It was 1971. The year after the greatest World Cup in Mexico with the real GOAT, Pele displaying his prodigious talent on the greatest stage. It was the year that I passed the Common Entrance Examinations from St. Richards Primary School for Calabar High School. The year that I went to High School. The year that I stopped wearing short pants. As important as these achievements were, they were not my greatest achievement.
1971 was the year that I became a supporter of Liverpool Football Club. My life changed forever. I would never walk alone!
Ray Clemence in goal, Tommy Smith in defence, Emlyn Hughes and Steve Heighway in midfield, Kevin Keegan and big John Toshack ( the Welshman) in attack. An 11-year old’s delight. The legendary Bill Shankley was the Manager. Through 54 + years I have remained loyal and faithful. I have made two pilgrimages to Anfield- living out my schoolboy’s dreams, as the only way to describe a visit to Anfield is to say that one made a pilgrimage. I have become an honorary scouser!
During this 54-year period we (as I am a part of LFC) have won the top tier league 13 times. We have been European champions more times than any British (not just English) club. The FA Cup 7 times, the League Cup 10 times and on and on.
I have lived through the joys and delights of Kevin Keegan, Ian Rush, Kenny Dagliesh, Alan Hansen Steven Gerard , John Barnes and now Mo Salah. My managers have included the legendary Bill Shankley, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dagliesh, Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp.
My Liverpool has won more games than it has lost. We endured 30 years without a topflight title. Seemingly punishment for winning so many titles and trophies between the 1972 season and 1990. Yet, through those dark days I remembered the words of our anthem
” When you walk through a storm,
Hold your head up high,
And don’t be afraid of the dark,
At the end of the storm,
Is a golden sky,
And the sweet silver song of a lark”
A defeat was only a temporary setback. Never have we had 4 in a row.
For the first time in 54 years, I am anxious about my club achieving the magical 40 points.
This is my Liverpudlian anxiety.
That was last night. The game was today. The manager went back to the tried and proven. Both by design and by players returning from injury. He chose Robertson over Kerkez. Bradley, the natural successor was back from injury. Gravenberch and MacAllister again formed the two deep midfielders. Salah, Szoboszlai & Gakpo were all a part of last season’s winning starting eleven. Ekitike replaced Diogo Jota. The ingredients for the winning recipe plus Ekitike we all that was required.
It makes you wonder whether the purpose of the close season signings was simply to build up the second eleven. Wirtz, Frimpong, Kerkez, Isak will all take time to blend into the team. As to my anxiety? Life has once again shown that there is really no point being anxious.
On to the Etihad next Sunday. In the interim, I will stock up on Prozac.
