LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool legend Tommy Smith, one of the key figures in the club's first golden era, died on Friday (April 12) at the age of 74.
Smith's no-nonsense performances at the heart of Liverpool's defence saw him nicknamed the 'Anfield Iron' during his 18-year spell on Merseyside.
Making 638 appearances for the Reds between 1960 and 1978, Smith won a host of medals as the club rose to prominence both domestically and in Europe.
Under the management of the great Bill Shankly, Smith helped Liverpool dominate for two decades.
Reflecting his tough style of play, Shankly once said of one of his favourite players: "Tommy Smith wasn't born, he was quarried".
Smith, who captained the club for three years, was one of the most influential members of the Liverpool team that won the FA Cup for the first time in 1965.
Twelve years later, with Bob Paisley at the helm, he would head a crucial goal as Liverpool won their maiden European Cup by defeating Borussia Moenchengladbach in the 1977 final in Rome.
In total, Liverpool-born Smith, who grew up in the shadow of Anfield before joining the club he supported as a boy, won the English title four times, the FA Cup twice, the European Cup once and the UEFA Cup twice.
Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Smith's daughter Janette Simpson said: "Dad died very peacefully in his sleep shortly after 4.30pm today.
"He had been growing increasingly frail and suffering from a variety of ailments over the last three months especially. We are obviously all devastated."
Smith left Liverpool for Swansea, managed by his old Reds team-mate John Toshack, in 1978, and helped them to promotion from the old Third Division.
He received the MBE for services to football and retired from playing in 1979.
A brief return to Anfield as youth coach preceded a career as an after-dinner speaker and newspaper columnist.
Smith suffered a heart attack in 2007 before being diagnosed with Alzheimers and dementia in 2014.
Smith's former Liverpool team-mate Phil Thompson told Sky Sports that his fellow defender was an 'icon'.
"I loved him from the Kop, because of his passion, commitment and never-say-die attitude," he said.
"He was an incredible figure who helped me out enormously. Liverpool Football Club owe this guy a debt of gratitude.
"To go on and play with him, rub shoulders with him, go into battles with him, he was iconic. He wanted and desired the points every week.
"Tommy was the epitome of what Bill Shankly demanded. He drove the team, he was incredible."
Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish added: "He was a great advert for Liverpool Football Club, the way he conducted himself. His memories will be there forever."
Ray Clemence was one of the Liverpool goalkeepers who benefitted from Smith's defensive excellence.
"So desperately sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy Smith a real legend of the club. Honoured to play with him. Great captain and leader of men thoughts are with family and friends," Clemence said.
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash Date created : 16/02/2019 - 20:52 Danish forward Yussuf Poulsen scored twice on Saturday in RB Leipzig's impressive 3-1 win at strugglers
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/02/16/ten-man-schalke-draw-blank-ahead-of-man-city-clash/
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash AFP February 16, 2019 AFP No Comments Berlin (AFP) - Schalke 04 warmed-up for the Champions League visit of Manchester City with a goalless draw at home to fellow Bundesliga strugglers Freiburg on Saturday.
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Manchester City clash
FAS' media-rights partner begins bankruptcy process. Dec 30, 2018, 5:00 am. Football: MP & Silva's Singapore office in provisional liquidation following London HQ's insolvency.
Campus Middle School snowflake fundraiser supports The Denver
Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours Date created : 12/01/2019 - 21:26 Willian has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge AFP
Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours
THE World Cup offered much food for thought for the Socceroos. Robbie Kruse - they're all fleet-footed and the World Cup taught us speed is the key to unlocking defences.
The need for speed: Arnie's attacking plan for the Asian Cup
bestwnews.com/sport/the-need-for-speed-arnies-attacking-plan-for-the-asian-cup/
Need for speed: Australia won't have target men like Tomi Juric or Tim Cahill at the 2019 Asian Cup Credit: Dean Lewis. Those were years where the team relied heavily on a single saviour in front of goal and it's by no coincidence the Socceroos' first tournament in 13 years that will not feature Tim Cahill will also have no place for a target man.
Need for Speed: Payback Key Generator Keygen for Full Game
Barcelona fell to their first La Liga defeat since November as the champions were beaten 2-0 at struggling Celta Vigo after making 11 changes but forward Ousmane Dembele suffered an injury setback ahead of Tuesday's Champions League game at Liverpool.
Celta Vigo vs. Barcelona - Football Match Report - May 4
From Bielsa With Love! Leeds manager admits sending spy to Derby - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship football match.
Leeds manager Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby - Reuters
Lions have nothing to lose against Oman, says Nazri Share KUALA LUMPUR, 22 MARCH 2019 - Singapore head coach Nazri Nasir has urged the Lions to believe that they are capable of springing a surprise against Oman in the final of the AIRMARINE Cup 2019 tomorrow night.
Football: Singapore put up good show to hold Oman before
English Premier League: Willian gem sinks Newcastle as Chelsea cement fourth place Description: Salomon Rondon flicked a header towards Ayoze Perez and he accelerated away from Antonio Rudiger, only to shoot woefully wide with just Kepa Arrizabalaga to beat.
Willian gem sinks Newcastle as Chelsea cement fourth place
Queiroz livid despite rout. Print Email Iran coach Carlos Queiroz blasted his critics after his side crushed Yemen 5-0 on Monday to fire an ominous warning to
Carlos Queiroz - Wikipedia
PARIS • Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar yesterday denied raping a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her at a Paris hotel, with his father claiming he was the victim of
Neymar denies raping woman in Paris luxury hotel, dad calls
Messi nets his 50th career hat trick !!! (twitter.com) (best club competition in the world) Messi scored 16 goals against 39 of Cristiano with even more assists.
Lionel Messi nets the 31st La Liga hat-trick of his career
ICC questions: Madrid without Ronaldo, Mourinho mood, Liverpool title credentials of them during their time in the United States. Real Madrid face Manchester United in the International
United, Spurs, Juve and Inter ready to heat up ICC Singapore
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar