Liverpool legend Ian St John dies aged 82
The Saint had two incredible careers, on the pitch, and as a much loved broadcaster off it
Last updated 2nd Mar 2021
Our friend, and Liverpool FC legend, Ian St John has died at the age of 82.
Saint made 425 appearances for the Reds and scored 118 goals as a key member of Bill Shankly’s famous side of the 1960s.
He scored the winner in the 1965 FA Cup Final, and after retiring from the game, became one of the country's favourite broadcasters.
He was part of the Radio City Sport team for many years, including as a co-commentator and part of the iconic duo "Saint and Snods".
The Reds have issued a statement to say: “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. Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021.”
Originally hailing from Motherwell in Scotland, Saint signed for his home team in 1957, before leaving four years later to join Liverpool FC for a club record fee of £37,500.
He won two first division titles under Shankly and scored the winning goal in the 1965 FA Cup final, deemed "the single greatest moment of the Shankly era."
The Scottish Football Association tweeted: "We are saddened by the passing of former Scotland international Ian St John.
"Ian won 21 caps for his country, scoring nine times during a career that saw him represent Motherwell and Liverpool. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with Ian's family and friends.''
After retiring in 1973, he returned to Motherwell as manager, before moving to manage Portsmouth in 1974.
Following his stints in the capacity of manager, he went on to have a successful pundit career in partnership with Jimmy Greaves, the pair fronting the programme Saint and Greavsie.
Keen to encourage younger players to pick up the sport, he launched St John’s Soccer Camps, football academies aimed at coaching up and coming youth players.
Tributes to the Liverpool legend have been pouring in on social media.