Past playersBilly Liddell

His contribution and importance for the Reds in the 1950s prompted the club to be nicknamed 'Liddellpool' and any soul fortunate enough to see the Scot in action would argue that his talent matched any man who has followed in his footsteps.

Much in the same way as Steven Gerrard became Liverpool's modern talisman, Liddell was a player capable of inspiring those around him not just with his technical attributes but his sheer force of will.

A tremendously skilful wide player, he also possessed a rocket shot from long range. It was his misfortune to represent the club during perhaps its most disappointing period – but without Liddell the situation may have become far worse.

Liddell signed for the Reds in 1938 but was forced to wait eight years for a senior debut following the Second World War. Kopites' first glimpse of the forward arrived in January 1946, when he hit the target in an FA Cup victory over Chester.

On his maiden First Division appearance, at home to Chelsea in September 1946, the Scotland international served notice of what fans could look forward to – as well as what the team might achieve – with a brace in a 7-4 triumph.

With Jack Balmer and Albert Stubbins smashing home the goals ahead of Liddell, George Kay's outfit were crowned champions of England at the conclusion of 1946-47 and years of great success appeared to lie ahead.

In fact, it was the only trophy Liddell ever lifted at Liverpool. He notched in both the quarter-final and semi-final – against Everton – to inspire his team to the 1950 FA Cup final but contemporary reports suggest that he was kicked out of the game in a 2-0 defeat by Arsenal.

The Reds suffered relegation to the Second Division in 1953-54, the only campaign in nine when Liddell was not the club's top league scorer, and were destined to remain in the second tier of English football until after their talisman's retirement.

Upon Liverpool's demotion, the Scot was not short of offers to switch clubs – including an opportunity in South America – but his decision to remain on Merseyside further strengthened the bond he enjoyed with the Kop faithful.

His position on the pitch did change, though, with an adjustment to centre-forward bringing successive goal hauls of 32, 21, 23 and 14. More than 20 years after arriving at Anfield, Liddell even played under the management of Bill Shankly.

Liddell's 534th and final match in Liverpool colours, at that time a club record, occurred on August 31, 1960, before supporters were provided the opportunity to say an emotional goodbye at his packed testimonial.