Former Liverpool and Scotland forward Ian St John has died at the age of 82 following a long illness.
St John joined Liverpool from Motherwell in 1961 and played 425 games for the Reds, netting 118 times during his 10-year Kop career.
A two-time league title winner at Anfield, St John was also the match winner as Liverpool lifted their first FA Cup in 1965.
In an official statement, Liverpool Football Club said: “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.”
Across the park, Merseyside neighbours Everton also paid tribute to the Scottish legend as a club statement read: “A real loss to the game and one felt heavily in our city. A rival for many years but a popular figure on and off the pitch. Our thoughts are with Ian St John’s loved ones and everyone at @LFC at this sad time. RIP.”
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, The Saint & Greavsie. X pic.twitter.com/E1VSJsUoZs
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 2, 2021
Elsewhere, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher paid his respects on social media, saying: “RIP Ian St John, one of the players along with Bill Shankly who made this club what it is today.”
Former club captain and now Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said during his press conference today: “He’s an iconic figure at Liverpool, someone I’ve met on numerous occasions.
“He was a fantastic guy, really insightful in terms of his career and experience at Liverpool and trying to pass on a lot of knowledge and expertise.
“I’m devastated to hear that.”
As well as a glittering playing career, St John was also famous for his roles within TV and radio. He hosted the popular football show ‘Saint & Greavsie’ on ITV featuring ex-England forward Jimmy Greaves. St John also had a great presence on local radio with the show ‘Saints and Snods’ alongside Everton’s Ian Snodin which was broadcast on Radio City.
Tributes have been pouring in all day for St John from across the city as well as the footballing world.
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 pic.twitter.com/Lygr8oFbcf
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) March 2, 2021
A real loss to the game and one felt heavily in our city. A rival for many years but a popular figure on and off the pitch.
Our thoughts are with Ian St John's loved ones and everyone at @LFC at this sad time. RIP. https://t.co/8joRBcoZkK
— Everton (@Everton) March 2, 2021
We are very sad to hear the Saint has passed away Ian St John and I had great fun working on the Saint and Greavsie He was a lovely man & will be sadly missed by many many people. we must also remember he was a great footballer for Bill Shankly's Liverpool and beyond. #IanStJohn pic.twitter.com/pJHQVnxjpW
— Jimmy Greaves (@jimmy_greaves) March 2, 2021