AUTHOR: John Aldridge

Liverpool supporters never fail, do they? At most clubs, a game played between a gang of old players might attract a semi-decent crowd, a few thousand maybe.

Not here. Not at Liverpool FC.

There were more than 45,000 packed inside Anfield yesterday for the Celebration of the 96 game, and what a wonderful occasion they witnessed. This club knows how to put on a show for supporters, and the supporters in turn know how to make that show even more special.

I'm sure a lot of those fans were down at Norwich the previous day , trekking across the country to support their team on a Bank Holiday weekend, and then heading to Anfield 24 hours later. That's dedication for you, and that's why Reds fans are unrivalled. Their support is unconditional.

Personally, it was a privilege for me to be involved in the game, alongside some of the greatest players this club has had. I think the fact that so many of those great players were desperate to be involved says everything about what this club is, and how it gets under your skin.

The game itself was a decent contest. I had a good chance to get a goal down at the Anfield Road end, but when you get to 55 and you've got Sami Hyypia chasing back with you, you don't stand much of a chance!

In fact, I have to say, some of those international legends look like they could still be playing!

Not that it bothers me, of course. Yesterday wasn't about me, or any of the players, it was about the supporters, and about paying the best possible tribute to the Hillsborough victims, families and survivors.

I don't think it could have been done any better, personally. It was good fun, the weather was great and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.

Some of the players flew in especially for the game. They wanted to be part of a special occasion, and to do their bit for two fantastic causes. The gate alone will have raised plenty, and we had a good night at the charity function in the Malmaison last night too, so hopefully there will be plenty going into the kitty from the day.

It's the least we, as former players, can do.

All in all, a wonderful Easter Monday. Play in front of a full house at Anfield or sit and stuff your face with chocolate? Tough choice!

Every time I bump into John Bishop, he gives me stick about missing a penalty at Wembley in the 1988 FA Cup final.

Fair enough, I've always thought. I did miss it, and it was a big one. I've struggled to live it down ever since in all honesty.

Now, though, the boot is on the other foot. In front of the Kop, in front of 45,000 people, Bish had the chance to show me how it's done.

And he fluffed it. Well and truly.

"Yeah but yours was in a cup final," he said afterwards. "Mine didn't matter."

Don't try that one with me, John. You, a lifelong Red, taking a penalty in front of the Kop? That mattered mate, and you blew it.

It was a terrible pen. And trust me, I will be reminding him about it regularly over the next few weeks! Unlucky Bish.

Source: Liverpool Echo