Tributes have been paid to former Liverpool player and manager, Phil Taylor, who died this Saturday, aged 95.
Liverpool FC released a statement honouring the 1940s star following the news of his death, saying: “Taylor was one of our truly great servants and everyone at the club would like to offer their thoughts and prayers to his family at this time.”
Others have been paying respects to Taylor on Twitter since Saturday, including senior producer at LFC TV, Mark Platt, who said: “Sad to hear that ex-LFC player, coach & manager Phil Taylor has passed away. He was last surviving member of 46/47 title winning team. RIP.”
Times football writer Tony Barrett added to the tributes, tweeting: “Just heard that Phil Taylor, the former Liverpool player & manager and England international, has passed away. RIP.”
Taylor preceded Bill Shankly as manager between 1956 and 1959, after working his way up from half-back, to captain, to coach and eventually taking the hot seat as team boss.
Liverpool FC described Taylor as “a teenage footballing prodigy” when he was signed to the club from his hometown team of Bristol Rovers in 1936.
Alongside his football success, Taylor was one of the first Liverpool players to sign up to the Territorial Army just before the start of World War II, where he served in the 9th Kings Regiment. He was also a keen cricketer, making an appearance for Gloucestershire in 1938.
Liverpool Football Club plan to pay respects to the late legend at their next home game against Aston Villa on December 15th.