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The reds start out 1892 - We played our first ever competitive fixture, trouncing Higher Walton 8-0 in a Lancashire League fixture at Anfield, in front of a crowd of just 200. Jock Smith, Joe McQue and James Cameron all netted braces, with Malcolm McVean and John McBride also notching. West Derby-born Joe Pearson was the only non-Scot in this ‘Team of the Macs’, playing his only reds game. 1898 - We stepped out in red for the first time, as we beat The Wednesday 4-0 at Anfield, with centre-half Alex Raisbeck making his debut. We had played in blue and white quartered shirts until then. Left-half Bill Goldie bagged his first reds goal with Hugh Morgan, John Walker and Tommy Robertson also on the scoresheet that day. 1952 - We also played the Owls, beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough thanks to goals from Kevin Baron and Billy Liddell. Happy birthday Le Ex-Boss 1947 - Gérard Houllier was born in Therouanne in France. He was appointed as joint Manager alongside Roy Evans in July 1998, taking over sole charge four months later. He led us to the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup and FA Charity Shield before leaving by mutual consent in May 2004. He then went on to lead Olympique Lyonnais to two straight League titles. Other birthdays 1937 - Left-half Tommy Leishman was born in Stenhousemuir. He had won the Scottish Cup with St. Mirren, signing for £10,000 in November 1949. He helped us back to the First Division in 1962, although he then only made eleven top-flight appearances before returning north of the border, to Hibernian, in January 1963 after a total of seven goals in 118 reds games, including our first ever League Cup strike. 2002 – Forward Layton Stewart was born in Liverpool. He has been with the reds since the age of seven, signing as a professional in February 2020, having made it onto the first-team bench in our League Cup tie at Aston Villa two months earlier. 2003 – Keeper Harvey Davies was also born in Liverpool. He has been with the reds since the age of nine, featuring on the bench in four UEFA Champions League fixtures during 2020/21 and the following campaign. 1985 - Former second choice keeper Scott Carson was born in Whitehaven. He made just nine senior reds appearances following his arrival from Leeds United for £750,000 in January 2005, but only managed to keep two clean sheets. He was sold to West Bromwich Albion for £3.25m in July 2008, after seasons on loan at first Charlton Athletic and then Aston Villa. 1964 - 1980’s Irish reserve midfielder Ken DeMange was born in Dublin. He never made a senior appearance while at Anfield, despite winning full international honours during that time. 1977 - Phil Brazier was born in Liverpool. The defender skippered us to victory in the FA Youth Cup in 1996. Red departures 1958 – Scottish inside-forward Tom Miller died. He netted 56 times in 146 reds games after signing from Hamilton Academical for £400 in February 1912, including an appearance in the 1914 FA Cup Final. However, he is also remembered as being one of the players caught up in the Manchester United match-rigging scandal of 1915, whom he joined in September 1920.His brother John was on the reds books alongside him immediately after the First World War. 1966 - Centre-half John Nicholson died in a car crash, just one day after his thirtieth birthday. He signed with the reds as a professional in January 1957, but only played one senior game before joining Port Vale in August 1961, playing over 200 games for them. 1995 – Right-winger Alex Muir died. He signed from Lochgelly Violet in July 1947, the same club that Billy Liddell was signed from. He only played four senior games before joining South Liverpool in 1949. Bert at the wrong end 1969 – Ex-reds keeper Bert Slater put through his own net as we won a League Cup Second Round tie 2-1 at Watford, with Ian St. John bagging the winner, the club’s 5,000th goal in all competitions. Most recently 1988 - Our most recent game on this day came when Jan Mølby netted the only goal of our home fixture with Manchester United from the spot, with Nigel Spackman also hitting the woodwork. 1947 - We also entertained United, with Albert Stubbins on target in our 2-2 top-flight draw and Jack Balmer converting a penalty. Cyril Sidlow saved a spot-kick taken by United’s Jack Rowley. Stan Pearson bagged one of his eleven strikes past us, with Charlie Mitten netting one of his five. A goalscoring debut 1958 - Inside-forward Alan Banks scored on his reds debut as we thumped Brighton & Hove Albion 5-0 in a home Second Division fixture, with Alan Arnell nabbing a brace and Jimmy Harrower and right-back John Molyneux also netting. Outside-right Fred Morris also made his reds bow that day. 1960 - We also entertained the Seagulls, with Jimmy Harrower on target twice in a 2-0 victory. 1955 - Molyneux made his reds bow as we drew 3-3 at Blackburn Rovers. Alan Arnell struck a brace with Billy Liddell also on target for the reds. Eddie Crossan bagged a brace for the home side, with Bob Langton also on target. 1932 - Centre-half Tom ‘Tiny’ Bradshaw grabbed the first of his four reds goals in our 4-3 defeat at Newcastle United. Gordon Hodgson scored from the spot with Ted Crawford bagging his fourth and final reds goal, our 2,000th in top-flight football, as right-back Willie Steel put through his own net for one of the Geordies’ goals. Tommy Lang scored one of his four goals past us, with Jack Allen scoring the last of his five and Harry McMenemy also on the scoresheet. Razor’s ton 1977 - Ray Kennedy reached a century of League appearances for the reds, scoring the only goal very early on at Birmingham City. Robbo in charge 2018 – Left-back Andy Robertson was appointed captain of Scotland. On the same day, Jordan Henderson signed a new contract with the reds. Gems on their way 2001 - Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Le Havre’s two young gems, Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, for a combined £6m fee, although they would remain in France for another two years. Sinama-Pongolle bagged nine goals in 66 reds games, while his compatriot netted just once in 32 games, and neither remains with the club. Zico foiled 1983 - Phil Neal had a penalty saved, although we were still able to beat Nottingham Forest at Anfield thanks to an Ian Rush goal. We have faced Forest twice more on this day in history in the top flight. 1963 - Our City Ground encounter ended goalless, as we started this title-winning season with just three points from our opening four fixtures. 1985 - Ronnie Whelan bagged a brace as we won 2-0 at Anfield. Ironed out 1956 - We drew 1-1 at Upton Park in a Second Division meeting, with Billy Liddell on the scoresheet. Forward John Evans made his hundredth reds appearance in this game. Future Manchester United boss Frank O’Farrell struck for the home side. 1966 - Geoff Strong netted as we again held West Ham United to a draw in the East End, with Geoff Hurst on the scoresheet for the Irons, one of his nine goals against us. 1962 - Our other trip to face the Hammers on this day in history ended in defeat, with winger Tony Scott nabbing the only goal of the game. 2008 – Future reds First Team Coach Kevin Keen was appointed Caretaker Manager at West Ham for the second time after Alan Curbishley’s resignation. He was in charge for just one game, a 3-2 defeat at West Bromwich Albion before Gianfranco Zola took over. Starting off badly 1910 - We kicked off the season with a defeat, when James Stewart nabbed our consolation as Bradford City won 2-1 at Anfield. Reserves custodian Augustus Beeby had to step in between the sticks due to Sam Hardy’s damaged wrist. Final strike 1894 – Winger Patrick Gordon netted his eighth and final reds goal in our 3-3 top-flight draw at Burnley. Hugh McQueen and Harry Bradshaw also scored. Bad Bhoy 1895 – We faced Celtic for the first time in our history, winning an Anfield friendly 2-0 thanks to goals from George Allan and Frank Becton. Tommy Morrison from the visitors was sent off in the second half for dissent. Young reds 1999 - Steven Gerrard scored on his debut for England Under-21’s as they beat Luxembourg 5-0 in a European Championships qualifier at the Madejski Stadium in Reading. Jamie Carragher and future red Emile Heskey also started, while David Thompson came on as a substitute. On the same day, Frode Kippe scored in Norway Under-21’s 2-1 qualifying win over Greece, with future red John Arne Riise also in action. 2010 – Danny Wilson played for Scotland Under-21’s in their 1-1 European Championships qualifying draw in Belarus, while future red Daniel Sturridge scored as England won their qualifier at the same level 1-0 in Portugal, with fellow future red Jordan Henderson also featuring and future reds Christian Benteke and Simon Mignolet also in international action. 2011 – Wilson featured for the senior side as Scotland drew 2-2 with the Czech Republic in a Euro 2012 qualifier at Hampden Park, with Charlie Adam and ex-red Milan Baroš also in action. 2015 – Joe Gomez and Jordon Ibe both made their debuts for England Under-21’s as they beat USA Under-23’s 1-0 at Deepdale. Meanwhile, Gini Wijnaldum won his first senior cap for the Netherlands as a Newcastle United player in their 1-0 defeat by Iceland in a European Championships qualifier in Amsterdam. Divock Origi played for Belgium that day as they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 in another qualifier in Brussels. Recent internationals 2017 – Dejan Lovren featured in Croatia’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat of Kosovo in Zagreb, while Gini Wijnaldum played as the Netherlands beat Bulgaria 3-1 in Amsterdam. Future red Xherdan Shaqiri and ex-red Péter Gulácsi also played in qualifiers that day. 2014 – Daniel Agger converted a penalty while winning the first cap of his second spell with Brøndby IF, as Denmark lost a friendly 2-1 to Turkey in Odense. Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson’s England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with Jordan Henderson, Rickie Lambert, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and future reds James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all featuring. Jordan Rossiter won his only cap for England Under-18’s as they beat the Netherlands 4-1 in Leigh, with future red Dominic Solanke also debuting at this level and Sheyi Ojo also in action. Ex-reds Robbie Keane and Javier Mascherano also featured in friendlies that day. 2010 – Fernando Torres netted his last two goals for Spain as a reds player as they won a Euro 2012 qualifier 4-0 in Liechtenstein. Raul Meireles was on target while playing for Portugal as a red for the first time, in their 4-4 draw with Cyprus. Dirk Kuyt converted a penalty as the Netherlands thumped San Marino 5-0 in Serravalle. Ex-red Sami Hyypiä was sent off while skippering Finland to a 2-0 defeat in Moldova. Craig Bellamy skippered Wales while winning his first cap on loan at Cardiff City from Manchester City in their 1-0 defeat in Montenegro, John Toshack’s last game in charge of his country. James Milner played for England for the first time since moving to Manchester City, with Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Milan Jovanović, Martin Škrtel, future reds Christian Benteke, Ragnar Klavan and Xherdan Shaqiri, and ex-reds Xabi Alonso, Robbie Keane, Jari Litmanen, Carl Medjani, Nikolay Mihaylov and John Arne Riise also featuring in qualifiers that day. First and last caps 2004 - Xabi Alonso won his first cap as a reds player, and thirteenth to date, as Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Scotland at the Estadio Ciutat de València, although the game was postponed after 59 minutes due to floodlight failure. This was the first ever senior international staged at this ground, with future red Fernando Torres captaining the side for the first time. Meanwhile, Bolo Zenden won his only cap while permanently with Middlesbrough as the Netherlands beat Liechtenstein 3-0 in Utrecht, with future red Dirk Kuyt winning his first cap. Future red Daniel Agger won his first Under-21’s cap as Denmark beat Ukraine 3-2 in Farum in a European Championships qualifier. Also in Under-21’s action that day were Darren Potter and future reds Ramon Calliste, Scott Carson, Stewart Downing, James Milner, Gary O’Neil and Jermaine Pennant. 1975 - David Johnson won his third cap, and final one as an Ipswich Town player, in England’s 2-1 European Championships qualifying win in Switzerland. Ray Clemence and Kevin Keegan both also played. Future red Kenny Dalglish played for Scotland as they lost 1-0 in Denmark on the same day. 1992 - Future reds keeper Brad Friedel made his senior international debut for the USA in their 2-0 friendly defeat of Canada in St. John’s. 2006 - Javier Mascherano played his first international while with West Ham United as Argentina lost a friendly 3-0 to Brazil at the Emirates Stadium. 2011 – Mohamed Salah made his senior international debut in Egypt’s 2-1 defeat in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in Sierra Leone, with fellow future red featuring as Algeria drew another qualifier 1-1 in Tanzania. 2016 - Sadio Mané won his first cap as a red in Senegal’s 2-0 defeat of Namibia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Dakar, with ex-red Victor Moses playing in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Tanzania in Uyo on the same day. 2020 – Neco Williams debuted for Wales as they won a UEFA Nations League group game 1-0 in Finland, with Harry Wilson also featuring. Emre Can won his first cap as a Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund player as Germany drew 1-1 with Spain in Stuttgart. Future red Thiago Alcântara and ex-red Péter Gulácsi also played in the UEFA Nations League that day. 2021 - Luke Chambers, Kaide Gordon and Lee Jonas all debuted for England Under-18’s in their 1-1 draw with Wales in Newport, with Melkamu Frauendorf featuring for Germany at the same level as they beat Austria 3-1 in the Czech Republic. Also in international action 2005 - Momo Sissoko won his first cap as a reds player, netting in Mali’s 2-0 defeat of Congo in a World Cup qualifier in Bamako, with Djimi Traoré also in the side. Fernando Morientes struck his first international goal since moving to Anfield, with Xabi Alonso, Luis García, Pepe Reina and future red Fernando Torres all also featuring in Spain’s 2-1 friendly defeat of Canada in Santander. Meanwhile Yossi Benayoun won his first cap while with West Ham United, playing against future red Philipp Degen’s Switzerland in Basel. Djibril Cissé bagged a brace as France beat the Faroe Islands 3-0 in a qualifier in Lens, with El-Hadji Diouf grabbing his first goal as a Bolton Wanderers player as Senegal won 1-0 in Zambia. Milan Baroš won his first cap as an Aston Villa player as the Czech Republic lost 2-0 in Romania, with ex-red Vladimír Šmicer also featuring. Jamie Carragher made his first start in a competitive England fixture as he won his nineteenth cap, with future red Joe Cole bagging the only goal in Wales, who were managed by John Toshack. Also representing their countries on this day were Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypiä, ex-red Daniel Sjölund, and future reds Daniel Agger, Jan Kromkamp, Dirk Kuyt, Christian Poulsen, Martin Škrtel and Andriy Voronin. Alberto in action 2004 – Alberto Aquilani won his first Italy Under-21’s cap as a Roma player in their 2-0 European Championships qualifying defeat of Norway in Trapani, netting his first goal at this level. 2002 – He featured for the Under-19’s as they drew 1-1 with Belgium. 2004 – Future red Raul Meireles netted for Portugal Under-21’s as they won a European Championships qualifier 2-1 in Latvia. On the move 1993 - Reserves forward Lee Jones joined Crewe Alexandra on loan, netting once in eight appearances. 2003 - Ex-reserves midfielder Phil Charnock was released by Bury after just three games for the Shakers. 2011 - Albert Riera joined Galatasaray from Olympiacos for €3m, after six goals in 28 outings as they claimed the League title. 2012 - Raul Meireles left Chelsea for Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü for €10m, after six goals in 48 outings for the Blues. 2014 – Future Assistant Manager Sean O’Driscoll was appointed Manager of England Under-19’s, a position he left to move to Anfield in July 2015. 2018 – Ex-reds forward Samed Yeşil signed for KFC Uerdingen 05, moving on the following July after just ten minutes of first-team action. Back to England 1995 - Ex-red Mike Marsh signed for Southend United from Galatasaray for £500,000. He played nearly a hundred times for the Shrimpers, before being forced into retirement. Other reds games 1986 – We lost 2-1 at Leicester City. Kenny Dalglish netted a late consolation after future red Gary McAllister and Russell Osman had scored. 1949 – Albert Stubbins struck twice as we won 2-1 at Arsenal, before Doug Lishman bagged the first of his four goals against the reds late on. 1938 – We lost 1-0 at Preston North End. 1927 – Aston Villa held us to a goalless draw at Anfield. 1921 – Billy Matthews and Dick Forshaw netted as we beat Sunderland 2-1 in L4, before Charlie Buchan grabbed one of his 21 goals past us. 1904 – Glossop held us to a 2-2 draw in a Second Division meeting at home, with Arthur Goddard and Joe Hewitt on target. Also in international action 2006 – Future red Nikolay Mihaylov played for Bulgaria Under-21’s in their 2-1 defeat of Croatia in a European Championships qualifier in Sofia. 2000 – Future red Yossi Benayoun featured in Israel’s 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier in Tel-Aviv. 1995 – Ex-red Jim Magilton appeared for Northern Ireland as they drew a European Championships qualifier 1-1 in Portugal. 1985 – Ex-red Avi Cohen and future red Ronnie Rosenthal both represented Israel in their 6-0 World Cup thumping of Taiwan in Tel-Aviv.

Clinching the title 1979 - A 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa at Anfield handed us our eleventh League title, thanks to goals from Alan Kennedy, Kenny Dalglish and Terry McDermott. We ended the season with a record 68 points and record goal difference of +69, having only conceded sixteen League goals during the entire campaign. This game was originally postponed from New Year’s Day. The arrival of an Anfield legend 1939 - Left-half Bob Paisley signed from Bishop Auckland for a £10 signing-on fee, and £5 per week. He served the club well in his 277 games, notching twelve times, before joining the training staff. He eventually succeeded Bill Shankly in 1974, becoming the most successful manager in English football history. 1894 - A rather less notable Anfield servant arrived in L4. Defender James Cameron signed from Rangers, going on to make only four first-team appearances. 1909 – Outside-left John McDonald also arrived from Rangers, netting four goals in 81 reds games before joining Newcastle United in May 1912. Cup final disappointment 1971 - Arsenal completed the double, beating us 2-1 at Wembley in the FA Cup Final. Steve Heighway opened the scoring in extra time before Eddie Kelly equalised for the Gunners. Charlie George grabbed the winner with the first of his five goals past us - cue one very famous flat-out celebration. Future red Ray Kennedy appeared for the Gunners. 1972 - We also faced Arsenal, holding them to a goalless draw at Highbury. 2005 - Our third meeting with the North London outfit on this day in history ended in a 3-1 defeat at Highbury that ensured we would finish behind Everton in fifth place, although the glory of Istanbul was just around the corner. Steven Gerrard bagged our goal while playing his 200th League game, while Robert Pires netted the last of his four goals past us, with José Antonio Reyes and Cesc Fábregas also scoring. 2012 - Three days after losing out to the Blues in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, we saw off Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield in May 2012 with the reds wearing special ‘Seeing Is Believing’ sponsored kits. Michael Essien’s own goal following fine work from Luis Suárez opened the scoring, with Jordan Henderson doubling our lead after one of many errors forced on John Terry. Daniel Agger headed in from a corner before Fernando Torres and Stewart Downing each hit the woodwork, with Downing then placing a spot-kick onto the post, a club record seventh penalty miss of the season, excluding shoot-outs. Ramires pulled a goal back for the visitors before Jonjo Shelvey completed the scoring. 2001 – We were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Chelsea. Michael Owen bagged a brace, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink twice drawing the visitors level, two of his seven goals against the reds. Heading towards second 2002 - We beat Blackburn Rovers 4-3 at home, having lost the lead three times before Emile Heskey finally won the game late on, to keep us on course to finish second in the League. Danny Murphy, Nicolas Anelka and Sami Hyypiä were the other scorers, with Andrew Cole netting one of his eleven goals past us, and Damien Duff and Matt Jansen also on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that we were holding talks with French club Sedan over the possible transfer of Salif Diao. Final acts 2016 – Joe Allen struck his seventh and last goal for the club as we beat Watford 2-0 at Anfield, with Roberto Firmino also on target. 2004 - Emile Heskey bagged his sixtieth and final reds goal as we won 3-0 at his next club Birmingham City. Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard also struck, while the Blues had Kenny Cunningham sent off. 1982 - We also won at St. Andrews, with Ian Rush netting the only goal of the game. The Anfield Iron is forged 1963 - Tommy Smith made his reds bow in our 5-1 League defeat of Birmingham City at Anfield. This was the first official game we ever played on this day in history. Roger Hunt bagged a brace, with Gordon Wallace scoring his first reds goal and Ian St. John and Ian Callaghan also netting. Shanks for the last time 1974 - Bill Shankly took charge of his last official reds game as we drew 1-1 at Tottenham Hotspur in a game postponed from two months earlier, to end the season in second place, five points behind champions Leeds United. Centre-back Max Thompson made his reds bow, becoming our youngest League debutant to date, aged seventeen years and 129 days, just fifteen days younger than Michael Owen was on his debut 23 years later. Steve Heighway was on the scoresheet, while Ian Callaghan was making his 500th League appearance and left-back Alec Lindsay played his 200th game for the club. 1993 - We also faced Spurs, winning 6-2 at Anfield in our final game of the season as we finished sixth, with many fans expecting this to be Graeme Souness’s last game in charge, although he was actually watching Coventry City entertain Leeds United at the time. Ian Rush and John Barnes grabbed a brace each, with Rushie’s first being his 300th reds goal. Mark Walters also netted with the reds also benefitting from a Stuart Nethercott own goal that was initially credited as Steve Harkness’s first reds strike. Bruce Grobbelaar saved a Teddy Sheringham penalty, our first spot-kick save at Anfield in the Premier League. Sheringham got on the scoresheet anyway with one of his seven goals against the reds, as did Steve Sedgley for the visitors. First strikes 1964 - Forward Bobby Graham scored his first reds goal as we trounced Boston Metros 8-1 in the first friendly on our US tour. Alf Arrowsmith and Ian St. John both bagged braces, with Phil Chisnall, Chris Lawler and Tommy Smith also on target. 2021 - Thiago Alcântara bagged his first reds goal late on in our 2-0 defeat of Southampton behind closed doors at Anfield, after Sadio Mané had headed in the opener as Jürgen Klopp secured his hundredth Anfield win in all competitions. Ferri off 1999 – Midfielder Jean-Michel Ferri made his second and final reds appearance as we lost 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday thanks to a late Richard Cresswell header. Ferri came on as a late substitute for Jamie Redknapp. Managerial comings and goings 2012 - Nick Barmby was sacked as Manager of Hull City, after making disparaging comments about the owners and transfer funds. He had led them to thirteen victories in 33 games in charge. 2001 - Mark Wright was appointed Manager of basement side Oxford United. He only won four of the 22 games in which he was in charge, resigning after just six months at the Kassam Stadium, following accusations of racism. 1992 - Phil Neal was sacked as Bolton Wanderers boss, after nearly seven seasons in charge. He led them to the Freight Rover Trophy Final in his first campaign, before the Trotters were relegated to the basement division the next year, but immediately bounced back into the Third Division. He could not lead them any higher, despite twice making the play-offs. He also helped them to claim the Sherpa Van Trophy in 1989. Future reds starting out 1980 - Nigel Spackman signed for Bournemouth from Andover on a free transfer. He played 131 times for his first professional club, bagging ten goals as they were promoted to the Third Division in his second season. 1994 - Sami Hyypiä scored his first goal in the Finnish Premier League as Myllykosken Pallo-47 drew 1-1 with HJK Helsinki. 1863 - One-time reds trainer William Connell was born in Stockport. International debutants 1963 - Midfielder Gordon Milne made his full international debut as England drew 1-1 with Brazil in a friendly at Wembley. 1932 – Ex-red reserves outside-left Jimmy Kelly played for the Irish Free State for the first of four times in their 2-0 friendly defeat of the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Kenny on target 1976 - Future red Kenny Dalglish netted in Scotland’s 3-0 British International Championships defeat of Northern Ireland at Hampden Park. Meanwhile, Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, Ray Kennedy and Phil Thompson faced John Toshack as England won 1-0 in Cardiff. European joy and despair 1968 - Roger Hunt appeared for England as they beat Spain 2-1 in Madrid to reach the Semi-final of the European Championships 3-1 on aggregate. 2006 - Future red Krisztián Németh appeared for Hungary Under-17’s as they lost 2-0 to Spain in a European Championships Finals group game in Luxembourg. 2007 – Future red Damien Plessis played for France Under-19’s in their 3-1 European Championships qualifying victory over Poland in Israel. Beating the Blues 1962 – Ronnie Moran scored the only goal of our Liverpool Senior Cup Semi-final encounter with Everton at Goodison Park. Alex off 2008 – Former First Team Coach Alex Miller quit the club to take over as Manager of JEF United Ichihara Chiba in Japan. However, his contract was terminated in July 2009. Other reds milestones Two ex-reds defenders have been released by other clubs on this day in history. 2003 - David Burrows left Sheffield Wednesday after 23 games in his one year at Hillsborough as they struggled in the First Division. 2008 – Stephen Wright was on his way from Sunderland, having made 105 appearances and netted twice. He is now on the coaching staff at Wrexham. Birth and death 2009 – Danish centre-half Daniel Agger became a father to a son, Jamie. 1955 - George Patterson died in Liverpool. He joined the reds as Assistant Secretary in 1908, taking charge of the team as Tom Watson’s successor as Secretary in 1918. He returned to a purely backroom role during 1919/20. He took charge again in 1928 when Matt McQueen retired, remaining in charge until 1936 at which point he once again reverted to a less front-line position, staying at Anfield until 1938. Also in international action 1943 – Ray Lambert featured as Wales drew 1-1 with England in a Wartime International at Ninian Park. 1957 – Tommy Younger played for Scotland as they beat Spain 4-2 in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.

Michael the centurion 2001 - Michael Owen scored his hundredth reds goal after Trevor Sinclair had given West Ham United the lead, as we drew 1-1 at Upton Park. This was our 200th League goal under Gérard Houllier's sole charge. 1923 - We also faced the Hammers when Jimmy Walsh struck twice in a 2-0 win at Anfield. Red debutants 1984 - Kevin MacDonald made his reds bow as we beat Luton Town 1-0 at home, with John Wark on target. 2013 – Aussie left-back Brad Smith came off the bench to make his debut as we lost 2-1 at Chelsea with Martin Škrtel handing us an early lead. This was the first time we had lost consecutive League games under Brendan Rodgers, with Luis Suárez denied a strong late penalty claim. Eden Hazard scored one of his seven goals past us to date, with Samuel Eto’o also on target. Bobby again 2018 – Roberto Firmino scored his first career hat-trick as we thumped Arsenal 5-1 to secure our eighth consecutive win, and tenth in a row in the League. Ainsley Maitland-Niles put the Gunners ahead early, but Firmino quickly put us in front before Sadio Mané extended the lead. Mohamed Salah scored from the spot in first-half injury time. Firmino completed his treble by converting a penalty after the break. Milestone games 2019 – Virgil van Dijk reached a century of reds games as we beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at Anfield with Sadio Mané on target before the break after a lengthy VAR review for a potential handball by Adam Lallana. The visitors then had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside on the stroke of half time as we ended the year with a thirteen-point lead at the top of the table. 2009 - Fernando Torres struck the only goal of our game at Aston Villa in injury time, his fiftieth League goal, in his 72nd game, a new club record. 1934 - Berry Nieuwenhuys and Sam English were on the scoresheet as we won 2-0 at Blackburn Rovers, with keeper Arthur Riley appearing for the 200th time. 1900 - We also visited Ewood Park, with Sam Raybould netting as we lost 3-1. Jack Dewhurst netted the first two of his five goals past us, with Walter Whittaker scoring the first of his six against the reds. Gunning for a draw 2002 - A Danny Murphy penalty gave us the lead at Highbury. However, a controversial penalty won by Francis Jeffers and converted by Thierry Henry for one of his nine goals past us enabled Arsenal to share the points. Going top 1996 - We won 1-0 at Graeme Souness’s Southampton to go top of the League in time for the New Year. Dave Beasant attempted to prevent a corner, but his errant clearance was seized upon by John Barnes who sent it towards goal. Beasant attempted to get back to retrieve the situation but failed. Unfortunately, we ended up finishing fourth in a ‘two horse race’ that season. Gordon’s milestone strike 1928 – The second of Gordon Hodgson’s brace in our top-flight match at Bury was our 2,000th League goal. The game ended 2-2, with outside-right Dick Edmed playing his hundredth League game for the reds. John Smith bagged the last of his seven goals against the reds, with Jack Ball also netting. More milestone games 2010 - Pepe Reina played his 200th League game for the reds as we lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. Stephen Ward bagged the winner with ironic chants of “Hodgson for England” ringing around the Kop during the second half. 2014 – Brendan Rodgers led us to a fiftieth League win in charge as we saw off Swansea City 4-1 at Anfield. Alberto Moreno opened the scoring with Adam Lallana bagging a brace after the break, either side of a Gylfi Sigurðsson strike for the visitors, one of his four goals past us to date. The scoring was completed when ex-red Jonjo Shelvey put through his own net, his second own goal against us to date. Derby stalemate 1945 - We held the Blues to a 2-2 draw in a Wartime League match at Goodison. Kevin Baron and Billy Liddell were on the scoresheet. Baron born 1901 - Fred Baron was born in Prudhoe, Northumberland. He struck seven times in twenty games after signing from Mid-Rhondda United in February 1925, moving on to Southend United in March 1927. 1991 – Short-lived centre-half Steven Caulker was born in Feltham. He joined the reds on loan from Queens Park Rangers in January 2016, having his temporary spell at Southampton cut short to accommodate the move. He made just four reds appearances. Bert’s farewell 1971 - Bert Shelley died in Liverpool. He played 448 times for Southampton, a club record until the 1960’s. After retiring from playing, he joined George Kay’s coaching staff, following him to Anfield in August 1936. He stayed on as Trainer after Kay’s departure, working under Don Welsh and Phil Taylor until 1959 when he joined the general staff, with his duties including looking after the treatment room. He was still working for the club when he died. Zico out of a job 1996 - Phil Neal resigned as Manager of First Division Manchester City. He had lost seven of his ten games in charge. Other wins In total, we have won nine of our sixteen fixtures on this day in history. 1973 – We won 1-0 at Chelsea with Peter Cormack grabbing the goal. 1979 - David Johnson struck twice without reply at West Bromwich Albion. 1897 – We won 2-1 at Sheffield United with Abe Hartley nabbing his only reds goal and Andrew McCowie also on the scoresheet. 1951 – We won by the same score at Huddersfield Town. Billy Liddell and Jimmy Payne netted at Leeds Road, with Jimmy Glazzard bagging one of his five goals against the reds. Red endings 1894 – Defender James Cameron played his fourth and final reds game in a 3-0 top-flight defeat at Small Heath. Frank Mobley bagged a treble, the first of his four strikes against the reds. 2007 - Reserves centre-half James Smith left Anfield to sign for Stockport County after a successful loan spell. Management endings 2008 – Paul Jewell resigned as Manager of Derby County with Reserve Team Coach Mark Seagraves also vacating his post. The Rams had won just twelve of his 58 games in charge. Stevie nicked 2008 - Steven Gerrard was arrested following an alleged assault at a Southport bar the previous day. He was later acquitted of all charges. Other reds games 1976 – Joe Royle netted one of his five goals against the reds as we drew 1-1 at Manchester City, thanks to a late Dave Watson own goal, keeping us two points clear at the top of the table. 1956 – We were held to a goalless draw in a Second Division encounter at Grimsby Town. In comes Chris 1920 – Winger Chris Harrington signed from South Liverpool. He failed to score in four senior outings, before returning to his former club the following year. Also on the move 2010 – Jermaine Pennant joined Stoke City from Real Zaragoza for an initial £1.725m, after failing to score in 26 outings for the Spanish side. Meanwhile, keeper Diego Cavalieri left Cesena to sign for Fluminense back in his native Brazil. He had played just one senior game for the Italian club. 2014 - Fernando Torres returned to Club Atlético de Madrid on loan from AC Milan, just two days after arriving from Chelsea. He made the move permanent in July 2016. 2020 – Ex-reds centre-half Lloyd Jones re-signed for Northampton Town, after a previous loan spell. He moved on to Cambridge United in June 2021 after a total of 29 appearances for the Cobblers. Internationals in action 1976 - Future red Avi Cohen played for Israel as they were beaten 1-0 in Tel-Aviv by the West German Olympics side. 2003 – Roy Hodgson took charge of the United Arab Emirates as they beat host nation Kuwait 2-0 in a Gulf Cup of Nations game. 1995 - Haukur Ingi Guðnason scored his first goal for Iceland Under-19’s as they beat Belgium 2-1 in an Israel Tournament game. 1994 – Guðnason featured for the Under-17’s as they lost 2-0 to France in another tournament game in Israel. Jerzy a dad again 2006 - Jerzy Dudek became a father for the third time, to Natalia.

Happy birthday Brucie 1957 - Bruce Grobbelaar was born in Durban, South Africa. Our eccentric keeper signed from Vancouver Whitecaps for £250,000 in March 1981 and played 628 times for the reds, helping us to six League titles, one European Cup, three FA Cups, three League Cups and three FA Charity Shields. Other birthdays 1948 - Larry Lloyd was born in Bristol. He is one of a rare breed to leave Anfield in his prime, and go on to better things – helping Nottingham Forest to two European Cups, one League title, League Cup and FA Charity Shield. He had won League and UEFA Cup medals after joining from Bristol Rovers for £50,000 in April 1969, appearing 218 times and notching five times. He was sold to Coventry City for £240,000 in August 1974. 1988 - Right-back and former reserves skipper Stephen Darby was born in Liverpool. He made the move to Melwood in the summer of 2006 after skippering the reds to FA Youth Cup glory earlier that year, also featuring as they retained the trophy the following year. He made six senior appearances as well as sitting on the bench on a further thirteen occasions, moving on to Bradford City in July 2012 after several loan spells away from Anfield. He retired from professional football in September 2018 after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease. 1940 - Inside-forward Willie Carlin was born in Liverpool. He signed pro terms in May 1958 but only made one first-team appearance for the club, a 1-1 draw at Stoke City in October 1959, and moved on to Halifax Town in August 1962, going on to make a total of over 400 League appearances for a variety of clubs. Twelve in a row 1990 - We won our twelfth successive League match, a new club record, as Derby County went down 2-0 at Anfield, thanks to a Ray Houghton strike and a penalty from Peter Beardsley past Peter Shilton. Unfortunately, this run came to an end in our next game, as we drew 1-1 at Norwich City a fortnight later. Being sold 2010 – The club announced that the Board had agreed the sale of the club to New England Sports Ventures. Eventually, the deal went through after a series of delaying tactics by George Gillett Jr. and Tom Hicks. A baptism of fire 1991 - Rob Jones made his reds bow, just two days after signing from Crewe Alexandra. It was a real baptism of fire, as he helped us to claim a goalless draw at Manchester United. Gary Ablett and United’s Mark Hughes were both dismissed. King Kenny on top 2006 - Kenny Dalglish came out on top in the club official website’s first 100 Players Who Shook The Kop poll, finishing ahead of Steven Gerrard, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and John Barnes. The votes were cast by over 110,000 fans across the summer. Bosses in and out 2001 - John Toshack was appointed Manager of Saint-Étienne. He had been in the side when we famously saw off Les Verts in 1977, but only lasted three months at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard before quitting. 2006 - Ex-reserves forward John Durnin resigned as a Coach at Southport, apparently due to other coaching and playing commitments. 2008 – Another former second-string striker, Mike Newell, was named as Grimsby Town boss, leading them to 22nd in League Two at the end of his first season. Firsts and last 1900 - Inside-left Andy McGuigan made his reds bow in our 3-2 win at Derby County, when Tom Robertson struck a brace, with John Walker also on the scoresheet. John Boag struck the last of his six goals past us, with Archie Goodall converting a spot-kick. 1906 – Inside-left Bill McPherson scored on his reds debut as we lost 2-1 at Woolwich Arsenal’s Manor Ground in another First Division fixture. David Neave bagged the first two of his four goals against the reds. 1970 – Midfielder Doug Livermore played his eighteenth and last reds game as we lost a League Cup Third Round tie 2-0 at Swindon Town, with Don Rodgers bagging a quick-fire brace for the Robins. Wadsworth passes on 1951 - Centre-half Walter Wadsworth died. He scored eight times in 242 reds games, many alongside his brother, outside-right Harold. He had signed on from Ormskirk as an amateur in April 1912 and remained with the club for fourteen years, interrupted by the First World War, helping us to two consecutive League titles in the 1920’s before joining Bristol City in May 1926. Mixed derby fortunes 1917 - Inside-forward Harry Lewis scored all the goals in a Wartime League derby at Anfield as we won 4-0. 1923 - We lost 1-0 at Goodison Park in a top-flight match, with Wilf Chadwick on target. Mixed fortunes against Rovers 1956 - We lost 3-2 at home to Blackburn Rovers in a Second Division fixture, with Eric Anderson bagging his 22nd and final reds goal, with Billy Liddell also on target. Roy Vernon netted the first of his six strikes past us, with Eddie Crossan and Bryan Douglas also scoring. 1987 - We won a League Cup tie at Anfield with John Aldridge heading the only goal of the game very late on to take us through to the Third Round 2-1 on aggregate. 1938 – We were held to a 2-2 draw in a Lancashire Senior Cup First Round Replay, with Ron Jones and George Paterson scoring. Other big wins 1979 - We beat Bristol City 4-0 at Anfield in a top-flight match with David Johnson, Kenny Dalglish, Ray Kennedy and Terry McDermott all on the scoresheet. 1992 - Don Hutchison, Jamie Redknapp, Mark Walters and Ian Rush all struck as we came behind to finally see off Third Division Chesterfield 4-1 in the League Cup Second Round at Saltergate, having drawn the home leg 4-4. 1945 - Jack Balmer nabbed a brace with Harold Kaye and Billy Liddell also on target as we beat Bradford City 4-1 in a Wartime League match in L4. First and lasts against the Blades 1894 - Arthur Worgan played his second and final reds game as we were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United at Anfield in a top-flight fixture. Outside-right Neil Kerr struck the first of his three reds goals with Harry Bradshaw also on target. Defender James Cameron made the first of his four appearances for the club in this game. Internationals on target 2016 – Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino both struck as Brazil thumped Bolivia 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Natal, with this being Firmino’s first goal as a reds player. Meanwhile, Joe Allen scored his first goal since moving to Stoke City as Wales held Austria to a 2-2 draw in Vienna, with future red Diogo Jota scoring his first goal for Portugal Under-21’s as they drew a European Championships qualifying draw in Hungary. Caoimhín Kelleher, future reds Thiago Alcântara, Alisson Becker and Kostas Tsimikas, and ex-reds Sebastián Coates, Brad Smith and Luis Suárez also featured for their countries. 2017 – Joe Allen struck for Wales again as they won a World Cup qualifier 1-0 in Georgia, with Ben Woodburn also featuring. Dominic Solanke bagged his first goal for England Under-21’s in their 3-1 European Championships qualifying defeat of Scotland at the Riverside Stadium, with Joe Gomez winning his seventh and last cap at this level and Trent Alexander-Arnold also in action. Future red Thiago Alcântara scored his first goal for Spain as they beat Albania 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Alicante. On the same day, ex-red Nuri Şahin won his last cap in his second spell as a Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund player, as Turkey were beaten 3-0 at home by Iceland in a World Cup qualifier, with Marko Grujić and future red Ozan Kabak also representing their countries. Aiming for the Far East 2001 - A host of reds played in World Cup qualifiers around Europe. Future red Milan Baroš was on target in the Czech Republic’s 6-0 thumping of Bulgaria in Prague, with Vladimír Šmicer coming on as a substitute to win his fiftieth cap. Ex-red Jim Magilton also reached his half century as Northern Ireland won 1-0 in Malta. Nick Barmby made his 23rd and last appearance for England, with Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey also starting as their 2-2 draw with Greece at Old Trafford took them through to the finals. Steve McManaman came off the bench to claim his 37th, and also final, cap. In the same group, Sami Hyypiä and Jari Litmanen were both in the Finnish side that held Germany to a goalless draw in Gelsenkirchen that ensured the Germans had to negotiate a play-off. Ex-red Christian Ziege appeared for the Germans. Jerzy Dudek, John Arne Riise, ex-reds Don Hutchison, Mark Kennedy and Steve Staunton, and future reds Craig Bellamy, Steve Finnan, Paul Jones and Bolo Zenden all also represented their countries on that day. H & H in opposition 1996 - Future reds centre-back pairing Stéphane Henchoz and Sami Hyypiä faced each other in a World Cup qualifier in Helsinki, with Switzerland beating Finland 3-2. More reds games 2002 – Michael Owen netted the only goal of Chelsea’s visit to Anfield late on. 1984 – West Bromwich Albion held us to a goalless draw in L4. 1973 – We beat Newcastle United 2-1 at home. Peter Cormack struck before Alec Lindsay converted a penalty. 1962 – Roger Hunt nabbed the only goal as Bolton Wanderers visited Anfield. 1951 – We lost 2-0 at Charlton Athletic. Billy Kiernan scored one of his five goals against the reds before future red John Evans bagged the first of his five past us. 1934 – Gordon Hodgson struck our consolation as we lost 4-1 at Sheffield Wednesday. Harry Burgess struck one of his nine goals against the reds, with Ellis Rimmer netting the last of his five and Mark Hooper scoring the final two of his eight. 1928 – Jimmy McDougall was on target as we drew 1-1 at West Ham United as Stan Earle equalised with one of his four goals past us. Off on loan 2020 – Serbian midfielder Marko Grujić joined Porto on loan, netting twice in 36 appearances before signing on permanently for £10.5m in July 2021. On the same day, Colombian defender Anderson Arroyo moved to Salamanca Club de Fútbol UDS in Spain for the season, playing 21 times. Young Czechs on target 1998 - Future red Milan Baroš scored in the Czech Republic Under-18’s 2-1 European Championships qualifying win in the Ukraine. 2000 - He scored for the Under-21’s as they beat Iceland 2-1 in Liberec in another qualifier. 1995 - Vladimír Šmicer bagged a brace as the Czech Republic Under-21’s won their European Championships qualifier in Belarus 3-0. Mixed fortunes for the youngsters 2000 - Stephen Wright was sent off for England Under-21’s in their 1-1 draw with Germany at Pride Park in a European Championships qualifier. 2006 – Scott Carson and future red James Milner featured as England Under-21’s beat Germany 1-0 in the first leg of their European Championships Play-off in Coventry. 2009 – Hungary Under-20’s beat their Czech Republic counterparts 4-3 on penalties after their World Championship Finals Round of 16 match in Egypt had ended 2-2. Péter Gulácsi saved three spot-kicks in the shoot-out, with Krisztián Németh’s effort being saved. 2021 - Jakub Ojrzyński featured for Poland Under-19’s as they lost 3-1 to Finland in a European Championships qualifier in Grodzisk Wielkopolski. 2011 – Jon Flanagan, Jordan Henderson, Martin Kelly, Dani Pacheco, Danny Wilson and future red Fabio Borini were all on the winning side for their respective Under-21’s in European Championships qualifiers, with Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain bagging a treble, his first goals at this level as Pacheco won his second and last Under-21’s cap and Borini dismissed. 2007 – Pacheco also played for Spain Under-17’s as they drew a European Championships qualifier 2-2 in Wales.