LFC.tv - On This Day...

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Rush Sinks Canaries (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162871090119-0755.htm)
Ian Rush scored twice as Liverpool beat Norwich City 4-0 at Anfield, on this day in 1985.

John Wark and Kenny Dalglish were the other marksmen for Joe Fagan's team.

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Rush Gives Everton The Blues (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162875090121-0825.htm)
Ian Rush was the scourge of Everton again as he scored the only goal of the game to send Liverpool through to the semi-finals of the League Cup after a 1-0 win at Goodison Park, on this day in 1987.

However, it was a sad night for Jim Beglin who made his final appearance in a red shirt when he broke his ankle after a tackle from Everton right back Gary Stevens.

A crowd of 53,323 witnessed a pulsating derby and Scottish winger Alan Irvine made an impressive cameo appearance off the bench for the Reds.

Kenny Dalglish's side reached the final of the Littlewoods Cup that season, only to lose 2-1 to Arsenal in the final at Wembley. It was also the first time that Liverpool had lost when Rush had scored.

We also say many happy returns to Anfield hero Phil Thompson who celebrates his 55th birthday today.

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Reds Snap Up Thommo (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162934090122-0834.htm)
The Reds snapped up 17-year-old Phil Thompson from Kirkby Schools, a youngster who would go on to have a huge bearing on the club's success over the next few decades - both as a player and a coach.

'Thommo' played 477 times for the Reds between 1972 and 1983 and weighed in with his fair share of goals too, hitting the back of the net 13 times.

He went on to skipper both Liverpool and England during his time in L4, with his best moment coming in 1981 when he became the first local-born Red to lift the European Cup.

Of course, that wasn't his only honour and when he did finally leave Liverpool as a player in 1985, he had won two European Cups, seven League titles, the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, two League Cups and five FA Charity Shields.

He later had two separate spells on the backroom staff, under Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Gerard Houllier.

http://www.niclasholm.dk/Pics/Sport1/PhilThompson01.jpg

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A Legend Is Born (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162935090123-0832.htm)
The most successful manager in Liverpool history came into the world on this day 90 years ago.

Robert Paisley was born in Hetton-le-Hole in County Durham and would go on to have a huge say in the history of Liverpool Football Club.

At first he joined the Reds as a player and made 277 appearances, helping us to the league title in 1947 before joining the coaching staff in 1954.

Bill Shankly would lay the foundations that would turn the Reds into one of the biggest clubs in the world before Bob took the hot-seat himself.

He went on to lead us to three European Cups, six league titles, the UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, four League Cups and five FA Charity Shields.

Sadly, he passed away on February 14, 1996 at the age of 77, but will never be forgotten for his achievements with the club.

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Bruno Brilliance Floors Magpies (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162936090124-0902.htm)
Bruno Cheyrou was the unlikely hero as he hit a superb double to book Liverpool's place in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the expense of Newcastle United on this day five years ago.

The Frenchman's brace took his tally to four goals in five appearances as he enjoyed what proved to be the best spell of his Reds career.

Previous encounters with the Magpies had seen a series of epic matches including two 4-3 victories for the Reds.

And so, when Liverpool took the lead after just 73 seconds, another classic looked to be on the cards.

Emile Heskey burst into the box and while Shay Given could only stop the ball at his feet, Bruno Cheyrou followed up with a low, side-footed shot into the back of net.

It was a dream start, but it wasn't long before the visitors hit back when they were awarded a free-kick 35 yards from goal.

It would have to take some strike to beat Jerzy Dudek from that distance and Laurent Robert duly obliged with a ferocious drive that the Polish keeper could only parry into the net.

The match was only 168 seconds old and yet the scoreline stood at 1-1.

From then on both sides went for the jugular and the only surprise was that it took until 64 minutes for Liverpool to restore their lead.

Steven Gerrard powered down the left and when he produced a sublime cross to the far post Cheyrou rose to power in what proved to be the winner.

"It was a great night and a good win," said the two-goal hero afterwards.

"I thought we'd done the most difficult thing by getting the first goal but they equalised soon after and we had to keep going. We played better in the second half and deserved to win."

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Stevie Stings The Hornets (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162949090125-0913.htm)
Steven Gerrard booked Liverpool's place in the Carling Cup final with another match-winning performance against Watford at Vicarage Road on this day in 2005.

The Reds went into the contest protecting a 1-0 lead from the first-leg and, in truth, never looked likely to relinquish their grip on the tie as they created the better chances in a less than inspiring clash.

The skipper had got the only goal of the game back at Anfield and would be called upon once again to put the seal on a trip to Cardiff with a typically stylish goal on 77 minutes.

It ensured a 2-0 aggregate success and gave boss Rafael Benitez a final appearance within months of his arrival.

"I am happy to get to my first final," said Rafa.

"We have had a lot of problems and a difficult time but we are working hard and now in a cup final. I am happy for the supporters that they have a cup final to attend and hopefully we will have a cup to give them next month.

"We knew how important this game was for us, the supporters and the club. We played really well as a team and we had a strong mentality throughout the match. Steven Gerrard showed again tonight that he is a key player for us and my idea is to build the team around him."

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Aldo Signs For The Reds (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162942090127-0829.htm)

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Reds Make It Five On The Spin (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163058090130-0832.htm)
Liverpool made it five league wins on the spin when we defeated West Ham at Upton Park on this day in 2007.

The Reds made up for a subdued first-half by storming out of the blocks after the interval and within 10 seconds of the restart Crouch - who was celebrating his 26th birthday - set up Kuyt to strike a ferocious long range shot in off the crossbar.

It gave the visitors the confidence to go on and add another as Gerrard and Bellamy combined to tee up John Arne Riise on the left and the Norwegian's cutback was swept into the net by Crouch from the edge of the box.

Although the Hammers pulled one back, Liverpool always looked in control and held on to consolidate their position in third place in the table.

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Evans Takes The Helm (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163068090131-0901.htm)

Roy Evans became Liverpool's 14th managerial appointment as the Reds board looked towards the spirit of the Boot Room to try and restore the club to its former glory on this day in 1994.

The decision to promote the Reds stalwart meant that the man who had intially joined the club as a 17-year-old had now completed his rise through the ranks.

Despite making just 11 appearances for the club as a player, Evans remained with Liverpool and was named as reserve team coach in 1974.

John Smith, the chairman at the time, was delighted to appoint a man who had remained loyal to the club and uttered what proved to be prophetic words.

"We have not made an appointment for today but for the future," said Smith in 1974. "One day, Roy Evans will be our manager."

And so 20 years on - and after a 28-year spell at the club - Roy replaced Graeme Souness as manager.

He would go on to win the Coca Cola Cup in 1995 and transform Liverpool into arguably the most attractive football team in the country at the time.

His time at the helm saw him take charge of 226 games in a period lasting just under five years.

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Robbie's Reds Return (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163069090201-1002.htm)
Call it what you like...divine intervention, the second coming or perhaps you felt it was the return of God.

All that really mattered though was that Robbie was back.

Over the years the legendary frontman had performed his fair share of miracles in front of goal and so it was no surprise that he nearly did it again against Birmingham City - on what was his second debut appearance for the Reds on this day in 2006.

But it wasn't meant to be for Fowler, whose cameo appearance as a late substitute saw him robbed of a fairytale ending by a referee's assistant's flag.

It meant the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Steve Bruce's side after Steven Gerrard's opener was cancelled out by a late own goal by Xabi Alonso.

The equaliser not only wrecked Daniel Agger's first game in a red shirt but it also robbed the defence of a club record 11th clean sheet.

Boss Rafael Benitez was disappointed to see Fowler's acrobatic winner ruled out but insisted it would not be long before the legendary marksman would be back among the goals.

He said: "It would have been fantastic if Robbie Fowler could have scored. But if the team gets forward he will score in the future."
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Record Anfield Crowd (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163041090202-0846.htm)
Our record home attendance was set as 61,905 spectators crammed into Anfield to witness a 2-1 win over Wolves in the FA Cup fourth round on this day in 1952.

The great Bob Paisley and Cyril Done were on target for the Reds.

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Speedie Silences Stretford End (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163042090203-0805.htm)
David Speedie enjoyed a debut to remember as he scored a priceless equaliser to earn Liverpool a 1-1 draw at Manchester United, on this day in 1991.

For Kenny Dalglish it was the ideal way to silence the critics who had questioned his signing of the fiery Scot.

Steve Bruce had earlier opened the scoring for United from the penalty spot before Speedie pounced, getting on the end of a John Barnes cross.

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Camara's Flash Finish Sinks Gunners (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163098090204-0837.htm)
A solitary goal from Titi Camara capped a magnificent team performance as Liverpool secured an impressive 1-0 win over Arsenal at Highbury on this day in 2000.

The Reds went into the match without key personnel in the shape of Jamie Redknapp, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler, but still managed to enhance their growing reputation under Gerard Houllier courtesy of a combination of the Guinea international's fine finishing and some resolute defending.

The only goal of the game came on 18 minutes when Camara ran on to an exquisite Steven Gerrard pass and coolly slotted the ball beyond David Seaman to net his eighth goal of the season.

The victory marked Houllier's first win in London and left his compatriot Arsene Wenger still searching for a first triumph over the Reds as Liverpool extended the Gunners' winless run against them to 14 matches.

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Roy's Managerial Bow (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163118090205-0031.htm)
Roy Evans took charge of his first match as manager as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Norwich City at Carrow Road, on this day in 1994.

The Reds twice fought back to take a point from the match after a double from Chris Sutton had threatened to spoil Evans' big day.

An own goal from Ian Culverhouse and a John Barnes effort 13 minutes from time earned Liverpool the draw as they left East Anglia with their heads held high.

Evans was pleased with his side's efforts after the game and admitted he was delighted to get his first game as boss under his belt.

"I was a little more nervous than usual and I felt the pressure but the players took it off me," he said.

"They were absolutely magnificent and showed enormous spirit to come back twice."
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Rampant Reds Crush Burnley (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163096090208-0956.htm)

The Reds all but ensured their place in the League Cup final with a comfortable victory over Burnley in the semi-final, first-leg at Anfield on this day in 1983.

Goals from Graeme Souness, Phil Neal (penalty) and David Hodgson did the damage as they romped to a 3-0 victory.

They would go on to lose the second-leg at Turf Moor 1-0 but the result was irrelevant as they booked their place at Wembley, where they would defeat Manchester United by a 2-1 scoreline.

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Dalglish Sends Reds To Wembley (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163195090210-0811.htm)

Kenny Dalglish scored the vital goal against Manchester City that sent the Reds to Wembley for a League Cup final appearance, on this day in 1981.

After a 1-0 win at Maine Road in the first leg of the semi-final at Maine Road, Dalglish streuck in the 23rd minute of the Anfield return to seal a 2-1 aggregate win.

Bob Paisley's men went on to win the League Cup after a replay victory over West Ham United in the final.

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Reds Sink Blues In 11-goal Thriller (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163196090211-0820.htm)

Liverpool won the derby spoils when they thrashed Everton 7-4 at Anfield in front of 50,000 spectators at Anfield, on this day in 1933.

The legendary Dixie Dean scored twice for the Blues but the real hero was Reds striker Harold Barton who hit a hat-trick.

The other goals came from Alf Hanson, Tom Morrison, Harold Taylor and Sydney Roberts.

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Harold "Hat Trick" Barton

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Four-midable Hunt (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163199090212-0832.htm)
Roger Hunt produced a masterclass in the art of finishing as he hit all four goals in a 4-0 romp at home to Sunderland on this day in 1966.

The legendary Reds marksman was the hero as they maintained their eight point lead over nearest rivals Burnley at the summit of the First Division.

Bill Shankly's men had gone in at the interval all square but within a minute of the restart Hunt had fired them into the lead and by the 64th minute he had not only claimed the match ball but added an extra goal for good measure.

It was yet another fine performance in a year in which the Reds would finish the campaign as champions - six points clear of Leeds United.

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Hornets Feel Reds Sting (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163200090213-0824.htm)
Peter Beardsley scored twice as Kenny Dalglish's champions elect team turned on the style to sink Watford 4-1 on a mud bath of a pitch at Vicarage Road, on this day in 1988.

Former Hornet John Barnes was also on the mark and John Aldridge added another goal of what was becoming a very prolific season.

Despite the muddy conditions Dalglish's men produced a wonderful performance and could have scored about 10 in the end such was their dominance.

Even the sporting Watford supporters applauded Liverpool off the pitch at the final whistle.

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RIP Bob Paisley (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163099090214-0753.htm)

Liverpool Football Club was left to mourn the passing of the most successful football manager in its history on this day in 1996.

The late, great Bob Paisley, a man who inherited Bill Shankly's legacy and took it to new, unparalleled levels of success, died at the age of 77 after a four-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He led the club to six League titles, three European Cups, one UEFA Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, three League Cups and five Charity Shields in just nine years in charge.

His association with Liverpool began in 1939 when he joined the club as a young wing-half, and stretched through to a role as physio, coach, manager and eventually a director.

He retired from the board in 1992 due to ill health but will go down in history as one of the club's most loyal servants and was rightly immortalised in Reds folklore with the creation of the Paisley Gateway on April 8, 1999.

A true Reds legend.

R.I.P. Bob

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