Liverpool All-Time Draft

[Twenty26Six]

I thought you said that you weren't going to take him?! ;)

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

My pick right?

Sentimental one more than anything, I got myself a player-manager.

http://www.lfcbootroom.net/lfcbootroom-ima/gallery/bobpaisley1.jpg

Bob Paisley OBE

BOB PAISLEY was a reluctant genius. He never wanted to go into management. But having been persuaded to take command of Liverpool he proceeded to surpass the achievements of every manager in the entire history of British football.
The humble son of the North East, always more at ease in the wings than on centre stage, was indisputably Manager of the Millennium. And as we approach the 21st Century perhaps his record will stand forever as a tribute to his towering feats.

Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen and Graeme Souness, the world class Scottish trio signed by Paisley and a threesome not given to hyperbole, unhesitatingly place him at the management summit.

"There was only one Bob Paisley and he was the greatest of them all," says Dalglish. "He went through the card in football. He played for Liverpool, he treated the players, he coached them, he managed them and then he became a director."

"He could tell if someone was injured and what the problem was just by watching them walk a few paces. He was never boastful but had great football knowledge. I owe Bob more than I owe anybody else in the game. There will never be another like him."

Hansen agrees, declaring: "I go by records and Bob Paisley is the No.1 manager ever."

While Souness salutes him thus: "When you talk of great managers there's one man at the top of the list and that's Bob Paisley."

Paisley's amazing collection of 19 trophies in nine seasons makes you rub your eyes in wonder. It is the supreme testimony to his magnificent response to what many believed was Mission Impossible..

...After all, ask pundits and public alike, how could anybody follow the legend of Shankly?

When Shanks dropped the bombshell and retired in July 1974 Paisley was the man Liverpool wanted to succeed him. He had been at Shankly's shoulder since the great Scot crossed the Pennines from Huddersfield to transform Anfield's fortunes in December 1959. And his own connection with Liverpool stretched back a further two decades to his arrival at Anfield as a 20-year old left-half on May 8, 1939 for a £10 signing-on fee and weekly wage of £5.

Paisley, born the son of a miner in the County Durham village of Hetton-le-Hole on January 23, 1919, had signed the transfer forms in the Sunderland board room after helping Bishop Auckland beat Willington 3-0 to lift the FA Amateur Cup. During his childhood, spent in a harsh economic climate, he had a talent for absorbing knowledge and advice. His widow Jessie recalls: "Bob always tried to remember what his headmaster told him. That if you speak softly people will try to listen to what you're saying. If you shout they're liable to walk away and not take it in."

Such homespun psychology would serve Paisley invaluably during his management years when Europe bowed to the stocky figure in a flat cap that belied a masterful football brain. Wartime service in Egypt and the western desert delayed Paisley's League debut as a Liverpool player until 1946-47 when he won the first of 10 championship medals in his various Anfield roles in a team that included Scotland and Great Britain star Billy Liddell and centre forward Albert Stubbins.

And despite being ready to leave the club after being dropped by the directors who picked the team for the 1950 FA Cup Final he played on to captain the side and hung up his boots after Liverpool's relegation in 1954 to become reserve team trainer. He also became a renowned, self-taught physiotherapist and Shankly's idiosyncratic apprehension, even fear, of injuries made Paisley's treatment room role even more crucial in their partnership of opposites, one often outrageously extrovert, the other happy in the background.

It was to Paisley, though, that Liverpool turned to follow Shankly. He needed much persuasion from the club and his family to take on the challenge at the age of 55. Finally, he agreed and exclaimed: "It's like being given the Queen Elizabeth to steer in a force 10 gale." But he steered it brilliantly even though he was disappointed with a championship runners-up spot in his first season. Borrowing a phrase from his other great sporting passion of horse racing, he said: "I was like an apprentice that ran wide at the bends."

But Liverpool galloped past a couple of winning posts the following season with a League title and UEFA Cup double. The championship was secured with a 3-1 win on a heady night at Wolves in the final league fixture while European success was clinched with a 4-3 aggregate win over Bruges.

It was the forerunner to a season climaxed by what Paisley termed "my perfect day" when he and his team lifted the European Cup for the first time with a 3-1 conquest of Borussia Moenchengladbach in Rome in May 1977. Four days earlier, having already retained the championship, his team had lost the FA Cup Final to Manchester United. But the gloom of Wembley was banished by Liverpool's sparkling display in the Eternal City, which Paisley had helped liberate in wartime.

The victory installed Paisley as the first English-born manager to lift Europe's greatest prize following the success of Scottish duo Jock Stein's Celtic in 1967 and Sir Matt Busby, captain at Liverpool when Paisley first arrived, with Manchester United in 1968.

As the celebratory champagne flowed Paisley, later honoured with an OBE, sat quietly in a corner of the team hotel and said: "I'm not having a drink because I want to savour every moment. The Pope and I are two of the few sober people in Rome tonight!"

The Roman carnival also heralded the end of Kevin Keegan's fine Anfield career in which he had forged a potent attack partnership with John Toshack. The England striker, who would go on to manage his country, departed for Hamburg.

But Paisley, revealing that his superb command of tactics was matched by his judgment of football talent, soon had Keegan's replacement at No. 7 lined up. He signed Kenny Dalglish from Celtic for £440,000, £60,000 less than the income from Keegan's transfer.

"There's never been a better bit of business than that," said delighted Anfield Chairman John Smith. Paisley's genius for team building had already been evident in his capture of Phil Neal, Terry McDermott, Joey Jones and David Johnson, his switch of Ray Kennedy from a powerful striker to a left midfielder who terrorised Europe and his use of David Fairclough as football's prototype "super sub". Paisley, aware he was not the greatest orator, would say: "I let my side do the talking for me." It did with deafening volume thanks to a litany of Paisley recruits including Hansen, Souness, Alan Kennedy, Ronnie Whelan, Ian Rush, Craig Johnston, Mark Lawrenson, Bruce Grobbelaar and Steve Nicol.

And he soared into the stratosphere of managerial achievement by guiding Liverpool to two further European Cup triumphs, at Wembley in 1978, overcoming Bruges, and in Paris three years later when Real Madrid were put to the sword.

Paisley's teams annexed a total of six championships, the most remarkable being in 1978-79 when they emerged with a record 68 points under the old two-points-for-a-win system, conceded a record low 16 goals in their 42 games, scored 85 and lost only four times. He also guided Liverpool to a hat-trick of League Cup successes, failing only to land the FA Cup. But that gap in his collection was bearable given his torrent of triumph before passing on command to Joe Fagan in 1983, having amassed a grand total of 23 Bells Managerial Awards.

After retiring in 1983, he was elected to the board of directors and was an advisor to Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's first player-manager, before being tragically stricken with Alzheimer's Disease.

Bob Paisley and his deeds were summed up perfectly by Canon John Roberts at his funeral service at St. Peter's, Woolton in February 1996 when he saluted him as an ordinary man of extraordinary greatness. The world of football, not least Liverpool FC, was enriched by his massive and exemplary contribution to it. On Thursday 8th April 1999 Liverpool FC officially opened The Paisley Gateway as an enduring monument to this great man.

a8-lBxuDLJQ

[kopiteinkc]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/mcallister/images/profile.jpg

Gary McAllister MBE : (Midfield, 2000-2002)
Date of Birth: 25-12-1964
Birthplace: Motherwell
Debut : v Bradford City, August 19th 2000. Won 1-0
1st team games: 87
1st team goals: 9
Other clubs: Motherwell, Leicester City, Leeds United, Coventry City, Liverpool, Coventry City (player-manager).
International caps while with Liverpool: None
International goals while with Liverpool:
Honours with Liverpool: Worthington Cup 2000-2001, FA Cup 2000-2001, UEFA Cup 2000-2001, FA Charity Shield 2001-2002, Super Cup 2001-2002
PROFILE
"My most inspirational signing," said Gerard Houllier about the capture of Gary McAllister who went on to be a Liverpool legend.
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Gerard Houllier captured veteran midfield schemer Gary McAllister on a free transfer during the summer of 2000.

The experienced Scottish international, who began his career with Motherwell, was originally a transfer target of the Reds during the managerial reign of Kenny Dalglish. When McAllister left his native Scotland it was to join Leicester City, whom he served with distinction for five years before making a £1 million switch to Leeds United in 1990.

At Elland Road he won a championship medal in 1992 and established himself as a regular in the Scottish national side. He captained the Scots in Euro 96 but is unfortunately best remembered for missing a vital penalty in the crucial group clash with the auld enemy England.

He left Leeds to sign for Coventry in a £3 million deal and during four years at Highfield Road played a prominent role in helping the Sky Blues maintain their top-flight status. At 36 he was considered surplus to requirements and allowed to leave on a Bosman. That is where Liverpool stepped in.

"It came out of the blue but it was a welcome surprise," he admits. "As soon as I knew of Liverpool's interest it was an easy decision and I had no hesitation in signing."

Despite being sent off on his full debut against Arsenal at Highbury, McAllister quickly won over the doubters who questioned the wisdom of signing a player so old. His intelligent midfield play has been a joy to watch, while his ability to get forward and score goals has proved an added bonus.

In February 2001 he was rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract and during an unforgettable climax to the season McAllister achieved cult-hero status among Liverpudlians with a succession of vital goals as an unprecedented cup treble and much-coveted place in the Champions League were secured.

'Gary Mac' won his first medal when he came on as a substitute in the Worthington Cup Final and scored a penalty in the shoot-out victory over Birmingham City.

The moment he will always be remembered for by all Liverpool fans was Monday, April 16th at Goodison Park. 94 minutes were on the clock, Liverpool had a free-kick and from 44-yards out McAllister struck a superb free-kick into the net to send the Red half of Merseyside into complete delirium. What a way to win the derby and many have said it was the turning point of that season.

Three days later McAllister was the hero again when his cool penalty secured a 1-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield to reach the final of the UEFA Cup.

The FA Cup Final was next on the agenda. McAllister came off the bench to set up the equaliser for Michael Owen and the rest as they say is history.

Wednesday, May 16th was a truly amazing evening as Liverpool beat Alaves 5-4 to win the UEFA Cup in Dortmund. Gary Mac scored a penalty and set up three others, including the free-kick that led to the golden goal winner.

He started season 2001-2002 off in the way he left off winning more silverware. This time Liverpool won the Charity Shield with McAllister scoring a penalty in a 2-1 win over Manchester United.

He played in the Super Cup 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in Monaco as the medals just kept on coming.

Gary Mac was awarded the MBE for his services to football in December 2001.

McAllister then left Anfield to take up the role of player-manager of Coventry City, and ended his Liverpool career with an emotional send-off with a substitute appearance in the 5-0 win over Ipswich. The whole ground stood and applauded a true Kop hero who will never be forgotten.

[kopiteinkc]

Aussie is up next with two picks ...

[AussieLFCfan]

Craig Johnston : Player(1981/82 - 1987/88)

http://www.designmuseum.org/media/item/4702/-1/88_1Lg.jpg

Date of Birth: 25/06/60
Birthplace: Johannesburg
Debut : 29th August 1981 v Wolverhamptom Wanderers (A) Football League Division One: Lost 0-1
1st team games: 268
1st team goals: 40

Livewire midfielder Craig Johnston was signed by Bob Paisley from Middlesbrough in March 1981 for £650,000. Although born in South Africa, he was raised in Australia.
Nicknamed Roo, Springsteen or Skippy, Johnston became a KOP favourite and always played with 100 per cent effort. Lightning pace and skilful, Johnston played a major part in some of Liverpool’s great successes during the 80’s.

His best memory at Anfield was scoring the crucial second goal against Everton in the 1986 FA Cup Final at Wembley – the season Liverpool did the Double in Kenny Dalglish’s first season as player-manager.

Liverpool’s favourite Aussie achieved a childhood dream of playing football at the top level in England. He overcome problems such as an illness as a child called osteomyelitis which doctors said would prevent him from playing.

When he got the all-clear to play he started at Middlesbrough before over 70 games later, Johnston was off to new heights with Liverpool.

After being nurtured the Anfield way in the reserves at first, Johnston’s full debut was in the World Club Championship in Tokyo against the Brazilian champions, where a jet-lagged Reds lost 3-0 to a Zico inspired Flamengo.

His first goal for Liverpool came in a 4th Round Milk Cup replay victory at Highbury, when he came on as a substitute for Sammy Lee to score in extra-time, with the Reds going on to win 3-0. Johnston also scored on his Merseyside derby debut against Everton in March 1982 and scored the winning goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford that virtually sealed the Division One title.

The following season Johnston helped Liverpool to retain the Division One title, and played in the 1983 Milk Cup Final victory over Manchester United at Wembley.

The following season was even better in 1983-84 as the Reds won a treble with the League Championship, European Cup and Milk Cup, but it was frustration for Johnston who was in and out of the side. He then put in a transfer request which was turned down by manager Joe Fagan. Johnston bounced back to regain his place and play in the Milk Cup Final against Everton, and scored a vital European goal in the European Cup with a screamer against Benfica in the Reds sensational 4-1 win in Portugal.

He played in the European Cup Final success against Roma, and his cross led to Phil Neal putting Liverpool ahead, with the Reds winning on penalties.

The following season was one of sadness with the Heysel Disaster, but the following season Johnston blossomed under new player-manager Kenny Dalglish, with the Double success.

His final season at Liverpool saw Johnston lose his place to Ray Houghton on the right side of midfield but he still played his part in that memorable 1987-88 Championship winning side, featuring John Barnes and Peter Beardsley. Johnston scored the goal in a 1-1 draw at Derby to help Liverpool equal Leeds United’s record of 29 League games without defeat. He made 35 appearances and scored six goals in his final season.

Away from football Johnston displayed his songwriting talents by writing the song ‘Anfield Rap’ and ‘The Pride of Merseyside’ which had good words about the KOP and King Kenny (Dalglish), but it was no were near a success as the ‘Anfield Rap’, which reached Number Three in the hit parade.

Then, with a testimonial looming Johnston sensationally quit football at the age of 27, after Liverpool’s FA Cup Final defeat to Wimbledon in 1988 to pursue other interests and return to Australia to look after his ill sister.

Explaining in his book ‘Walk Alone,’ some of the reasons for his decision to quit, Johnston said: “I didn’t need much incentive to return home. For almost 13 years, and in spite of the great friendships and hospitality we’d encountered in Britain, I’d never really mastered the chronic homesickness that had dogged me since my arrival.”

He returned to Anfield the following season after the Hillsborough Disaster to offer his help to the grieving families. He returned on the last day of the KOP in 1994 when as part of the Liverpool legends on parade, he got a great reception.

Back home in Australia, Johnston is involved with the media in television and also designed the revolutionary ‘Predator’ football boot.

[AussieLFCfan]

Donald McKinlay

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Donald_McKinlay.jpg

Donald McKinlay (b. 25 July 1891 - 16 September 1959) was a Scottish defender, who was comfortable anywhere on the park, playing for Liverpool F.C. He enjoyed one of the longest careers of any Liverpool player, making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1910 and playing his last game 18 years later. McKinlay's career ended by injury in 1929.

McKinlay was born in Glasgow, Scotland and played for Newton Swifts and Newton Villa before being signed by Liverpool manager Tom Watson on 27 January 1910 straight from the Scottish junior leagues. McKinlay made his debut in a Football League First Division match on the 20 April 1910 in a remarkable game against Nottm Forest at Anfield, the game finished with 10 goals the Reds coming out on top by 7 goals to 3 with Jack Parkinson netting 4, his first goal for the club came in the first minute of the 4-1 home victory over Spurs on 2 January 1912.

McKinlay's Liverpool career was slow to get under way and he only made 60 appearances before the outbreak of the Great War in 1914. He lost four years of playing due to the war but upon resuming competitive football in 1919 McKinlay's career took off, he was awarded the captaincy of the Reds and lead them to successive League Championship titles in 1922 and 1923. He was regarded as a hard-tackling defender, and was predominantly used as a left-back but displayed such great versatility that he could also operate at wing-half, centre half and right across the forward line.

He stayed at Anfield for 19 years and played over 400 games for the club; he also scored a very creditable 34 goals, for someone who played most of his games in defence, but he was somehow only awarded two international caps by Scotland. The first of which came in a British Championship match at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham on 4 February 1912 a game that the Scots lost 2-1 to Wales.

One memorable moment for McKinlay happened on 16 January 1926 in the 15th minute of a 2-1 league win at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park against West Ham. McKinlay was a full 10 yards inside his own half when unleashed a shot that hit the back of the Hammers net!

Upon retirement from football in 1929 McKinlay stayed on in Merseyside, playing the game he loved for amateur side, Prescott Cables. He eventually became a publican in the Liverpool area, where he died, aged 68.

[kopiteinkc]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/hamann/images/profile.jpg

Dietmar Hamann: : Midfield (1999-2006)
Date of Birth: 27/8/1973
Birthplace: Waldasson, Bavaria
Debut : V Sheffield Wednesday, 7th August 1999. Won 2-1
1st team games: 283
1st team goals: 11
Other clubs: FC Wacker Munchen, Bayern Munchen, Newcastle United.
Honours won with Liverpool: Worthington Cup 2001, FA Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, FA Charity Shield 2001. UEFA Super Cup 2001, Carling Cup 2003, UEFA Champions League 2005, FA Cup 2006
PROFILE


Mr dependable, popular German star Dietmar Hamann left Liverpool in July 2006 to sign for Manchester City bringing to an end seven glorious years at Anfield.

One of the best holding midfield players in Europe, Didi played a major part in the Champions League win over AC Milan when he entered the field as a second half substitute and inspired the team to come back from 3-0 down, when he marked Kaka and enabled Steven Gerrard and company to get the Reds back into the match.

He also came on as a substitute in the FA Cup win over West Ham in 2006 and more than played his part in another trophy win for the Reds.

Didi was signed by Gerard Houllier from Newcastle United for £8 million in 1999 and quickly became a fans favourite and a vital member of the Liverpool team.

Hamann was the holding player in midfield who breaks up attacks and is also a good passer of the ball.

After starting his career at the little known Wacker Munich, where his father was coach, Didi joined their more illustrious city rivals Bayern as a 16-year old in 1989. He made his first team debut two years later and in nine years with the Bavarian giants won two Bundesliga titles, the German Cup and UEFA Cup.

After playing for his country in the 1998 World Cup he joined Newcastle, managed at the time by Kenny Dalglish, for 5.5 million.

Following his spell at St James' Park, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal all declared an interest but in July 1999 he opted to join Gerard Houllier's Liverpool revolution.

The 2000/2001 season saw Hamann prove himself as a man for the big occasion, excelling as the club won a much-celebrated cup treble and a place in the Champions League.

Hamann since became the first Liverpool player since Roger Hunt in 1966 to play in a World Cup Final, but finished on the losing side as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup 2-0. Despite the defeat he was widely regarded as one of Germany's best players during the tournament.

Didi wrote himself into the record books when he became the last man to score at Wembley Stadium, his long range free-kick helping Germany to a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over England in October 2000.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Rounding out my defense...

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42530000/jpg/_42530335_ab.jpg

Steve Finnan

Club Appearances: 138
Club Goals: 1

Country Appearances: 50
Country Goals: 2

Right-back Steve Finnan signed for Liverpool from Premiership rivals Fulham in the summer of 2003.

The former Republic of Ireland international began his career with non-league Welling United before turning professional with Birmingham City in 1995.

After only a handful of appearances he was on his way to Notts County, where he quickly established himself as a first-team regular.

A string of excellent performances prompted Fulham boss Kevin Keegan to pay £600,000 in November 1998.

Finnan, who made his international debut against Greece on April 26, 2000, became a firm fans' favourite at Craven Cottage, helping the Londoners gain promotion to the top flight in 2001.

Mr Consistency had no problems adapting to the Premiership, and in 2001-02 he was selected in the PFA Team of the Year ahead of the likes of Gary Neville.

From there he appeared in all four of Ireland's matches during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

Gerard Houllier was suitably impressed and swooped ahead of the 2003-04 season.

Finnan made his Reds debut in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on August 17, 2003. However, a series of injuries disrupted his first year on Merseyside, and the appointment of a new manager in the summer of 2004 prompted some to cast doubt on his future at the club.

The arrival of Spanish defender Josemi did nothing to strengthen the right-back's position, but his ultra-professionalism and composed defending won the day.

A host of players have since arrived to challenge for his slot, but none have come close to ousting the number three.

Finnan started the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, though injury meant he was forced to withdraw at half-time.

In May 2007 he featured in his second European Cup final, playing 88 minutes before Benitez introduced Alvaro Arbeloa.

The popular Irishman signed a new two-year deal in August 2007, with the option of a further year beyond that.

Six months later he announced his retirement from international football.

My Team So Far
-------------------Scott--------------------
Finnan---Raisbeck----Paisley---Hughes (C)
Callaghan-Gerrard----Molby-----------LM
-----------St. John----Beardsley-----------

[kopiteinkc]

... and my team so far:

-------------------Goalie to be named--------
---Byrne----Lawrence----Yeats-----Lindsay
---Case----McAllister----Hamann---Liddell
-----------Owen----Hunt-----------

[Ghostface]

I was hoping Didi would drop to me. Good pick Kopite.

http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/bob.dunning/redknapp3.jpg
Jamie Redknapp

Date of Birth: 25/06/1973
Birthplace: Barton on Sea
Debut : 23rd October 1991 v Auxerre (a) UEFA Cup 2nd round 1st leg
1st team games: 308
1st team goals: 41

Honours with Liverpool: Coca Cola Cup 1995

Profile from LFC.TV
Despite his Liverpool career being hampered by injury problems Jamie Redknapp will be remembered as one of the most popular players to ever serve the club.
Kenny Dalglish's last major signing as manager in January 1991, Redknapp began his career under the watchful eye of father Harry at AFC Bournemouth.

He was only 17 when he arrived at Anfield and the £350,000 fee was one of the highest paid for a teenager at the time. Nine months later he became the youngest Liverpool player to appear in European competition when he made his Reds debut against Auxerre in the UEFA Cup.

Redknapp went on to establish himself as a regular in the centre of midfield during the managerial reign of Graeme Souness and, after winning a Coca-Cola Cup winners medal in 1995, won his first England cap. After playing a brief part in Euro 96, injury unfortunately ruled him out of both the World Cup in France 98 and Euro 2000.

At the start of the 1999/2000 season he was named Liverpool captain but a knee injury forced him to sit out the majority of the campaign and in a bid to cure his long standing injury troubles he underwent knee surgery in America.

Unfortunately, he missed out on the memorable climax to the 2000/2001 treble-winning season but, as club captain, he went up to receive the FA Cup with Robbie Fowler at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

He made his comeback from injury during the pre-season tour before the 2001/2002 season and received an amazing reception during the Far East tour of Singapore and Thailand.

Tragically, just when it looked like he was back, injury struck again and although he fought back once more the end of his Liverpool career was in sight.

In October 2001 he played and scored in a 2-0 win at Charlton Athletic. It was to be his last game for the club.

Speculation regarding his future became rife and it was no surprise when he finally severed ties with the Reds on 16 April 2002, joining Tottenham Hotspur on a Bosman free transfer.

His leaving of Liverpool was mourned by team-mates and fans alike.

Injuries may have prevented Jamie from scaling the heights he should have done at Anfield but his popularity never once waned and it was with the best wishes of everyone that he moved to White Hart Lane. Despite his Liverpool career being hampered by injury problems Jamie Redknapp will be remembered as one of the most popular players to ever serve the club.

Redknapp then moved to play for his dad Harry at Southampton in the 2004/05 season before he was forced to retire from the game due to injury. He is now a pundit for Sky Sports.

[Ghostface]

My team as of now....

-------------------------------Tommy Lawrence-----------------------------

-----Steve Nicol----Tommy Smith----Sami Hyypia----Ronnie Moran-----

-Insert Red here---Ronnie Whelan--Jamie Redknapp---Steve Heighway-

-------------------------Ian Rush---------Kevin Keegan--------------------

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Roar...

[Twenty26Six]

Ray Houghton
http://classic.liverpoolway.co.uk/a-zofplayers/e-h/houghton.jpeg

Date of Birth: 09-01-1962
Birthplace: Glasgow
Debut : 24th October 1987 v Luton Town (A) Football League Division One: Won 1-0
1st team games: 203
1st team goals: 38
Other clubs: West Ham United, Fulham, Oxford United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace
International caps while with Liverpool: 34
International goals while with Liverpool:
Honours with Liverpool: First Division Championship 1987/88 & 1989/90, FA Cup 1989 & 1992
PROFILE
Republic of Ireland international midfielder Ray Houghton was signed by Kenny Dalglish from Oxford United in October 1987 for £800,000, and he was to play a pivotal role in one of the best Reds sides to grace Anfield featuring a forward line of Peter Beardsley, John Barnes and John Aldridge.

Of the Houghton signing, player-manager Dalglish said: I’ve been interested in Ray for some time, and if you know what you want, the player is worth waiting for. Good players don’t come along too often, and when they do you have to try to sign them.”

After being given a free transfer by West Ham after just one appearance for the Hammers, Glasgow-born Houghton bounced back at Fulham in 1982. He then moved to Oxford in 1985 and played alongside John Aldridge. In his first season at the Manor Ground, Houghton scored at Wembley as Oxford won the Milk Cup Final at Wembley, beating Queens Park Rangers 3-0.

His international career took off too. Qualifying for the Republic of Ireland through his father, Houghton won the first of his 62 caps in a friendly against Wales in Dublin during March 1986.

The move to Anfield followed and Houghton made his Liverpool debut in a testimonial in Scotland for Dundee stalwart George McGeachie and scored in a 4-0 win. He made his full Reds debut the following Saturday on October 24th, 1997, on the plastic pitch at Kenilworth Road in Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Luton Town.

Houghton’s first goal for the Reds was in a 1-1 draw at Wimbledon. Coming on as a substitute for Craig Johnston, Houghton beat three defenders before slotting past Dave Beasant. Houghton then became a regular on the right of midfield and endeared himself to the Reds fans when he scored a superb header against Everton from a John Barnes cross, in the 1-0 FA Cup 5th Round win at Goodison Park.

He also scored in the famous 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Anfield on April 13th, 1988, as Liverpool went on to win the Division One Championship, but slipped up on a second double in the FA Cup Final against Wimbledon. Houghton ended his first season at Anfield with seven goals in 35 games.

At the end of the 1987-88 season Houghton was off to the European Championships in Germany, and scored with a header in a 1-0 win over an England side containing Anfield teammates John Barnes and Peter Beardsley.

Houghton’s first full season at Anfield was one of tragedy with the Hillsborough disaster claiming the lives of 96 Liverpool supporters. He played in the 1989 FA Cup win over Everton at Wembley only for the Reds to be denied a double again, this time by Arsenal in a dramatic last game at Anfield.

In his diary of the 1988-89 season, speaking about the disaster Houghton said: “I am not a Scouser but I felt I belonged. I always will now.”

The following season saw Liverpool regain the title but Houghton’s role was restricted with just 16 league appearances due to a back injury, but he still qualified for a Championship medal and was fit to play in the 1990 World Cup with the Republic of Ireland.

The 1990-91 season was the last for Kenny Dalglish as manager of Liverpool, and under Graeme Souness Houghton’s Liverpool career was coming to an end.

Houghton helped Liverpool to win the FA Cup, beating Sunderland 2-0 at Wembley in 1992 and was the Reds second top scorer behind Dean Saunders with 12 goals from 52 appearances.

Houghton won the Liverpool Player of the Year award and was in the top six for PFA Player of the Year for season 1991-92, his last at Anfield. However, the FA Cup Final was to be Houghton’s last in a red shirt, and the following season his number eight jersey went to Paul Stewart!

In a dispute over a pay increase, sadly the Reds Player of the Year Houghton was sold by Graeme Souness to Aston Villa in the summer of 1992 for £825,000.

Houghton is a player who will always be remembered by Liverpool fans as a workaholic who always gave 100 per cent. He could score goals, create goals and never gave defenders a moments peace, and will also be remembered as the final piece in the jig-saw for Kenny Dalglish’s wonderful 1987-88 championship winning side.

After life at Anfield, he went on to produce good performances for Villa, winning a League Cup winners medal in 1994, and played in the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where he scored in the opening 1-0 defeat of Italy. After a spell at Reading, Houghton is now coach at Crystal Palace.

d-opgMk_FNA

My team so far...

Pepe Reina (GK)
Rob Jones (FB) - Alan Hansen (CB) - Gary Gillespie (DF)
Graeme Souness (CM)
Ray Houghton (AM) - Terry McDermott (AM) - Peter Thompson (LW)
John Aldridge (CF) - Kenny Dalglish (FW)

[Twenty26Six]

Grinners is up with two picks...

Question:
Do we want one sub or two for our teams? Maybe, we could use the thirteenth round to pick managers? [For those who don't have a manager playing. :) ]

[kopiteinkc]

Both Craig Johnston and Ray Houghton were on my short list if I hadn't have got Jimmy Case earlier. Nice picks.

I say two subs, the manager idea is a separate discussion - one round draft.

[CCSC_STRIKER20]

Grinners is up with two picks...

Question:
Do we want one sub or two for our teams? Maybe, we could use the thirteenth round to pick managers? [For those who don't have a manager playing. :) ]

See I knew you were gonna say that and that's why I am a genius.

I wouldn't mind having two subs, but one sub is also fine.

[Twenty26Six]

Both Craig Johnston and Ray Houghton were on my short list if I hadn't have got Jimmy Case earlier. Nice picks.

Yea. I was waiting as long as I could to take my RM. I figured that "in a pinch" I could move over Terry Mac or select a lesser known guy.

It's a little early for this, but I'm shocked at some of the guys that _haven't_ been picked. I think it comes down to excellent competition in those spots.

[kopiteinkc]

Yea. I was waiting as long as I could to take my RM. I figured that "in a pinch" I could move over Terry Mac or select a lesser known guy.

It's a little early for this, but I'm shocked at some of the guys that _haven't_ been picked. I think it comes down to excellent competition in those spots.

Yeah I have a long list of guys not yet taken ... but I have my 10 outfield players, and i am very happy with my choices.

That is why I want two subs as I have such a long list still to choose from!!

[Grinners89]

John Toshack OBE

"Toshack, Keegan, one nil!" David Coleman (football commentator), in regards to Toshack and Keegan's almost telepathic partnership.


http://www.lfchistory.net/images/toshack.john/toshackjohn.jpg


Personal Details

Full name: John Benjamin Toshack OBE
DOB: 22 March 1949
Birth place: Cardiff, Wales
Age: 58
Position: centre-forward
Strengths: intelligence, heading, strength, knock downs/assists
Liverpool League Debut: 14th November 1970 v Coventry City (Anfield), English League Division One: draw 0-0

Playing Career

Liverpool - all comps
Liverpool (1970-78) - 246 (96)

Other clubs
Cardiff City (1966-70) - 162 (74)
Swansea City (1978-84) - 63 (25)

National Team
Wales (1969-80) - 40 (12)

Honours

Liverpool
League championship (1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77)
FA Cup (1973/74)
UEFA Cup (1972/73, 1975/76)
Charity Shield (1976)
European Super Cup (1977)

Individual
#34 in 100 Players Who Shook the Kop
Received OBE (1983) for services to football

Transfer

Cardiff City to Liverpool for £110,000, 11 November 1970

Profile

John Toshack started his footballing career with Cardiff City FC, signing for them as a 16 year old. After four years at Cardiff City, he was signed by Bill Shankly for Liverpool FC on the 11 November 1970. Already a full international, Shankly paid £110,000 for the giant striker.

Toshack made his debut 3 days later in the goalless league draw with Coventry City at Anfield. His first goal came a week later in a remarkable Merseyside derby at Anfield. With the game 0-0 at half-time Everton thundered into a 2-0 lead just after the start of the second half. 69 minutes in Steve Heighway pulled a goal back, this seemed to spring the Reds into life, Toshack's goal in the 76th minute completely turned the game around, then when Chris Lawler prodded home the 84th minute winner the fans almost lifted the roof off the Kop. Toshack's goal instantly made him a hit amongst the Anfield faithful, which was a good thing as they had initially voiced their concerns in paying so much for the Welshman.

In 1971, Kevin Keegan joined Liverpool from Scunthorpe United and he and Toshack struck up an almost telepathic partnership with Toshack winning everything in the air and Keegan finishing the knock downs. They were a delight for commentators as their names rolled off the tongue easily, one famous piece of commentary by David Coleman went "Toshack, Keegan, one nil!" Such was their fame, the football magazine Shoot likened them to the comic book crimebusters Batman and Robin, even taking a photograph of the pair dressed in the Dynamic Duo's costumes. By the time Keegan left for German side Hamburg SV he had scored exactly 100 goals with a great percentage of them being set up by Toshack.

During his time with Liverpool Toshack scored 96 goals, he was part of the team that won the Football League Championship in 1973, 1976 and 1977, the FA Cup in 1974 and the UEFA Cup in 1973 and 1976. He played for the Welsh national football team at schoolboy, under-23 and full international level earning 40 caps and scoring 12 goals, including a hat trick against Scotland in the 1979 British Home Championship. However, his playing career was blighted by injuries and he was transferred to Swansea City as player-manager in 1978 (he already passed his coaching badge at the age of 18), where he succeeded Harry Griffiths.

Information

http://www.lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=429

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/toshack/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Toshack

Video, John Toshack #34, 100 Players Who Shook The Kop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v3djluRIFw

[Grinners89]

David "Supersub" Fairclough


http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1270000/images/_1271899_fairclough300.jpg


Personal Details

Full name: David Fairclough
Nickname: Supersub
DOB: 5 January 1957
Birth place: Liverpool, England
Age: 51
Position: striker
Strengths: pace, shooting power, unpreditability
Liverpool League Debut: 1st November 1975 v Middlesbrough (Ayresome Park), English League Division One: won 1-0

Playing Career

Liverpool - all comps
Liverpool (1974-83) - 153 (55)

Other clubs
Toronto Blizzard (1983-84)
Luzern (1984-85)
Norwich City (1985)
Oldham Athletic (1985-86)
Beveren (1986-89)
Tranmere Rovers (1989-90)
Wigan Athletic (1990-91)

Honours

Liverpool
League championship (1975/76, 1976/77, 1979/80)
European Cup (1976/77, 1977/78)
UEFA Cup (1975/76)
League Cup (1982/83)
Charity Shield (1976, 1977, 1979, 1980)
European Super Cup (1977)

Individual
#18 in 100 Players Who Shook the Kop


Profile

English football's prototype 'super sub', renowned for his memorable scoring exploits after stepping off the bench. The label is one that David Fairclough never relished but has learned to live with as he reflects on his massive medal haul.

The flame-haired Liverpool-born raider joined the club during the Bill Shankly era but exploded onto the big stage during Bob Paisley's management reign. During his debut season of 1975-76 he hit seven goals in 14 League appearances - nine of them as substitute - to help land the title.

Fairclough's pace and shooting power, which brought him 55 goals, tested the finest defences. His golden moment came in March 1977 when, with time running out, he went on and scored the winner against crack French side St Etienne in the European Cup quarter final second leg.

Fairclough's own favourite goal also came as a substitute at Anfield a year earlier when he beat six Everton defenders before firing past goalkeeper Dai Davies to win the Mersey derby. Yet despite his reputation Fairclough's 61 stints as a substitute were eclipsed by his 92 Liverpool starts. He joined Swiss club Lucerne in 1983, the first of a batch of clubs at home and abroad.


Information

http://www.lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=298

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/fairclough/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Fairclough

Video, David Fairclough #18, 100 Players Who Shook The Kop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfSExsXVLg0