“Blown Me Away.” – Howard Gayle On Recognition With Stunning Mural In Toxteth

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A wonderful mural of Liverpool Football Club’s first black player Howard Gayle has been unveiled in his home Toxteth. 

Having come through the youth ranks, Gayle signed a professional contract with the club in 1977 and the forward made his first team debut in a 3-0 win over Manchester City at Maine Road. 

Despite only scoring once in his Liverpool career – an opener against Spurs which was quickly cancelled out by Glenn Hoddle – Gayle became a much-loved figure at Anfield following his standout performance in a European Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich in 1981, running the German’s defenders ragged. A 61-minute display in Munich that will go down in Liverpool folklore.

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Following on from his football career Gayle has continued his work as one of the country’s most dedicated activists and his outspoken belief to stand up for what is right has never left the former Liverpool man. 

Hailed as a trailblazer, pioneer and more, Gayle was visibly proud as the mural, on Upper Warwick Street in Toxteth, was unveiled, hoping the work of art by fellow Scouser John Culshaw would help showcase the unity in the area as well as inspire the next generation as to what is possible.

We spoke to former teammate and close friend Sammy Lee at the unveiling.

Sammy said: “It’s unbelievable. Absolutely immensely proud. It’s long overdue for sure, what he’s done for the city, what he’s done for the community has been nothing short of sensational. Me and him have been friends for a long long time, for him to do what he’s done. He’s a fantastic role model for youngsters.

“If you look at that and the inspiration it gives young kids. He should be so proud. People need recognition and when you’ve done as much as he’s done for his community, this city, for the football club, it is long overdue.”

On sharing the changing room: “It was magnificent, he was a nuisance but I’m sure he’s say the same about me. Fantastic period in our lives. Because we come from similar areas it was fantastic. Football is a strange game because you have a lot of colleagues but you don’t have a lot of friends. Me and him are friends.” 

We also got the opportunity to speak to Gayle himself on what was an emotional day surrounded by family and friends. 

Gayle said: “I’m overwhelmed, this is a wonderful community, to have my picture right in the centre is overwhelming. I always try to support the positive things in the community, especially if they’re in and around the education of our youth. 

On the mural: “I came to see it the other day and I thought it was brilliant but the finished article has blown me away.”

Although Gayle may shrug off the significance of what he has done in paving the way at Liverpool – perhaps years too late – there should be no doubt there are few more deserving of this recognition around the city. 

The mural was commissioned by Mandela8 in collaboration with the Riverside Foundation.

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