Liverpool’s Heighway Man Hangs Up His Boots For The Final Time As We Remember Shankly’s Arrival

With most eyes on Gareth Southgate’s England side as they have now put themselves through to the knockout stages of the first ever winter World Cup out in Qatar, Liverpool fans will naturally be keeping a close eye on matters closer to home as there were a few big name background departures earlier in the week, but on Thursday it would not have escaped anyone’s attention that it was on December 1, 1959, that the club appointed the legendary, and hugely successful, Bill Shankly as manager of the side.

Having helped us to gain promotion into the First Division, he won the title three times, as well as lifting the FA Cup twice and magnificently holding aloft the UEFA Cup. From a historical point of view, he also laid the foundations for his successor, Bob Paisley, to go on to his own success at Anfield. His status speaks for itself amongst Liverpool fans, and the wider football world, and fans regularly acknowledge him with a nod as they walk past his statue behind The Kop. You would get good odds on the club having a similar period in future history and for fans who like a flutter they can bet on Liverpool matches when the 2022/23 season resumes.

“Liverpool was made for me and I was made for Liverpool.’

Never a truer sentiment.

However, Thursday also became a slightly sad day for Scousers as it was announced that long-serving coaching staff member Steve Heighway had decided to hang up his football boots for the final time.

The 75-year-old rejoined the club as a backroom team member back in 2015 having originally retired in 2007 as Academy Director in his own right, taking up a role as a full-time consultant and nobody can argue that he has played his part in helping to guide the development and careers of some of the Reds’ biggest fan favourites and iconic modern-day names – and to name just a couple, Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen all progressed during his tenure…as well as many others.

As the departure was announced, Academy manager Alex Inglethorpe said of Heighway’s impact at the club.

“Steve has not only enjoyed a successful playing career at the club, but also an incredible coaching career lasting over 40 years, in which he has overseen the development of some of the most iconic players to have played for Liverpool Football Club. Whilst Steve may no longer be putting on his boots to work on the grass, he will still be at the Academy to watch games and share his expertise and wisdom for those fortunate to be in his company.”

He has more than done a great job behind the scenes for the last few years, but particularly for the younger fan, as Inglethorpe rightly points out – the elder and more wiser fan also knows well what he can do on the pitch.

The Dublin born winger spent his youth career ay Skelmersdale United before moving to Liverpool in 1970 and he went on to make 329 league appearances for us, returning 50 goals. His record across all competitions is obviously more impressive and he was a huge part of the success we had during the 1970’s, and from his playing days he was hugely liked and well loved amongst the fanbase.

He will be missed, but he will forever remain in our history.