Past playersPhil Thompson

The Kirkby native began his career as a midfielder, with his gangly physique considered unsuitable for a more defensive position. The experience proved useful in later years as 'Thommo' developed into a classy centre-back with the confidence to carry possession out from the back.

Having caught the eye in the Reds' youth teams, Bill Shankly handed him a senior debut at Manchester United in April 1972 and he made 20 appearances during the next season to secure a First Division winner's medal and UEFA Cup success.

Positioned next to Emlyn Hughes, Thompson matured into a high-class defender equally comfortable in reading the game or launching into a heavy challenge; his performance in the 1974 FA Cup final, for example, completely neutered the Newcastle United threat.

At times he must have pinched himself as the trophies kept arriving on a production line – another UEFA Cup, two European Cups and four more league titles before the decade concluded.

Now marshalling a back line including Alan Hansen, Thompson was handed the captain's armband by Bob Paisley after playing his part in an historic 1978-79 campaign. The Reds cruised to the championship with just 16 goals conceded in 42 fixtures.

The England international became the first Liverpool player to lift the League Cup in 1981 and just a matter of weeks later etched his name forever into the club's history as the skipper for the Reds' third European Cup triumph.

Two more First Division titles and a further brace of League Cups kept Thommo's trophy cabinet well stocked, although the decision to name Graeme Souness captain and the arrival of Mark Lawrenson threatened the defender's place in the team.

After missing out on almost the whole of the incredible 1983-84 treble campaign, Thompson spent a year on loan with Sheffield United before making the switch permanent. He had won practically every major honour available during his Liverpool stay.