in Anfield folklore forever assured though he's still fondly remembered by the red half of Merseyside.

Claim to fame: He inspired perhaps the most famous banner in Liverpool history

Did you know: He once smashed the windscreen of a car that was parked outside Melwood with a wayward clearance in training!

Where is he now? Reserve team coach at his first club Wrexham

Rob McCaffrey on Joey Jones: "The greatest player who ever pulled on a red shirt is Joey Jones without question because he was the fan who played for the team. I can't believe that he's not higher in the voting than he is because everybody worshipped Joey Jones, talk about king of the Kop!"

Sunday, March 11, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 64: Vladamir Smicer



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At number 64 in our countdown of '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' is the player whose Liverpool career ended on a glorious high in Istanbul 2005 - Vladimir Smicer.
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: Vladimir Smicer

Years at Liverpool: 1999 to 2005
Position: Attacking midfielder

Date-of-birth: 24/5/1973
Birthplace: Decin, Czech Republic

Signed from: Lens (July 1999)

Games: 183
Goals: 19

Honours: European Cup (2005), FA Cup (2001), UEFA Cup (2001), Worthington Cup (2001, 2003), Super Cup (2001), Charity Shield (2001)

Vladimir Smicer's place in Kop folklore was forever assured on the glorious night of 25 May 2005. Coming on as a substitute for Harry Kewell, Smicer scored the Reds second goal in the memorable Champions League Final comeback against AC Milan and also scored Liverpool's last penalty in the vital penalty shoot-out. It was a sweet reward for Smicer who'd only returned to action in February that year after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. An attacking midfielder, he first shot to prominence in 1996, helping Slavia Prague reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup and then starring for the Czech Republic during their run to the final of Euro 96. A move to French club RC Lens followed, where he enjoyed more success - inspiring the club to a first ever-French title in 1997/98 – then in June 1999 he was recruited by Liverpool to fill the void left by the departure of Steve McManaman to Real Madrid. A fast and tricky wide-man, his first campaign in the Premiership was a difficult one as he struggled to come to terms with the pace of the English game and his cause was not helped a succession of injuries. The 2000/2001 season, however, saw Vladi fare much better, whether it be on the flanks or behind the front two, and he played an important role in the Reds' treble cup triumph. Unfortunately, for one of the most likeable individuals to ever pull on a red shirt, injury problems continued to plague him and, coupled with a lack of consistency, he became something of a much-maligned figure among certain sections of the crowd. Still, he had the ability to occasionally conjure up moments of magic and netted some spectacular goals during this time. None more celebrated more than his stunning long-range strike in the Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul. He left to join Bordeaux the following month but has there ever been a more dramatic ending to a Liverpool career?

Sold to: Bordeaux (June 2005)

Claim to fame: Scoring twice in the 2005 Champions League Final

Did you know? He first played at Anfield for Czech Republic during Euro 96

Where is he now? Playing for Bordeaux in France

Didi Hamann on Vladimir Smicer: "Vladi was a bit unlucky in his time here. Maybe he left it all to the last game and peaked in Istanbul. He scored a very good goal for us and then scored a penalty. He did tremendously well. He was one of the nicest guys you could meet, always friendly and always having a laugh. He was a top man."

Friday, March 9, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 65: Mark Wright



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Voted in at number 65 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is Liverpool's 1992 FA Cup winning captain Mark Wright.
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: Mark Wright

Years at Liverpool: 1991 to 1998
Position: Defender

Date-of-birth: 1/8/1963
Birthplace: Dorchester

Signed from: Derby County (July 1991)

Games: 210
Goals: 7

Honours: FA Cup (1992)

Stylish England international Mark Wright was signed by Graeme Souness from Derby County for £2.2 million in the summer of 1991. With Alan Hansen retired, Glenn Hysen soon to depart and Gary Gillespie moving on to Celtic, Liverpool were desperate for a centre half of quality and, following his courageous displays for England in the 1990 World Cup, Wright fitted the bill perfectly. He made his debut in the 2-1 win over Oldham Athletic on the opening day of the season only for disaster to strike on his next appearance when he limped off during a defeat at Maine Road. It was to be the start of many niggling injuries in his first season at Anfield but he famously managed to bounce back in style by proudly hoisting the FA Cup aloft at Wembley following the 2-0 victory over Sunderland. Unfortunately, more injury problems, together with a loss of form resulted in Wright being dropped from the team and relinquishing the captaincy. More problems arose when he fell-out with recently appointed boss Roy Evans during the summer of 1994 and Wright's Liverpool career looked to be drawing to a close. However, an amazing turnaround in his fortunes saw him regain his place in the side and rediscover the form that had initially shot him to prominence. A courageous and commanding centre-half, Wright was cool under pressure and comfortable at bringing the ball out of defence. He also chipped in with some memorable goals, including a famous header that gave the Reds brief hope against Paris St Germain in the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final defeat in 1997. But just when it seemed as though everything was rosy once again a back injury forced him into premature retirement. It was a sad end to a stop-start spell with the Reds that would have delivered much more had it not been for the lengthy amounts of time he spent on the treatment table.

Sold to: Retired (December 1998)

Claim to fame: Lifting the FA Cup in 1992

Did you know? Since leaving Liverpool he has managed Southport, Oxford, Chester and Peterborough

Where is he now? Enjoying his second spell in charge of Chester

Les Lawson on Mark Wright: "After a difficult start he proved to everyone what a good player he was. He suffered from a few injuries and a loss of form when he first came but by the end he pulled it round and he'll always be well thought of by Liverpool supporters."

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 66: Matt Busby



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At number 66 in our countdown of '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' is former Reds captain Matt Busby - a man whose career with Liverpool is often overlooked.
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: Matt Busby

Years at Liverpool: 1936 to 1945
Position: Wing-half

Date-of-birth: 26/5/1909
Birthplace: Orbiston, Lanarkshire

Signed from: Manchester City (March 1936)

Games: 125
Goals: 3

Honours: none

He may be more renowned for his spell in charge of Manchester United but it should never be forgotten that Matt Busby enjoyed a commendable playing career at Anfield shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. A Lanarkshire-born Scotland international, Busby joined Liverpool for £8,000 from Manchester City in March 1936 and immediately thrust into the Reds successful fight against relegation. He was soon made captain – a role he carried out with great distinction – and firmly established himself as a favourite with the fans on the Kop. Originally an inside forward he had been switched to right half earlier in his career. It proved an inspired decision. Busby's wing half play contained outstanding elegance and grace, while his use of the ball was regarded as brilliant. Alongside fellow Scots Thomas 'Tiny' Bradshaw and Jimmy McDougall he was part of a distinguished half-back line that was described as one of the best in the game at that time. During the season prior to the outbreak of war he was an ever-present as Liverpool's improving league form continued. Busby turned out for the Reds occasionally during the hostilities but hung up his boots in October 1945 to take up a managerial position at Old Trafford. Liverpool officials were loathe to lose him and even offered him a coaching job at Anfield but Busby's mind was already made up and the rest, as they say, is history. His achievements in charge of United are legendary but having helped nurture the fledgling careers of youngsters such as Billy Liddell and Bob Paisley during his time on Merseyside he's also left a lasting legacy at Liverpool that is sadly often overlooked.

Sold to: Retired (October 1945)

Claim to fame: Captaining the club with distinction during the lean years of the late 1930's

Did you know? He won seven wartime caps for Scotland while a Liverpool player and appeared alongside Bill Shankly

Where is he now? Passed away on 21 February 1994

Stephen Done on Matt Busby: "Somewhere in between him playing for Man City and managing Man United people forget he played for Liverpool. His playing career wasn't as long as it should have been at Anfield but he was really loved by the players and was a very inspirational captain in the years just before the Second World War."

Monday, March 5, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 67: Djbril Cisse



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At number 67 in our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is current Reds striker Djibril Cisse.
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: Djibril Cisse

Years at Liverpool: 2004 to present
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 12/8/1981
Birthplace: Arles, France

Signed from: Auxerre (June 2004)

Games: 79
Goals: 24

Honours: European Cup (2005), Super Cup (2006), FA Cup (2006)

Djibril Cisse may have his doubters but for a variety of reasons there can be no doubting that he has shaken the Kop. Since arriving at Anfield in a record-busting deal two years ago the French striker has hardly been out of the headlines. Signed for £14 million by Gerard Houllier, it was not until Rafa Benitez took over as manager that Cisse finally joined the Reds. With his former club Auxerre he'd established himself as one of the top goalscorers in Europe and anticipation among Liverpudlians was high. A goal on his debut away to Tottenham on the opening day of the 2004/05 campaign was a good start but a horrific broken leg, sustained against Blackburn two months later put his Liverpool career on hold. An amazing Lazarus-like recovery saw him return for the end of season run-in and he capped his first year on Merseyside by coolly netting from the spot in the memorable penalty shoot-out victory over AC Milan in Istanbul. Despite doubts over his future at the club, he followed that up with a well-taken brace in the Super Cup triumph over CSKA Moscow but with his blistering pace he was often deployed last season as a right winger. Another vital strike sealed an important victory in the Merseyside derby at Goodison, while it was his perfectly executed volley versus West Ham in Cardiff that famously got the Reds back on track in the already legendary 2006 FA Cup Final. Despite all this, whenever Cisse's name crops up in conversation, opinion among fans remains split and speculation regarding his long-term future refuses to go away. But with his extravagant ever-changing hairstyles the France international remains a unique character within the Liverpool dressing room and his contribution to the success this club has enjoyed in recent times cannot be overlooked.

Claim to fame: Scoring in three cup finals

Did you know? He got married in a red suit

Saturday, March 3, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop - NO 68: Gary Gillespie



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At number 68 in our countdown of '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' is towering centre-back of the 1980s Gary Gillespie.
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: Gary Gillespie

Years at Liverpool: 1983 to 1991
Position: Defender

Date-of-birth: 5/7/1960
Birthplace: Bonnybridge, Scotland

Signed from: Coventry City (July 1983)

Games: 212
Goals: 16

Honours: First Division Championship (1985/86, 1987/88, 1989/90), Screensport Super Cup (1986), Charity Shield (1988)

Gary Gillespie was an outstanding cultured defender who enjoyed a highly successful Liverpool career despite the presence of fellow centre-halves Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson. A Scotland international, he first achieved fame as a 17-year old at Falkirk when he became the youngest player to ever captain a professional team in world football and a move to Coventry City, then an established top-flight outfit, soon followed. The six-foot plus Scot continued to develop impressively and his progress was noted by a number of leading clubs. During the summer of 1983 new Liverpool boss Joe Fagan won the chase for his signature when he shelled out £325,000 to bring him to Anfield but Gillespie had to bide his time in the reserves. Sporadic first team appearances during the 1984/85 season culminated in him coming on as a substitute in the ill-fated European Cup Final against Juventus but with the distinguished duo of Hansen and Lawrenson in such fine form it was not until the latter part 1985/86 double-winning season that he firmly established himself in the Reds first team. A much-celebrated hat-trick against Birmingham in April that campaign proved crucial in Liverpool's push for the title but Gillespie then suffered the misfortune of falling ill on the eve of the FA Cup Final and had to watch from the sidelines as Everton were defeated at Wembley. He was a vital member of another two championship-winning sides in 1988 and 1990 but suddenly found himself out of favour at Anfield following the appointment of Graeme Souness as manager and was surprisingly shipped out to his boyhood favourites Celtic in August 1991 for a fee of £925,000. Gillespie may have left Liverpool against his will but whenever the glory days of the late-80s are recalled his name is one that will always be fondly remembered.

Sold to: Celtic (August 1991)

Claim to fame: Scoring a hat-trick v Birmingham

Did you know? He was Joe Fagan's first buy as Liverpool manager

Where is he now? Still lives on Merseyside working as a media pundit

Kenny Dalglish on Gary Gillespie: "Excellent for us at right full-back or centre-back and I think if he'd have had a wee bit of luck with injuries his career would have been much more positive. But even at that he had a very successful career at Liverpool."

Thursday, March 1, 2007

100 Person Who Shock The Kop- NO 69: Jari Litmanen



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Breaking into the top 70 of our '100 Players Who Shook The Kop' countdown is the mercurial Finn Jari Litmanen.
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: Jari Litmanen

Years at Liverpool: 2001 to 2002
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 20/2/1971
Birthplace: Lhati, Finland

Signed from: Barcelona (January 2001)

Games: 43
Goals: 9

Honours: none

The most famous Finnish footballer of all-time joined Liverpool from Barcelona amid much excitement in January 2001 but it's fair to say that his Anfield career did not fulfil the hype. However, the boyhood Reds fan established himself as a firm favourite of the Kop during his brief stay on Merseyside. A Champions League winner with Ajax, Litmanen's name was linked with a move to Anfield long before it eventually happened. His burning desire to one day pull on the famous Red shirt was no secret but after leaving Ajax Barcelona was to be his next port of call. An unhappy spell in Catalonia followed though and in January 2001 he realised a dream when he signed for Gerard Houllier's team on a free transfer. At the time Houllier hailed the new arrival as "one of the most exciting signings Liverpool have ever made" and Litmanen appeared to be a Reds legend in the making. An exciting forward player who was most effective in a deep lying role, he was seen by the fans as a player in the mould of Kenny Dalglish and a stunning debut performance away to Aston Villa, plus an outstanding display in the Worthington Cup semi-final win over Crystal Palace left Liverpudlians drooling over their new import. Unfortunately, injury ruled him out of the exciting climax to the 2000/01 campaign and he missed all three finals as an unprecedented cup treble was won. Houllier's mysterious reluctance to use Litmanen the following season, when the Finn was selected only sparingly, was to be a source of much frustration to many supporters but when called upon he did serve up some memorable moments – netting a fantastic match-winning goal in 1-0 home win over Tottenham and playing a starring role in the famous Champions League success over AS Roma on the occasion of Houllier's return to the dug-out after his life-saving heart operation. He also came off the bench to score an amazing individual goal in the Champions League quarter-final with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Germany but that was to be his last notable contribution to the Liverpool cause and shortly before the transfer deadline in August 2002 he returned to Ajax. Despite his undoubted skill and creativity many supporters will say he was underused at Liverpool and Litmanen's career at Anfield will go down as a case of what might have been.

Sold to: Ajax (August 2002)

Claim to fame: Setting Liverpool on their way to a famous victory against AS Roma in the Champions League with a coolly taken first half penalty

Did you know? Litmanen's boyhood hero was Kenny Dalglish

Where is he now? Playing for Swedish club Malmo

Didi Hamann on Jari Litmanen: "I've never seen a player with such a good eye for the final forward next to him or his team-mates. He never missed a pass, his vision was just unbelievable. He wasn't the quickest when he came to us but his performance on his debut at Aston Villa was one of the best I've ever seen in a Liverpool shirt."