Reds mourn A'Court

Liverpool Football Club were sad to learn of the death of ex-Red Alan A'Court, who passed away on Monday following illness.

A'Court, who was aged 75, joined the club in 1952 and enjoyed an 11-year spell at Anfield, in which time he featured 381 times and scored 63 goals.

A strong and direct winger, he made the Reds' left flank his own during that time and even featured for England in the 1958 World Cup, despite plying his trade in the Second Division.

A'Court also had the honour of being the first man to score a competitive goal under Bill Shankly and Brian Hall of Liverpool's Former Players' Association, was quick to pay tribute to him, in a week that marks the 50^th anniversary of the Scot's Anfield arrival.

"It's extremely sad news and everyone at the club is deeply saddened and shocked," said Hall.

"We knew he had not been well, but we did not realise how serious it was. He was a terrific footballer and a lovely guy.

"It is a real shock because I only saw him three or four months ago. Everyone at the club would like to pass on their sympathies to Alma and his family at this sad time."

A'Court was in the LFC TV studios only last year to talk about his Reds career on the channel's 60 Minutes show.

Asked how he hoped fans would remember him, he said: "I'd like them to think that I always gave my best. I'd like to thank them for the way they backed me throughout my Liverpool career.

"I've got a lot to be thankful for. I had the backing of the club, the players and the spectators. The fans voted in me in at 81 in the 100 Players that Shook the Kop and I'm really proud of that."