FeatureThe story of LFC's 'Untouchables' as first Reds banner is brought back to life

Fans pay homage to the Reds’ past and present during home fixtures throughout the season, with modern-day tributes to Jürgen Klopp and his current squad blended with references to past European Cup triumphs and legendary figures such as Bill Shankly, Kenny Dalglish and Bob Paisley – among many others.

In April, a new addition was welcomed on the Kop by those who are keen not to let history be forgotten.

One hundred years on from its initial inception, an ode to the original ‘Untouchables’ banner was on display ahead of the 4-0 victory over Manchester United.

In 1922, Liverpool secured the first of back-to-back titles – the first time the club had accomplished the feat since its formation in 1892, and an achievement they would not repeat for more than 50 years.

The revered Reds squad was also the reason for the club’s first-ever documented flag, which has since helped pave the way for what has followed.

“They couldn’t be matched by anyone else in English football,” Jeff Goulding told Liverpoolfc.com.

“They became known in the press as ‘The Untouchables’. It is referred to in programmes and newspaper articles from that time as a ‘Championship flag’ – but modern fans would call it a banner.”

Jeff and co-author Kieran Smith have charted the rise and stories behind a Liverpool team that overcame the odds – both on and off the field – and wanted to mark the centenary by recreating a crucial part of Liverpool history.

Untouchables: Anfield’s Band of Brothers tells the tale of a Reds side that dominated English football for two seasons amid societal, political and health strife.

“The nucleus of the team came together before the First World War. Obviously, that interrupted the development of the team,” Jeff continued.

“If that wasn’t enough, when they returned from the war they went through a pandemic; the Spanish Flu in 1919.

“They are just an incredible team for lots of different reasons. The fact that these men had been through the horrors of war and then a pandemic – not only surviving that to lead decent lives, but then going on to achieve sporting excellence on top is remarkable.

“They were a team who just collectively worked together who had all these different characters.”

The Untouchables – as they are still affectionately known for their achievements on Merseyside – are a team who deserve their place in Anfield history; a band of brothers who thrust Liverpool to the forefront of English football.

“There’s no greater devotee of Bill Shankly than me,” Jeff adds. “Liverpool had only won five trophies before he arrived and have won 45 in the sixty-odd years since. There is no doubt he revolutionised the club, but he wasn’t building it from scratch.

“There’s a real sense when you delve into the pre-Shankly era of him standing on the shoulders of giants. There was an ethos at the club before Shankly arrived, there was an ethos amongst supporters. It was always said the Kop was louder when they were behind; there was a collective spirit at the club back in the 1920s.

“When we delved into it, we realised how important these men were, not only in football terms, but just generally to the people of the city.

“We were realising what a contribution they made to Liverpool life and to Anfield life. We just thought it would be an absolute tragedy if their names disappeared from view.”

Wherever you look in the team there is a story to be found of triumph and, in some cases, tragedy – heroic acts in war are as easily found as a player falling on the wrong side of the tracks in the years after the historic two-season spell.

There are other compelling stories too, such as manager David Ashworth’s shock resignation amid the second title-winning season, or Shankly finding squad members George Patterson and Ephraim Longworth still working at the club upon his arrival in 1959 – he referred to the latter as a ‘walking piece of Liverpool history’.

“There’s a few excerpts in the Liverpool Echo at the time that hails them as the proverbial bunch of sticks,” Jeff explains. “The idea that on your own you might be able to break them, but together they can’t be broken.

“What makes them really interesting is that they came back from a war – one of them, Danny Shone, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen towards the end of the war and almost died.

“Jock McNab… he was a hero. He won medals for valour after saving men’s lives on the battlefield. His life turned around in the army, he was a bit of a ruffian from Scotland.

“Then you’ve got the likes of Elisha Scott, who is a huge character from Irish football and arguably Liverpool’s first ‘King of the Kop’ thanks to earning one of the first chants.

“They were a team full of individual stars for various reasons, but they gelled together as a great team.

“There was also a guy called Walter Wadsworth, who was born in Bootle and very reminiscent of Jamie Carragher.

“He was a skilful and tough defender who stood for no nonsense. There was an incident where he was abused by a fan at an away game, and he climbed into the terrace and punched the guy in the face.

“Tom Bromilow was very reminiscent of Steven Gerrard in terms of his status on Merseyside. His wedding in Kirkdale was like Beatlemania; the streets were packed, and the police had to turn up to control the crowds!

“They’re just an incredible team for lots and lots of reasons, filled with all sorts of characters. There are so many stories and that’s what we have tried to bring to life in the book and commemorate with the banner.”

The flag made in the squad’s memory is a near replica of the one that stood at Anfield a century ago, though there is a slight tweak to display every contributing name to the title victories.

“As far as we’re aware, it’s the first one in the club’s history – believe me, we have looked!” Jeff said.

“We can’t find reference to an LFC banner before that. It was made by the club and not the supporters, which is interesting given what happens today.

“We got Peter Carney, who is an artist when it comes to Liverpool banners, to not recreate it directly but more pay homage to it.

“He’s added all of the names of the players, which is a lovely touch. We were just motivated by the recent centenary, we wanted to do something to bring attention to their achievements.

“They deserve their place in history – and they certainly have it.”

The Untouchables: Anfield's Band of Brothers by Jeff Goulding and Kieran Smith has been published by Pitch Publishing and chronicles the rise and fall of one of Liverpool's greatest teams.

You can find more information on the book and purchase a copy here.