Former Liverpool and Scotland forward Ian St John has died aged 82

Former Liverpool and Scotland forward, Ian St John, has died at the age of 82 after a long illness  (Photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Former Liverpool and Scotland forward, Ian St John, has died at the age of 82 after a long illness  (Photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool and Scotland forward, Ian St John, has died at the age of 82 after a long illness (Photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool and Scotland forward, Ian St John, has died at the age of 82 after a long illness.

St John began his footballing career at his hometown club of Motherwell, before joining Bill Shankly’s Liverpool team in the 1960s, signing for a then club-record fee of £37,500.

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He also played 21 times for Scotland, scoring nine goals, and played for other clubs including Coventry and Tranmere, before going on to manage Motherwell and Portsmouth and then later launching a successful broadcasting career.

St John was a key player in the Liverpool team, which rose from the second division to win two English league titles and an FA Cup in 1965, where he scored the winning goal against Leeds United in the final.

In a statement, St John’s family said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather.

"He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside. We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times."

Tributes pour in for footballing legend

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A number of current and former Liverpool players have made tributes to St John, alongside the Scottish FA and his hometown club of Motherwell.

Liverpool football club paid respects to its former player, on Twitter, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend, Ian St John.

“The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian's family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021.”

Liverpool's Scottish full-back, Andy Robertson, also posted a tribute to St John on Twitter.

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Robertson said: "A man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy.

"Scotland and Liverpool has lost a true giant. My love goes to his family. Rest in peace Ian St John."

Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, tweeted: “RIP Ian St John, another Liverpool legend sadly passes away.

“One of the players along with Bill Shankly who made this club what it is today. I’ll remember him most on the best football show on TV, Saint & Greavsie.”

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Current Rangers manager and former Liverpool player Steven Gerrard also paid his respects to St John, after being informed of the news during a media conference.

Gerrard said: "He's an iconic figure at Liverpool Football Club. He's someone I'd met on numerous occasions and he's a fantastic guy.

"He was really insightful in terms of his career at Liverpool and his knowledge and expertise, and he always wanted to pass that on.

"I'm really devastated to hear the news, and I'm shocked. I'd like to send my condolences to his family. He's someone I've got incredible respect for."

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The Scottish FA also wrote on Twitter: “We are saddened by the passing of former @ScotlandNT international Ian St John.

“Ian won 21 caps for his country, scoring nine times during a career that saw him represent @MotherwellFC and @LFC.

“The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with Ian's family and friends.”

Motherwell FC also said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ian St John.

“The thoughts of everyone are with his family at this difficult time.”