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Many happy returns Two former midfielders share a birthday today. 1972 - Steve McManaman was born in Kirkdale. Shaggy struck 66 times in 364 reds games, helping us to the FA Cup in 1992 and the Coca-Cola Cup three years later. He joined Real Madrid on a Bosman free transfer in July 1999. 1974 - Nick Barmby was born in Hull. He arrived in a controversial £6m switch across Stanley Park in July 2000 and netted eight goals in 58 games, including four in our successful UEFA Cup campaign in 2001, before being moved on to Leeds United after just two years at Anfield. 1888 - Winger Jackie Sheldon was born in Clay Cross. He grabbed twenty goals in 147 reds games after joining from Manchester United in November 1913, playing in our first ever FA Cup Final in 1914. He retired in 1922 after breaking his leg, with his name forever tainted by being the go-between in our match-fixing scandal with Manchester United in April 1915. Michael’s bow 1998 - Michael Owen made his senior England debut in a 2-0 defeat by Chile at Wembley, becoming England’s youngest international of the century. Clubmate Paul Ince also featured. An eleven-goal derby thriller 1933 - An amazing match against Everton at Anfield finished 7-4, with Harold Barton netting a hat-trick for the reds. Alf Hanson, Tom Morrison, Harold Taylor and Syd Roberts were also on target for us. Dixie Dean netted two of his nineteen derby goals, with Tommy Johnson bagging one of his eight and Jimmy Stein also scoring. Most recently 2017 – We beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Anfield, with Sadio Mané bagging a quick-fire first-half brace. 2018 – Centre-half Dejan Lovren played his hundredth League game for the reds as we won 2-0 at Southampton. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah both scored in the first half. 2012 - We lost 2-1 at Manchester United when Wayne Rooney bagged two of his seven goals against the reds before Luis Suárez’s consolation, with the game overshadowed somewhat by the controversy regarding Suárez and Patrice Evra not shaking hands before kick-off. On the same day, future red Tiago Ilori featured for Portugal Under-19’s as they lost 2-1 to Sweden in a friendly. Mixed fortunes against the Baggies 1905 – We won 2-0 in a Second Division game at West Bromwich Albion, thanks to goals from Sam Raybould and Jack Parkinson. 2013 – We lost 2-0 at Anfield, with Philippe Coutinho making his reds bow from the bench. Gareth McAuley and on-loan Romelu Lukaku both struck late on, one of his five goals past us to date, after Steven Gerrard had seen a penalty saved. Lucas Leiva playing his 200th reds game, while Glen Johnson reached a century of League games for the club. We dominated the match but only put the ball in the net once, when Luis Suárez was correctly ruled offside early on. Trebles galore Barton’s hat-trick in 1933 is one of three reds trebles on this day over the years. 1911 - The first came when Jack Parkinson got all the goals in a 3-0 home League win over The Wednesday, with forward Sam Raybould playing his 200th League game for the reds. On the same day, future red Billy Lacey played for Ireland as they lost 2-1 to England in the British International Championships in Derby. 1961 - Our most recent treble on this day was scored by former Blue Dave Hickson in a 5-0 thumping of Leyton Orient in a Second Division game at Anfield, when fellow ex-Blue Johnny Morrissey and winger Kevin Lewis also scored. Record gates 2006 - Wigan Athletic attracted their then record attendance of 25,023 as a Sami Hyypiä strike was enough to hand us victory at the JJB Stadium, our first ever game away to the Latics. 1939 - 61,315 paid to see Wolverhampton Wanderers thump us 4-1 in the FA Cup Sixth Round, still their record crowd. Willie Fagan netted our consolation from the spot as Dennis Westcott struck one of his nine goals against the reds and Dickie Dorsett bagged the first of his four, with Stan Burton and Alex McIntosh also on target. South African keeper Dirk Kemp was making his thirtieth and last appearance for the reds. Sub at the double 1970 - Alun Evans bagged a brace as we won our FA Cup Fifth Round replay 2-0 at Leicester City, so becoming our first ever goalscoring substitute in the competition. He had replaced Peter Thompson after just 21 minutes. Red beginnings 1904 – Right-half Bobby Robinson signed from his hometown club Sunderland for £500. He was top scorer as we won the Second Division title the following season, also helping us claim the First Division championship in 1906. During the latter stages of his time with the reds, he moved into the half-back line but still bagged a total of 65 goals in 271 games, moving on to Tranmere Rovers in May 1913. 1928 - Right-half Tom Morrison made his reds bow as we lost 1-0 at Portsmouth. He went on to make 254 reds appearances. Final strikes 1967 – Right-half Gordon Milne nabbed the only goal of Aston Villa’s visit to L4, his eighteenth and final goal for the club. 1895 – Outside-left John Drummond grabbed his only reds goal as we beat Barnsley St. Peters 4-0 at Anfield in an FA Cup First Round replay that was staged after the Tykes protested at our 2-1 extra time victory in the first match. Outside-left Hugh McQueen scored his eighteenth and final reds goal with Harry Bradshaw and Malcolm McVean also netting in a game played unusually for the times on a Monday. However, we went out to Nottingham Forest at the next stage. On our way to Wembley 1950 - We won 2-1 at Stockport County in an FA Cup Fifth Round tie, when Willie Fagan and Albert Stubbins were on target and Alex Herd bagged his eighth and last strike against the reds in the final minute. We eventually lost out to Arsenal in the Final. 1992 - We beat Second Division Bristol Rovers 2-1 in a Fourth Round replay at Anfield thanks to goals from birthday boy Steve McManaman and Dean Saunders, after Carl Saunders had given the visitors a shock lead. 1987 - We held Southampton to a goalless draw in the first leg of our Littlewoods Cup Semi-final at The Dell, with Paul Walsh being dismissed for retaliating after Kevin Bond spat in his face. This was the eighth time in nine seasons we had reached this stage of the competition. We won the Anfield return 3-0 to reach our sixth League Cup Final, where we unfortunately lost to Arsenal. Today is a good day This day has been very successful for the reds over the years, as we have won fifteen of our 21 fixtures. 1956 - Our most recent defeat came when we were crushed 4-0 at Plymouth Argyle in a Second Division match. Neil Langman scored a hat-trick, with Arthur Morgan also scoring. Billy Liddell was playing his 400th reds game. 2004 - Michael Owen broke a goalless run in our 2-1 defeat of Manchester City at Anfield, with Steven Gerrard also netting. The game was marred by a section of the support booing the substitution of Bruno Cheyrou for Igor Bišcan. Rushie’s ton 1984 – We beat Arsenal 2-1 at Anfield, with Alan Kennedy giving us the lead before Graham Rix scrambled in an equaliser on the stroke of half time. Phil Neal nodded in the late winner as Ian Rush reached a century of League outings for the reds. Twice against the Hoops We played Queens Park Rangers twice in consecutive years on this day in history. 1995 - John Scales scored a rare goal as we were held 1-1 at Anfield. 1996 - Mark Wright and Robbie Fowler netted as we won 2-1 at Loftus Road. Flo for les espoirs 2003 - Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored the only goal as the French Under-21’s beat their Czech Republic counterparts in a friendly in Caen. Alou Diarra, Anthony Le Tallec and future red Charles Itandje also played, with future red Pepe Reina also in Under-21’s action that day. International goalscorers 2009 – David N’Gog struck for France Under-21’s as they drew 1-1 with Tunisia in Sousse, while Yossi Benayoun captained the side and netted the only goal of Israel’s senior friendly with Hungary in Tel-Aviv. Robbie Keane won the first cap of his second spell as a Tottenham Hotspur player, bagging a brace including a penalty while skippering the Republic of Ireland to a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat of Georgia at Croke Park in Dublin. Emile Heskey won his first cap while with Aston Villa as England lost 2-0 to Spain in a friendly in Seville, with Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa, Pepe Reina, Fernando Torres, future reds Stewart Downing and Glen Johnson, and ex-reds Peter Crouch and David James all also featuring. Future red Alex Manninger won his 33rd and last cap for Austria as they lost a friendly 2-0 to Sweden in Graz. Andriy Voronin faced future red Milan Jovanović as the Ukraine beat Serbia 1-0 in the Final of the Cyprus Tournament in Nicosia. Also in international action that day were Daniel Agger, Ryan Babel, Sami Hyypiä, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano, Martin Škrtel, future reds Mario Balotelli, Ragnar Klavan, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Dejan Lovren, Raul Meireles, Christian Poulsen, Maxi Rodríguez, Luis Suárez, Kolo Touré and Gini Wijnaldum and ex-reds Nicolas Anelka, Jari Litmanen, Daniel Sjölund and Rigobert Song. John Barnes and John Toshack both managed their countries, with captain Craig Bellamy winning his first cap as a Manchester City player. 1997 - Former reserves midfielder Jim Magilton netted his fifth and final goal for Northern Ireland, from the spot, his only strike as a Southampton player, as they beat Belgium 3-0 in a friendly at Windsor Park. Jason McAteer, ex-red Steve Staunton and future red Gary McAllister all also played for their countries that day. 2018 – Bobby Duncan scored for England Under-17’s as they drew 1-1 with Germany in the Algarve Tournament. Other reds games 1922 – Dick Forshaw scored the only goal as Birmingham City went back to the Midlands without a point. 1899 – We won an FA Cup Second Round tie 3-1 against Newcastle United at Anfield, with Hugh Morgan netting and Alex Raisbeck scoring his first reds goal before Sandy Higgins put through his own net. Jock Peddie nabbed one of his five goals past us as a consolation. We lost out to Sheffield United in the Semi-final later that season. 1893 – We lost a Lancashire League game 3-0 at top-of-the-table Bury, with the reds remaining in second. Off Song in France 2003 - Rigobert Song won his first cap as a Racing Club de Lens player as Cameroon lost 3-0 to the Ivory Coast in a friendly in France. 1998 - He also played for his country as they drew 2-2 with Guinea in the African Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso, with fellow future red Titi Camara skippering Guinea. On the move 2011 – Roy Hodgson was appointed West Bromwich Albion boss, helping to keep them up in the Premiership. On the same day, reserves centre-half Daniel Ayala joined Derby County on loan, playing seventeen times for the Rams. 1994 - Jim Magilton joined Southampton from Oxford United for £600,000. He netted eighteen goals in 156 games for the Saints, before joining Sheffield Wednesday for £1.6m in September 1997. 2000 - Mike Newell joined Blackpool from Doncaster Rovers on a free transfer. He bagged three goals in 22 games for the Seasiders. 2020 – Forward Layton Stewart signed on as a professional. He made it to the first-team bench for the first time in our League Cup thumping at Aston Villa in December 2019, signing a new contract in May 2021 as he awaits his break-through. 2021 – Midfielder Dominic Corness signed pro terms with the reds. He is a regular with the Under-18’s, also playing at left-back. Also in international action 2010 – Future red Emre Can played for Germany Under-16’s as they won a friendly 3-1 in Cyprus. 2016 – Future reds keeper Kamil Grabara featured for Poland Under-17’s in their 1-0 friendly defeat of Belgium in Marbella. 2017 – Future red Luis Díaz won his fifth and final cap for Colombia Under-20’s as they shared a goalless draw with Brazil in a South American Championships final stage game in Ecuador.

The start of it all 1892 - Everton voted to move from Anfield. John Houlding was therefore left with an empty ground, but no team to play in it. Within six months, Liverpool FC had been formed and was on its way to taking the Lancashire League by storm. God strikes again 2006 - Robbie Fowler struck the first goal of his second reds spell, opening the scoring against Fulham at Anfield. Collins John equalised before an own goal from Michael Brown put us 2-1 ahead at the break. Fernando Morientes and Peter Crouch scored late on before Stephen Warnock grabbed his only ever goal for the club as we triumphed 5-1. 1997 – Fowler grabbed the opener at Nottingham Forest, but Ian Woan equalised as this League encounter ended 1-1, with Steve McManaman playing his 200th League game for the reds while Jamie Redknapp appeared for the reds for the 200th time in total. Masch off the mark 2008 - Javier Mascherano scored his first reds goal, a thunderous strike as we came from behind to beat Reading 2-1 at Anfield. Fernando Torres headed in a Steven Gerrard free-kick to net in his fourth consecutive game, to become the first red to score twenty League goals in a season since Robbie Fowler in 1995/96. This was our seventh straight victory in all competitions. Alberto off the mark 2010 - Alberto Aquilani scored his first reds goal as we thumped Portsmouth 4-1 at Anfield. Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel had already struck in the first half before the Italian netted our third goal in a six-minute spell. Torres added his second after the break with Nadir Belhadj nabbing a late consolation. 1947 – Albert Stubbins nabbed a brace as we won 2-1 at Fratton Park in a top-flight meeting, with right-half Harry Eastham playing his 68th and final reds game. Full-back Jim Harley reached a century of reds games. Happy birthdays 1946 - David Moores was born in Liverpool. He became Chairman in August 1991, remaining in charge until he sold his 51.5% of the shares in The Liverpool Football Club and Athletic Grounds Plc to George Gillett Jr. and Tom Hicks in February 2007. He resigned from the Board of Directors in June 2009. 1869 – Outside-left John Drummond was born in Edinburgh. He signed from Sheffield United in August 1894, scoring once in eighteen outings before moving on to Barnsley St. Peter’s the following year. Most recently 2021 – Diogo Jota netted the only goal behind closed doors at his former club Wolverhampton Wanderers. Seeing off the Portuguese We have twice on this day overcome Portuguese opposition to progress in European competition. 1978 - We defeated SL Benfica 4-1 at Anfield in the European Cup Third Round to go through 6-2 on aggregate, with Ian Callaghan scoring his 68th and final reds goal and Kenny Dalglish, Terry McDermott and Phil Neal also netting as Nené scored one of his three goals for Benfica against us. McDermott reached a century of reds games that evening. 2001 - We followed up a goalless away draw with a 2-0 home win over Porto in the UEFA Cup Quarter-final, thanks to Danny Murphy and Michael Owen both grabbing their first Anfield goals in Europe during a five-minute first-half spell. Goddard’s first 1902 - Outside-right ‘Graceful’ Arthur Goddard netted the first of his 77 reds goals in only his second game, as we drew 1-1 at Grimsby Town in a top-flight match. First and last games 1924 - Outside-right Archie Rawlings made his reds bow as Blackburn Rovers held us to a goalless draw at Anfield. He went on to net ten times in 67 reds games. 1930 - Outside-left Gordon Gunson debuted in our 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers, with Jimmy Smith bagging both goals. 1950 - Defender Frank Christie made the first of his four reds appearances in a goalless draw at Manchester United. 1958 – Outside-right Tony McNamara played his tenth and last game as Billy Liddell netted the only goal of our Second Division trip to Lincoln City. Signing on 1930 – Keeper Andrew Aitken signed from Wallsend. He only ever made one senior reds appearance, in our 3-3 draw at Blackburn Rovers in December of that year, returning to amateur football with Mickley in April 1931. 1934 – Left-back Ernie Blenkinsop signed from Sheffield Wednesday for £6,500, having already earned 26 England caps. He played 71 reds games without scoring. He moved on to Cardiff City in November 1937. 1938 – Left-half Jimmy McInnes signed from Third Lanark for £5,500. He struck once in 48 outings, joining the administrative staff after retiring from playing in 1946, taking over as Club Secretary in 1955. He stayed in this role until May 1965, when he sadly hanged himself above the Archway Stile, the old turnstile between the Kop and Kemlyn Road stands, just four days after we had claimed the FA Cup for the first time. Red centurions 1952 - Inside-forward Kevin Baron made his hundredth reds appearance in a 3-3 draw at West Bromwich Albion. Billy Liddell, Bob Paisley and Albert Stubbins all struck, with Ronnie Allen netting two of his five goals against us and Reg Ryan also on target for the Baggies. 1975 – Kevin Keegan played his 200th game for the club as Sheffield United held us to a goalless draw at Anfield with Emlyn Hughes guilty of a lame dive in an attempt to win a late penalty. 1913 – Right-back Ephraim Longworth reached a century of League games for the reds as we beat Middlesbrough 4-2 at Anfield, with half-back Harry Lowe bagging his second and final goal for the club and defender Ernest Peake netting for the sixth and last time. Arthur Metcalf also netted, with Jack Parkinson converting a penalty. Jackie Carr bagged two of his five strikes past us. Berry passes on 1953 - Forward Arthur Berry died on this day in 1953. Arthur won Olympic gold in both 1908 and 1912 but only made four senior reds appearances across two spells at Anfield. He was the son of Edwin Berry, who was reds Chairman in the late 1900’s. Cally for the League 1967 - Ian Callaghan played for the Football League as they beat a Scottish League side 3-0. Other birthdays 1910 - Jack ‘Nipper’ Roberts was born in Blundellsands. He only made one first team appearance after signing from Southport in May 1933, moving on to Wigan Athletic in June 1934. He was an all-round sportsman, even playing baseball for England. He became famous when he escaped from a prisoner-of-war camp in Italy, walking 400 miles to freedom despite a broken neck! 1928 - Keeper Dave Underwood was born in London. He signed from Watford for £7,000 in December 1953, playing fifty reds games before returning to Vicarage Road in July 1956. Michael misses 2000 - Michael Owen saw his penalty crash back off the bar but not over the line as Aston Villa held us to a goalless draw at Anfield. Jamie Carragher was playing his hundredth reds game. Barney departs 1948 - Left-back Barney Ramsden left Anfield to join Sunderland. He had arrived on a free transfer from Sheffield Victoria in March 1935, helping us to claim the first post-war League title in 1947, making a total of 63 first-team appearances without notching. Fred’s treble 1890 – Future reds forward Fred Geary reportedly struck a hat-trick on his England debut, as they trounced Ireland 9-1 in the British International Championships in Belfast. Poland for Wales 1939 - Future reds keeper George Poland made his senior debut for Wales, playing in their 3-1 British International Championships defeat of Ireland in Wrexham. He only won two full caps, plus a further four in wartime while on our books. Mixed fortunes against the Seasiders We have twice faced Blackpool in Wartime League matches on this day in history. 1919 - Harry Lewis struck a brace as we won 3-1 at Anfield, with Donald McKinlay also on target. 1941 - Willie Fagan netted twice from the spot as we lost 6-4 at Bloomfield Road, with Bob Paisley and Cyril Done also on target. Parry for Wales Reds right-half Maurice Parry twice played for Wales in the British International Championships on this day in history. 1902 - They thrashed Scotland 5-1 in Greenock, with future red Richard Morris also playing. 1909 - He played alongside clubmate Ernest Peake as they lost 2-0 to England at the City Ground in Nottingham. Clubmate Sam Hardy was in the England goal. On the same day, future red Billy Lacey played for Ireland in their 5-0 thumping by Scotland in Glasgow. 1920 - Hardy also represented his country as they lost 2-1 to Wales at Highbury in another British International Championships match, by which time he was playing for Aston Villa. Other reds games 1986 – We came from behind to win 2-1 at Southampton thanks to goals from John Wark and Ian Rush. 1980 – We beat Bristol City 3-1 at Ashton Gate. Ray Kennedy scored early on, with Kenny Dalglish then bagging a brace. 1969 – Ian St. John and Alun Evans stuck as we won 2-0 at Sunderland. 1939 – We held Huddersfield Town to a 1-1 draw at Leeds Road with Berry Nieuwenhuys on target. Newell departs 2007 - Mike Newell was sacked as Manager of Luton Town after publicly asking the Board of Directors where the money received from player sales had gone. American tie-up 2007 - The club announced an affiliation with the Long Island Junior Soccer League in New York. Also in international action 1899 – Ex-red Harry Bradshaw played for and England XI as they lost 2-1 to a Scottish side in a Players’ Union International at Crystal Palace. 1977 – Glenn Hysén played for the Swedish Under-18’s as they lost 2-1 in a European Championships qualifier in Denmark. 2015 – Future red Bobby Adekanye played for the Dutch Under-16’s in their 3-1 defeat of the USA. 2017 – Rafael Camacho played for Portugal Under-17’s as they lost 2-0 to Spain in a European Championships qualifier in Rio Maior.

Happy birthdays 1961 - Steve McMahon was born in Liverpool. He signed from Aston Villa for £350,000 in September 1985 and struck fifty times in 277 reds appearances in his six years at Anfield, during which time he won three League titles, the FA Cup and two FA Charity Shields. He left the reds to sign for Manchester City for £900,000 in December 1991. 2003 – Forward Max Woltman was born in Wirral. He joined the Academy at the age of seven, playing in the FA Youth Cup Final in May 2021 after turning pro the previous January. He signed a new contract in May 2022, so far making two senior appearances in cup competitions. 1895 – Inside-left Dick Forshaw was born in Preston. He joined the reds in July 1919, winning two League titles while with the reds, scoring an impressive 124 times in 288 games. He has the unique honour of being the only player ever to claim League championship medals with both Merseyside clubs, helping the Blues to one in 1928 after he had crossed Stanley Park for £3,750 in March 1927. 1888 – Forward Harry Welfare was born in Liverpool. He signed from Northern Nomads in 1912, notching once in four outings before moving to Wrexham the following year. He later had a very successful career in Brazil, helping Fluminense to claim the title three times in succession while bagging 163 goals in just 166 games. Double hola 2004 - We signed a pair of Spaniards. Xabi Alonso arrived from Real Sociedad for £10.7m, with Luis García signing from Barcelona for a £6m fee. Xabi netted nineteen times, showing his silky passing skills in 210 reds games before moving to Real Madrid for £30m in August 2009. García struck thirty times, including five in our glorious Champions League campaign in 2005, in 121 games, before returning to his homeland to join Club Atlético de Madrid in July 2007. 2012 – Slovakian centre-half Martin Škrtel signed a new contract. He arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg for £6.5m to become our most expensive defender to date, notching eighteen goals in 320 games in total, including one in our Carling Cup win at Wembley in February 2012, moving on to Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü for £5.5m in July 2016. Goalscoring debuts 1977 - Kenny Dalglish scored on his League debut as we drew 1-1 at Middlesbrough, with David Armstrong bagging the first of his four goals past us. 1960 - Winger and new £13,000 record signing Kevin Lewis scored on his debut as we beat Leeds United 2-0 at Anfield in another season opener, with the other goal coming from former blue Dave Hickson. 2016 – Marko Grujić made his senior reds bow as we dominated but lost 2-0 at Burnley, with Sam Vokes and Andre Gray both on target before the break. Royal victories 2018 - Sadio Mané scored in his third consecutive reds game as we won 2-0 at Crystal Palace, with James Milner handing us the lead from the spot at the very end of the first half. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off for the home side before Mané struck in injury time. Daniel Sturridge played his hundredth League game for the reds. 1994 - We thumped Palace 6-1 at Selhurst Park to get the season off to a great start. Steve McManaman and Ian Rush scored twice apiece, with Jan Mølby and Robbie Fowler also on the scoresheet. Chris Armstrong bagged the home side’s consolation. Lefties on the way in 2013 – Left-back Aly Cissokho signed on loan from Valencia. The Frenchman played nineteen reds games without scoring. 1894 – Outside-left John Drummond joined from Sheffield United, scoring once in eighteen outings before moving on to Barnsley St. Peter’s the following year. Mixed fortunes at Wembley 1983 - Joe Fagan’s first game in charge came in the FA Charity Shield, when we lost 2-0 to Manchester United. Michael Robinson made his first-class reds debut in this match. Bryan Robson bagged both United’s goals, two of his seven strikes against us. 1988 - We gained some revenge on Wimbledon for our FA Cup Final defeat earlier that year, coming from behind to beat them 2-1 thanks to a John Aldridge brace, to claim the Shield for the seventh time outright. Charlie Boyd and Jim Magilton both sat on our bench for the first of just two occasions, while John Fashanu netted one of his six goals against us. Beating the Gunners 2011 – We beat Arsenal 2-0 in our first ever win at the Emirates Stadium. Emmanuel Frimpong was sent off before Ignasi Miquel’s clearance rebounded off Aaron Ramsey’s chest for an own goal. Luis Suárez then added a second in stoppage time. The king at Anfield 1966 - A fifteen-year old Kenny Dalglish wore the number eight shirt playing for Liverpool B as they beat Southport 1-0 in a Lancashire League match, five years before he signed professional terms with Celtic. However, he was not taken on by Bill Shankly, returning to Anfield as our record signing eleven years later. Milan’s farewell 2005 - Milan Baroš played his 108th and final reds game, with Luis García making his fiftieth reds appearance, as Xabi Alonso nabbed the only goal of our Anfield encounter with Sunderland, who had Andy Welsh sent off, the second of fifteen dismissals against the reds that season. 1949 - We also entertained the Mackems, winning 4-2 in a season opener, with Bob Paisley, Jack Balmer, Kevin Baron and Albert Stubbins all on target, with Billy Liddell missing a penalty. Dickie Davis struck one of his seven goals against us, with Ivor Broadis also on target. We went on to finish eighth that season. The mancs at home at Anfield 1971 - An unusual situation occurred as Manchester United played a home fixture at Anfield. Old Trafford was closed for two weeks due to hooliganism, and so United entertained Arsenal at Anfield. The ‘home’ side won 3-1. Frank McLintock sent the Gunners in ahead at half time, but goals from George Best, Bobby Charlton and Brian Kidd secured United’s victory. Jan’s debut 1984 - Jan Mølby scored in his first reds game, two days before he officially signed, as we beat Home Farm 3-0 in a friendly held at Tolka Park in Dublin. Ronnie Whelan added a brace, while Ian Rush sustained cartilage damage that kept him out of the first team for two months. The game had been arranged as part of the transfer deal that brought Ken DeMange and Brian Mooney to Anfield. Cally’s milestone 1974 – Ian Callaghan played his 500th League game for the reds in our goalless game at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Another season opener 1955 - We began our season with a 3-1 Second Division win at Nottingham Forest, with Alan A’Court nabbing a brace and John Evans also netting, as full-back Ray Lambert played his 300th League game for the club. Unfortunately, we ended the season in third, missing out on promotion again. Phil the champion 2011 – Future red Philippe Coutinho won his seventh and final cap for Brazil Under-20’s as they beat Portugal 3-2 after extra time in the World Championship Final in Colombia. Fifty years for the League 1938 - We lost a friendly 2-1 at Everton. Jack Balmer netted in a game staged to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Football League. International reds on target 2008 – Xabi Alonso struck twice as Spain beat Daniel Agger’s Denmark 3-0 in a friendly in Copenhagen, with Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres also featuring and Christian Poulsen winning his first cap while with Juventus. Milan Baroš scored while winning his first cap as a Galatasaray player as the Czech Republic drew 2-2 with an England side that included Steven Gerrard, future red Stewart Downing and ex-reds Emile Heskey and David James at Wembley, with future red Joe Cole netting. Also in international action were Dirk Kuyt, future reds Ragnar Klavan, Raul Meireles, Nuri Şahin, Luis Suárez and Kolo Touré, and ex-reds Salif Diao, Alou Diarra and John Toshack. 2003 - Michael Owen scored for England as they beat Croatia 3-1 in a friendly at Portman Road. Steven Gerrard, Emile Heskey, Danny Murphy and ex-red David James all also played, with Joe Cole winning his first cap as a Chelsea player. On the same day, Jerzy Dudek, Stéphane Henchoz, ex-red Don Hutchison and future reds Craig Bellamy, Yossi Benayoun, Djibril Cissé, Mark González, Paul Jones, Christian Poulsen and Bolo Zenden all also featured for their countries. International beginnings and ends 2008 – Andrea Dossena won his first cap as a reds player, only his second to date, as Italy drew 2-2 with Austria in a friendly in Nice, with future red Alberto Aquilani also featuring and Alex Manninger playing for the last time while with Juventus. Meanwhile, Robbie Keane netted while making his first appearance for the Republic of Ireland since moving to Anfield as they drew 1-1 with Norway in Oslo. Steve Finnan won his last cap before leaving the reds, while John Arne Riise played his first international since joining Roma. On the same day, Jari Litmanen won his first cap in his second spell as a Lahti player, playing alongside Sami Hyypiä as Finland beat Yossi Benayoun’s Israel 2-0 in Tampere. Sotirios Kyrgiakos won his first cap while with A.E.K Athens in Greece’s 2-0 friendly win against Martin Škrtel’s Slovakia in Bratislava. Meanwhile, Salif Diao and El-Hadji Diouf both played as Senegal drew a friendly 0-0 in Libya, for the first time since joining Stoke City and Sunderland, respectively. 1997 - Ex-red Lee Jones won his second and final cap, and only one as a Tranmere Rovers player, as Wales lost a World Cup qualifier 6-4 in Turkey. Keeper Paul Jones won his first cap as a Southampton player, while ex-red Dean Saunders netted his last goal while with Nottingham Forest, as he won his 59th cap. On the same day, Christian Ziege won his first cap as an AC Milan player, and Jim Magilton made his last appearance while at Southampton as Germany beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in another qualifier at Windsor Park. Ray Houghton won his seventieth cap, and final one as a Crystal Palace player, as the Republic of Ireland were held to a goalless draw in their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Lansdowne Road. Mark Kennedy and ex-red Steve Staunton also featured. Meanwhile, future red John Arne Riise won his fourth and last cap for Norway Under-16’s as they lost 3-2 to Sweden. Also in action that day were Stig Inge Bjørnebye and future reds Markus Babbel, Stéphane Henchoz, Jari Litmanen and Vladimír Šmicer. 2002 - Pepe Reina won his first Under-21’s cap as a Villarreal player in Spain’s 1-0 friendly win in Hungary, with fellow future red Xabi Alonso also featuring, and Daniel Sjölund featuring for Finland Under-21’s in their 1-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland. 2003 - Andriy Voronin won his last senior cap while with 1. FSV Mainz 05, and twelfth to date, as the Ukraine lost a friendly 2-0 to Romania in Kyiv. On the same day, Alou Diarra, Anthony Le Tallec, Florent Sinama-Pongolle and future red Charles Itandje all featured as France Under-21’s drew 1-1 in a friendly in Switzerland. 2018 – Future red Harvey Elliott won his only cap for England Under-16’s in their 1-0 defeat of Scotland at St. George’s Park. 2019 – Billy Koumetio made his debut for France Under-18’s as they thumped Paraguay 5-1 in a friendly. On the move again 2015 – Former Assistant Manager Pako Ayestarán was appointed Club Santos Laguna boss in Mexico, but only remained in charge for three months before his contract was terminated “by mutual consent”. 2011 – Harry Kewell signed for Melbourne Victory, while Nabil El Zhar joined Spanish side Levante U.D. Kewell struck eight times in 25 outings in his one season in southern Australia, while El Zhar scored ten goals in 114 games before rescinding his contract in August 2015. 2010 - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain signed as a professional for Southampton, going on to score ten goals in 43 outings before moving on to Arsenal in August 2011 for an initial £12m. 2005 - Albert Riera signed for R.C.D. Espanyol from Girondins de Bordeaux, having struck four times in 53 League games for the French side. 1993 – Current Chief Scout Barry Hunter joined Wrexham from Crusaders for £50,000, scoring six goals in 120 games before moving on to Reading in July 1996 for £400,000. 2003 - Future red Jermaine Pennant joined Leeds United on loan from Arsenal. He struck twice in 36 games as the Whites were relegated. 2004 - Ex-reserves defender Alan Navarro joined Chester City on loan from Tranmere Rovers. He played four times for the Blues, and then had another loan spell later in the season, this time with fellow League Two side Macclesfield Town. 2019 – Ex-reds midfielder Kevin MacDonald left Aston Villa’s coaching staff for a second time, this time having been suspended for eight months following allegations of bullying. 2021 – Keeper Andy Lonergan signed for Everton, failing to make a senior appearance in his first campaign, just as he did in his one season with the reds. Other reds games 1969 – We won 2-0 at Manchester City with Bobby Graham bagging a brace. 1968 – We beat Stoke City 2-1 at Anfield with Terry Conroy giving the visitors the lead with the first of his four goals past us. Ian Callaghan equalised before Tony Allen turned a Peter Thompson cross into his own net. 1966 – We defeated Leicester City 3-2 in L4 in our opening League game of the season. Roger Hunt and Geoff Strong struck before Derek Dougan netted the first two of his four goals against the reds. Willie Stevenson scored the winner from the spot. Also in international action 2017 – Bobby Duncan played for England Under-17’s as they beat Scotland 2-1 in a friendly in Burton. 2007 – Future red Christian Benteke featured for Belgium Under-17’s in the World Championships Finals as they lost a group game 4-2 to Tunisia in South Korea. 1986 – Future red Glenn Hysén played for Sweden in their goalless friendly draw with the USSR in Gothenburg. 1980 – Hysén played for Sweden Under-21’s in their 1-0 friendly victory over Hungary in Budapest.

An Anfield farewell 1996 - Ian Rush played his final reds game at Anfield, with Stan Collymore scoring the only goal of the game against Middlesbrough. He was applauded onto the pitch by a ‘guard of honour’ from both teams. Heading to Istanbul 2005 - We held Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of our Champions League Semi-final. The evening was only slightly spoiled by Xabi Alonso’s unwarranted booking that would rule him out of the Anfield return. Steven Gerrard had an emergency dental operation on the morning of the game. FA Cup semi-finals We have twice played FA Cup Semi-finals on this day over the years. 1963 - We lost 1-0 to Leicester City at Hillsborough, with Mike Stringfellow heading in the winner, the first of his five goals against the reds, and Gordon Banks keeping the reds at bay. Winger Kevin Lewis made his 82nd and final reds appearance that day. 1977 - We beat Everton 3-0 at Maine Road in a replay, to keep on course for the treble. Our goals came from a Phil Neal penalty, Jimmy Case and Ray Kennedy that day. Both sides also had strong penalty claims turned down. Title blow 2014 – We lost 2-0 to Chelsea at Anfield to deal our title chances a major blow. The visitors were time-wasting from the first minute as we felt the absence of the suspended Jordan Henderson. Steven Gerrard slipped at the end of the first half to allow Demba Ba a clear run on goal, and he slipped the ball past Simon Mignolet. We failed to break down the Blues’ blanket defence, with Willian nabbing a stoppage time second. Iago Aspas made his fifteenth and final reds appearance, from the bench with future red Mohamed Salah and ex-red Fernando Torres both featuring for the visitors. On the same day, Luis Suárez was named PFA Player of the Year for a season in which he struck 31 times in total in 37 reds outings. He was also included in the Team of the Year, alongside Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and future red Adam Lallana. This was Gerrard’s eighth and last appearance in this list, a record in the Premier League era. Happy birthdays 1990 - Defender Martin Kelly was born in Whiston. He made his senior bow as a sub in our Champions League win at PSV Eindhoven in December 2008, striking once in 62 reds games before joining Crystal Palace in August 2014 for a reported £2m. 1904 - Right-back Bob Done was born in Runcorn. He struck thirteen times in 155 reds games following his arrival from his hometown side in April 1926. He left for Reading for £150 in May 1935. 1959 – Academy Director Frank McParland was born in Liverpool. He started out in 1995 by assisting John Owens with the Under-14’s. When the Academy opened in 1999 he was handed a full-time role as head of the community coaching department. Gérard Houllier later gave him a scouting role before Rafael Benítez made him Joint Chief Scout, moving to Bolton Wanderers as General Manager in July 2007, although he only remained there three months. He returned to Melwood in May 2009, moving up to be Director of Academy and Player Development two years later. He left the club again in November 2013. Another title disappears from view 2002 - Michael Owen made his 150th League appearance as we lost 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to a Gus Poyet goal. It was our first defeat in fifteen League games and made winning the title a near impossibility. This was also Jari Litmanen’s 43rd and final game in a reds shirt. Meanwhile, a Neil Mellor brace sent the Under-19’s into the Final of the National Play-offs, as we overcame Nottingham Forest 2-1, to set up a two-legged tie with Arsenal. These goals took the boy Mellor to 44 goals for the season. On the same day, future Anfield star Anthony Le Tallec was on target for Le Havre as the French outfit were promoted into the top division by beating Laval 4-1. Thumping the Geordies 2013 - Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson struck twice each, with Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini also on target as we won 6-0 at Newcastle United, with Mathieu Debuchy sent off for the home side late on. In the best team 2008 - Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and ex-red David James were all named in the PFA Team of the Year. 2003 – Ex-reds keeper Brad Friedel was voted into the PFA Team of the Year, having kept fifteen clean sheets in the League for Blackburn Rovers. Up and down 1895 - We lost a Test Match 1-0 to Bury at Ewood Park that relegated us after just one season in the top flight. Robert Neill made his reds bow in this game. He was possibly our shortest ever centre-half, standing at just five foot four inches. Also debuting were keeper John Whitehead and forward John Cleland, who played his only senior reds game while on loan from Edinburgh side St. Bernard’s, while outside-left John Drummond made his eighteenth and final appearance. Bury keeper Archie Montgomery was sent off late on for kicking out at Harry Bradshaw. This was William Barclay’s last game in charge of the side. 1896 – John McKenna managed the reds for the final time as we lost another Test Match, going down 2-0 at West Bromwich Albion’s Stoney Lane ground. However, previous results were enough to ensure our promotion. Milestone games 1908 - We played our 500th League game, beating Bury 2-1 at Anfield in our final game of the season thanks to a Ronald Orr brace, with Billy Hibbert bagging one of his thirteen goals against the reds. We ended the season in eighth position. 1985 – Alan Hansen played his 400th reds game as we drew 0-0 at Ipswich Town. Sam’s last 1912 – Forward Sam Gilligan bagged his sixteenth and final reds goal in the second minute of our 1-0 top-flight victory at Oldham Athletic. Disaster in North London 1935 - Willie Evans scored a hat-trick for Tottenham Hotspur as they trounced us 5-1 at White Hart Lane. Berry Nieuwenhuys grabbed our consolation while forward Sam English played his fiftieth and final reds game. George Hunt struck one of his five goals past us, with Len Bolan also on the scoresheet. Bill yet again 1903 - Left-half Bill Goldie played his 174th and final reds game, actually his 129th consecutive reds appearance, and 119th straight game in the League, as we won 2-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in our last game of the season, thanks to goals from Sam Raybould and Jack Cox. Left-back John Glover and inside-right George Livingstone both played their last reds games. For Razor 1991 - A testimonial match for Ray Kennedy was staged at Highbury. A reds team beat Arsenal 3-1, with Jan Mølby, David Speedie and Peter Beardsley on the scoresheet. A treble for Jimmy 1931 - Left-half Jimmy McDougall grabbed a hat-trick as we were beaten 8-4 by Yeovil & Petters United at their Huish Park Stadium in a friendly, with Cyril Done nabbing our other goal. First and last times with the armband 1982 - Phil Thompson skippered England for the sixth and final time as they beat Wales 1-0 in the British International Championships in Cardiff. Joe Corrigan, ex-red Joey Jones, Terry McDermott, Phil Neal and Ian Rush all also featured. 1977 - Future red Kenny Dalglish captained Scotland for the first time as they beat Sweden 3-1 in a friendly at Hampden Park. In and out 1936 – Keeper Stanley Kane was sold to Southend United. He had only made six senior appearances after signing on in July 1934, having left Birmingham. 1920 – Forward Peter McKinney signed from Consett Celtic. He struck once in three reds appearances, all in 1920/21, and later emigrated to the USA to join New York Giants. Twice against the Blades and Hammers We have twice ended the season by playing Sheffield United in the top flight at Anfield on this day over the years. 1907 - We drew 2-2 with forward Sam Raybould on target in his 226th and final reds game. Bill McPherson also struck in our final game of the season as we finished fifteenth. Left-back Tom Rogers debuted in this fixture. 1914 - Tom Miller netted a brace as we won 2-1, just two days after losing our first ever FA Cup Final. 1957 - We beat West Ham United in a Second Division meeting, with Billy Liddell netting the only goal of the game from the spot in the final minute. 1974 - John Toshack struck at Upton Park as we drew a top-flight encounter 2-2, with Kevin Keegan on target at the death. Alec Lindsay had a penalty saved by Mervyn Day in the first half. Trevor Brooking and Frank Lampard both struck for the home side. International debut once more 1927 - Ex-red Billy Lacey represented his third different country, playing in the Republic of Ireland’s second ever senior international, as they lost 2-1 to Italy ‘B’ in Dublin. This followed eighteen caps he had won for Ireland and another eight for Northern Ireland. Beaten by Rovers We have twice lost to Blackburn Rovers on this day in history. 1929 - Birthday boy Bob Done converted a penalty as we lost a top-flight meeting 2-1 at Ewood Park. 1893 - We lost an Anfield friendly 1-0. Other reds games 1968 – We beat Fulham 4-1 at Anfield with Allan Clarke putting the visitors in front with one of his seven goals against the reds, despite appearing to be offside. Ian Callaghan and Roger Hunt ensure we led at half time, with Hunt and Tony Hateley on target after the break. 1901 – Jack Cox and Bill Goldie struck as we defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 in L4. Young England reds 2018 – Future red Harvey Elliott struck for England Under-15’s as they beat the Czech Republic 6-4 in a tournament game in Italy. 2002 - Mark Smyth was on target as England Under-17’s beat Finland 3-2 in a European Championships Finals game in Denmark. Clubmate David Raven was skipper and David Mannix also played. 1993 – Future reds Academy coach Mike Sheron bagged a brace as England Under-21’s beat the Netherlands 3-0 in a European Championships qualifier at Fratton Park. Rob Jones also featured. On the same day, future red Bjørn Tore Kvarme played for Norway Under-21’s in their 5-1 thumping of Turkey in a European Championships qualifier. 1988 - Gary Ablett won his only Under-21’s cap as England drew 2-2 with France in the Semi-final of the European Championships at Highbury. Unfortunately, France won 6-4 on aggregate. Future red Michael Thomas also played. On the same day, Peter Beardsley, Gary Gillespie, Ray Houghton, Steve McMahon, Steve Nicol, ex-red Ian Rush and future reds Glenn Hysén, István Kozma, Dean Saunders and Rigobert Song all also played for their countries. Splashing about 1894 - Outside-left Hugh McQueen nearly died when he dived off a springboard at Southport baths where the team were training, as he could not swim! He made 61 reds appearances in total after signing from Leith Athletic in October 1892, bagging eighteen goals and helping us to the Lancashire League and Second Division titles in successive seasons before joining Derby County in July 1895. Potter for the Irish 2004 - Darren Potter made his debut for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21’s as they drew 2-2 in a friendly in Poland. Ex-red Daniel Sjölund struck as the Finnish Under-21’s beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 3-1 away from home. Robbie Foy played for Scotland at the same level while Jimmy Ryan featured for the Irish Under-16’s on the same day, with future red Daniel Agger in action for Denmark Under-20’s and future red Ragnar Klavan playing for the senior Estonia side. Other internationals 1983 – Glenn Hysén, Mark Lawrenson, Sammy Lee, Phil Neal, Ian Rush and Ronnie Whelan all played for their countries, with ex-red Joey Jones reaching half a century of caps for Wales in their 1-0 European Championships qualifying defeat of Bulgaria in Wrexham. 1991 - Future red Nigel Clough netted the only goal of the game as England B beat Iceland in a friendly at Vicarage Road. Fellow future red Paul Stewart also featured. 1998 – Future red Milan Baroš featured for the Czech Republic Under-17’s as they lost 2-1 to Italy in a tournament in Slovenia. 2001 – Future red Anthony Le Tallec scored twice for France Under-16’s in their 5-0 thumping of Finland in the European Championships Finals in Grimsby. 2015 - Future red Kamil Grabara saved two penalties in a shoot-out as Poland Under-16’s beat Turkey 7-6 after their friendly ended 1-1 in Israel. 2019 – Isaac Mabaya featured for England Under-15’s in a 2-1 friendly defeat in Italy.