Remembering Liverpool great Ian St John

St John, who passed away on Monday evening after a long illness, became a Liverpool hero over the course of 10 years at Anfield between 1961 and 1971, notably by scoring the extra-time goal which secured the English club’s first FA Cup in the 1965 final against Leeds United. For Scotland, he scored nine goals in 21 appearances.

It was at Anfield that he enjoyed his finest moments as a footballer. In his first season after arriving from Motherwell, he helped Bill Shankly’s team gain promotion to the old First Division before winning league titles in 1964 and 1966.

Liverpool stalwart

St John struck five goals in Liverpool’s debut campaign in the European Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1964/65, including two in their first match in the competition – a 6-1 win over KR Reykjavik. In the following season, he played in the Reds’ first European final, a 2-1 defeat by Borussia Dortmund in the European Cup Winners’ Cup showpiece in Glasgow.

Overall, St John made 425 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 118 goals. After short spells at Coventry City and Tranmere Rovers, he moved into coaching and managed Motherwell and Portsmouth.

Broadcasting career

St John later had a successful broadcasting career, joining forces with former England forward Jimmy Greaves to present ITV's highly popular 'Saint and Greavsie' Saturday lunchtime football show from 1985 to 1992.

A statement from Liverpool today said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend, Ian St John. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian's family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”