In memory of Ken Hirst

Ken was a regular match-goer and staunch Kopite from 1935 right through to his final Anfield visit in November.

Born within months of the Reds' 1923 league title success, he briefly considered supporting Everton due to the influence of his much-loved older brother.

However, from the moment Ken laid eyes on the Spion Kop, steaming with cigarette smoke and the sound of 27,000 voices, his fate was sealed.

Within years, the Second World War gripped Europe, and Ken was called up aged 19. He fought across the continent and was present at the D-Day landings in June 1944.

After the war, he idolised Albert Stubbins and Billy Liddell, and watched from the stands as the Reds were crowned England's kings in 1947.

He shed tears of sadness when they were relegated seven years later, only for his - and Liverpool's - fortunes to transform irrevocably thanks to Bill Shankly's arrival.

Last year, as the club marked its 130th birthday, Ken took centre stage in a social media clip that quickly went viral on June 3.

In 90 Years A Red he reminisced about following Liverpool's ascent to footballing dominance - and spoke with pride at the resurgence that culminated in the 2005 miracle of Istanbul.

He spoke lovingly of his wife, Margaret, whom he married in 1955; his two daughters, two grandsons and two great-grandsons, who are proudly continuing his tradition of unwavering support.

Ken beamed at the mention of Jürgen Klopp, his favourite manager of all time, and hailed modern-day heroes like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

And then, he reserved his final words for the club he'd loved unstintingly throughout nine decades of a truly remarkable life.

"I'm sure there's nobody in the galaxy that's better than Liverpool," said Ken.

"There might be a few stars there... but no stars better than ours."

Ken Hirst 1923-2023.

You'll Never Walk Alone.