Liverpool‘s legendary forward Ian St John dies at 82. The former forward (pictured above) made 425 appearances and scored 118 goals for the Reds between 1961 and 1971 during a hugely successful period for the club.
A statement from his family said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather.
“He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.
“We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times.
“The family would be grateful for privacy at this extremely sad time.”
A post on Liverpool’s official Twitter account added:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend, Ian St John.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 2, 2021
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian's family and friends at this sad and difficult time.
Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021.
FA Cup goal hero
Under the management of Bill Shankly, St John netted the winner in extra-time as Liverpool won the FA Cup for the first time with a 2-1 victory over Leeds in 1965.
League title wins were achieved either side in 1964 and 1966, while the Scot had earlier helped the Reds secure promotion to the First Division in his first season following a £37,500 switch from Motherwell — a club record fee at the time.
St John also won 21 caps for his country and was a firm favourite with the Tartan Army after scoring nine goals.
He made his name in Scotland with boyhood club Motherwell, netting 80 goals in 113 league appearances for the Steelmen.
After retiring, St John followed the path of many ex-footballers by becoming a pundit.
And he enjoyed a hugely successful spell alongside Tottenham legend Jimmy Greaves as co-host of the Saint and Greavsie football show on ITV, which ran from 1985 to 1992.
As news of St John’s death broke, tributes began to flood in on social media platform Twitter.
Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher tweeted: “RIP Ian St John. Another Liverpool legend sadly passes away.
“One of the players, along with manager Bill Shankly, who made this club what it is today. I’ll remember him most on the best football show on TV, Saint and Greavsie.”
St John’s compatriot and Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson posted: “A man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy.
“Scotland and Liverpool has lost a true giant. My love goes to his family. Rest in peace Ian St John.”
The official Everton account added: “A real loss to the game and one felt heavily in our city. A rival for many years but a popular figure on and off the pitch.
“Our thoughts are with Ian St John’s loved ones and everyone at Liverpool at this sad time. RIP.”
Source: livescore.com