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New double act 1998 - The first official reds game under the joint command of Roy Evans and Gérard Houllier took place. We won 2-1 at Southampton, thanks to goals from Karlheinz Riedle and Michael Owen. Their first signing as joint bosses, Norwegian right-back Vegard Heggem, made his debut in this game. Egil Ostenstad had opened the scoring for the home side. Losing League starts 1975 - Joey Jones made his reds debut as we went down 2-0 in our season opener at Queens Park Rangers, who ended the season in second place, just one point behind the mighty reds. Gerry Francis scored a goal at the end of a slick passing move that was later named as the BBC’s Goal of the Season, with substitute Mick Leach adding the second. 1992 - David James made his debut in our 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, our first game in the newly-formed Premiership. This was also the first Premiership game to be screened live on Sky with Teddy Sheringham netting one of his seven goals against us. Birth and death 1964 - Barry Venison was born in Consett. He signed from Sunderland for £200,000 in July 1986 and made 158 appearances for the reds, scoring three times and helping us to claim two League titles, the FA Cup and two FA Charity Shields in his time at Anfield. He moved on to Newcastle United for £250,000 in July 1992. 1999 – Scottish left-winger Tommy McLeod died. He joined the reds from the Army in October 1945, but only made seven senior appearances before joining Chesterfield in June 1951. Mersey Charity 1986 - Three months after beating the Toffees at Wembley to complete our first ever League and Cup double, the two sides met again there for the FA Charity Shield. Ian Rush equalised in our 1-1 draw after Adrian Heath had scored with just ten minutes remaining, with the trophy being shared by the two clubs. Bruce Grobbelaar was replaced by substitute Mike Hooper just before the hour mark, who was making his debut, so ending Bruce’s run of 310 consecutive reds games. New signing Barry Venison also made his first-class reds bow in this match, on his 22nd birthday, while Craig Johnston played his 200th game for the club. Ins and out 2014 – Left-back Alberto Moreno signed from his hometown club Sevilla for £12m. He struck three times in 141 outings before being released in June 2019. 1961 – Centre-half John Nicholson was sold to Port Vale, having only made one senior reds appearance since turning pro in January 1957. He played over 200 games for the Valiants. 1893 – Forward Albert Worgan signed for the reds. He struck twice in two senior outings before moving on in 1895. Most recently 2009 – Centre-half Daniel Ayala and right-back Glen Johnson both debuted as we lost 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur in our season opener. Ayala came off the bench when Martin Škrtel had to go off following a clash of heads with Jamie Carragher. Steven Gerrard bagged our goal from the spot. 2008 – Fernando Torres struck the only goal of the game late on as we won at Sunderland in our opening League game of the season. Back up north 1939 – Left-half John Browning moved on to Southern League side Gillingham. He had signed from Dunoon Athletic in March 1934, making just nineteen appearances. 1962 – Right-back John Molyneux was sold back to Chester, having signed from there for £5,500 in June 1955. He bagged three goals in 249 games, but did not survive Bill Shankly’s early clear-out. Ephraim on the mark 1924 - Legendary full-back Ephraim Longworth scored one of his four only recorded goals in a public practice game for Stripes vs. Reds. He signed in June 1910 from Leyton Orient, playing 370 times between then and 1928, and becoming the first red to captain England. He then served as Reserve team trainer, before joining the ground staff. Kennedy double 1980 - Both Alan and Ray Kennedy scored in our 3-0 defeat of Crystal Palace at Anfield after Kenny Dalglish had opened the scoring. 1969 - We also won in the top-flight, with Emlyn Hughes and Chris Lawler on target in our 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur. Beating the Imps 2006 - A Liverpool XI won 2-1 at Lincoln City, a game arranged as part of the Jack Hobbs transfer a year earlier. Mark González and Besian Idrizaj scored for the reds. Personal honours 2001 - Reds trio Sami Hyypiä, Gary McAllister and Michael Owen were all honoured by legendary French sports paper L’Équipe for the role they played in the club’s unprecedented treble success, being named in their star-studded team of the season. World star Rigo 2000 - Rigobert Song was in action for a FIFA World Stars XI as they were handed a 5-1 beating by France in Marseille. Future red Nicolas Anelka scored while winning his first cap as a Paris Saint-Germain player, with David Trezeguet bagging a hat-trick. Final caps 2000 - Finland beat Norway 3-1 with future red Jari Litmanen bagging a brace. Stig Inge Bjørnebye was sent off as he won his 74th cap, his first as a Blackburn Rovers player following his departure from Anfield two months earlier, while John Arne Riise was winning his final cap as an AS Monaco player. The game was staged to officially open the new FinnAir Stadium in Helsinki, with Sami Hyypiä also in action. On the same day, Brad Friedel won his final cap as a reds player, his 66th in all, as the USA thumped Barbados 7-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Boston. Meanwhile, Dietmar Hamann, ex-red Jim Magilton and future reds Yossi Benayoun, Igor Bišcan, Jerzy Dudek and Alex Manninger were also in friendly action. 1995 - Friedel won his last cap whilst with Danish side Brøndby IF, his 35th to that point, as they lost 1-0 to Sweden in a friendly in Norrköping. 2005 – Future red Stewart Downing won his eighth and last England Under-21’s cap as they won 1-0 in Denmark, with Scott Carson and future red James Milner also featuring. 2006 - Dirk Kuyt won his final cap while with Feyenoord as the Netherlands beat Steve Staunton’s Republic of Ireland 4-0 at Lansdowne Road, with Steve Finnan and future reds coach John Heitinga also featuring. Olympian reds 2008 – Ryan Babel captained the Netherlands as they lost 2-1 to Javier Mascherano’s Argentina after extra time in the Quarter-final of the Olympics Finals in Shanghai. Meanwhile, Lucas Leiva featured in Brazil’s 2-0 defeat of Cameroon at the same stage in Shenyang. First caps 1995 - Stéphane Henchoz won his first cap as a Hamburger SV player, and eleventh in all, as Roy Hodgson’s Switzerland won 2-0 in a Euro ’96 qualifier in Iceland. István Kozma played for Hungary for the first time while with APOEL in their 2-0 home friendly defeat by Israel. Meanwhile, future reds Patrik Berger, Øyvind Leonhardsen and Gary McAllister all also featured in qualifiers. 1992 – Hodgson also took charge of the Swiss as they thumped Estonia 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Tallinn. On the same day, future red Titi Camara struck for Guinea as they beat Chad 3-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, although the result was later annulled after Chad withdrew from the tournament after just two fixtures. 2000 - Henchoz also represented his country, making his 43rd appearance in a 2-2 friendly draw with Greece in Saint-Gallen. Crouchie on target again 2006 - Peter Crouch bagged a brace as England beat Greece 4-0 in a friendly at Old Trafford, with Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and future red Stewart Downing also featuring, and Chris Kirkland making a belated first senior international appearance, while Sotirios Kyrgiakos won his first cap as an Eintracht Frankfurt player, and twentieth to date. On the same day, Sami Hyypiä won his fiftieth cap as a reds player, and 76th in all, captaining Roy Hodgson’s Finland to a 2-1 home defeat to Northern Ireland. Also in international action that day were Daniel Agger, Jerzy Dudek, John Arne Riise, ex-red Rigobert Song and future reds Charlie Adam, Philipp Degen, Ragnar Klavan, Nikolay Mihaylov and Kolo Touré. Ayre apparent 2007 - Commercial Director Ian Ayre started work in his new job for the club. He had previously been Chief Executive of Total Sports Asia, a brand solutions company advising international companies on rolling out Asian sports and entertainment campaigns, having once been Chief Executive and Chairman of Huddersfield Town. He said on being appointed that, “being Liverpool born and bred, this is a dream job for me”. He was promoted to Managing Director in May 2014, leaving the club in February 2017 to take charge of TSV 1860 München. Youngsters on target 2005 - Anthony Le Tallec struck as France Under-21’s drew 2-2 with Italy in a friendly in Libourne, with fellow red Carl Medjani also featuring. On the same day, Besian Idrizaj won his last Under-19’s cap for Austria as a Linzer ASK player, scoring in their friendly defeat of Northern Ireland in Gussing. On the move 1995 - Paul Jewell joined First Division Grimsby Town on loan from Bradford City. He netted once in six appearances for the Mariners. 2002 - John Miles signed for Crewe Alexandra on a free transfer from Stoke City. He netted just once in eight games in his one season at Gresty Road. 2011 – Centre-half Daniel Ayala was sold to Norwich City for £850,000 after five senior reds games. He only played ten times for the Canaries before joining Middlesbrough in January 2014 after a successful loan spell. 2014 – Former loanee winger Victor Moses joined Stoke City for the season from Chelsea, going on to bag four goals in 23 games for the Potters. 2017 – Young winger Sheyi Ojo joined Fulham on loan, netting four times in 24 games for the Cottagers. 2021 – Centre-half Ben Davies joined Sheffield United on loan, netting once in 23 outings for the Blades. On the same day, midfielder Leighton Clarkson moved to Blackburn Rovers for the season, with whom he only played twice before returning to Anfield in January 2022. Also in international action 2009 – Future red Emre Can played for Germany Under-16’s in their 6-2 defeat of Austria in Liechtenstein. 1989 – Glenn Hysén played for Sweden as they lost 4-2 to France in a friendly in Malmö.

Nando off the mark 2007 - New record signing Fernando Torres struck his first reds goal in our 2-0 defeat of Shanghai Shenhua SVA SMEG in the Port of Rotterdam Tournament. Argentine winger Sebastián Leto played his first reds game in this game in De Kuip. Steven Gerrard was also on target, while the draw for the Champions League qualifiers on the same day paired us with French side Toulouse. Heading off 2000 - David Thompson was sold to Coventry City for £3m, after five goals in 56 reds games. He stayed at Highfield Road for two years before joining Blackburn Rovers for just £1.5m, netting sixteen times in 72 outings for the Sky Blues. 1967 – Forward Phil Chisnall moved on to Southend United. He had signed from his hometown club Manchester United for £25,000 in April 1964, after ten goals in 47 United games. However, he never established himself at Anfield, netting twice in nine appearances. Arrivederci Alberto 2012 – Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani joined Fiorentina on a free transfer. He had signed from Roma for an initial fee of €20m in August 2009. He struck twice in 28 reds games, having struggled with injuries and illness in his first campaign at Anfield, spending the next two seasons on loan at Juventus and then AC Milan. For Stevie 2013 – A testimonial for Steven Gerrard was held at Anfield, with Olympiacos losing 2-0, thanks to goals from Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson. Djimi’s first game 1999 - Djimi Traoré made his reds bow in our 2-1 friendly defeat at Manchester City after signing from Laval for £550,000 the previous February. David Thompson scored our goal. Djimi made 141 reds appearances, netting just once, before joining Charlton Athletic for £2m in August 2006. Two off in Amsterdam 2003 - Neil Mellor and Steven Gerrard were both sent off in a bad-tempered The Sony Amsterdam Tournament 2003 game at the Amsterdam ArenA. Emile Heskey netted as we lost 2-1 to Galatasaray. To Hamburg We twice met Hamburger SV in pre-season action on this day in the 1970’s, at either end of Kevin Keegan’s Anfield career. 1971 - The two sides shared eight goals at Sportplatz am Rothenbaum, with Bobby Graham, Chris Lawler, Larry Lloyd and Ian Callaghan on target for the reds. 1977 - We lost 3-2 in a Harbour Cup match arranged as part of Keegan’s transfer to the German outfit. He scored for his new side, with David’s Johnson and Fairclough on target for the reds. 1979 - We were back in Germany, with Phil Thompson and David Johnson scoring as we drew 2-2 with Feyenoord in a friendly tournament in Gelsenkirchen, staged to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Schalke 04. The game went to extra time, before the reds prevailed 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out with Phil Neal, Terry McDermott, Graeme Souness and Alan Kennedy all converting, with Ray Clemence saving one spot-kick. Jack born 1907 – Left-back Jack Tennant was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He arrived at Anfield from Torquay United in May 1933, appearing 42 times without notching. He moved on to Bolton Wanderers in January 1936, later guesting with the reds during the war. 1982 – Masseur/Therapist Motonori Watanabe was born in Japan. He joined the reds in 2020, having most recently been working with Bristol City. A real Belfast friendly 1983 - Belfast’s Windsor Park was the venue for a testimonial match for former IFA Secretary Billy Drennan between the reds, all in yellow, and deadly rivals Manchester United, who ran out 4-3 winners. Ian Rush bagged a brace, with Graeme Souness also scoring as we led 3-1 at the break with Joe Fagan in charge for the first time. 2000 - We returned to Northern Ireland, thumping Glentoran 4-0 in the Carlsberg Belfast Challenge at The Oval, with Robbie Fowler, Patrik Berger, Vladimír Šmicer and Danny Murphy grabbing the goals. Scandinavian adventures We have faced Scandinavian opposition on many occasions on this day over the years. 1980 - David Johnson, Phil Thompson and Graeme Souness all netted as we beat Danish side Hvidovre IF 3-1. 1987 - We beat Swedish side Karlstad 3-0, with Peter Beardsley and Paul Walsh adding to a penalty from John Aldridge. 1988 - We were in Norway to thump Bryne 5-0, with John Aldridge bagging a brace and Peter Beardsley, Steve McMahon and John Barnes also on the scoresheet. 1989 - We were back in Sweden again, to draw 1-1 with Vasalunds IF, with Aldo scoring in Scandinavia once more. 1994 - Ian Rush netted our consolation as we lost 3-1 to a Norway XI in the Norway Cup Festival 94, with keeper Michael Stensgaard playing his first reds game. Youngsters departing 2006 - Young Spanish right-back Antonio Barragán was sold to Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña for €1m. He had made just one senior appearance for the reds, as a substitute in our Champions League qualifying win at CSKA Sofia in August 2005. 2004 - Anthony Le Tallec joined Saint-Étienne on loan, although he had appeared to have impressed new boss Rafael Benítez in our first pre-season friendly, bagging a brace in our 2-1 defeat of Wrexham. 2011 – Midfielder Tom Ince signed for Blackpool. He had made just one senior reds appearance, as a substitute in our League Cup defeat at home by Northampton Town in September 2010. He struck 33 goals in 113 outings for the Tangerines before joining Hull City in July 2014 when his contract expired. Future reds on the move 1998 – Kenny Dalglish brought Dietmar Hamann to Newcastle United from Bayern München for £5.25m. He netted five times in 31 games for the Toon before moving to Anfield for £8m in July 1999. 1982 - Future loanee keeper Alec Chamberlain joined Colchester United on a free transfer from Ipswich Town. He made 221 appearances for the Essex side before moving on to Everton five years later. Not off to Tel Aviv 2001 - It was announced that we would be opening our Champions League campaign against Finnish side Haka, who had been knocked out by Maccabi Haifa in the previous qualifying round. However, Haka were reinstated in the competition at the Israelis’ expense after they had fielded a suspended player. On the same day, Sami Hyypiä, Dietmar Hamann and Robbie Fowler all struck as we won 3-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in our last pre-season friendly. Swindon reds 2001 - Ex-reds boss Roy Evans was appointed Manager of Second Division Swindon Town, with Neil Ruddock joining as Player/Coach. However, Roy only lasted four months in charge before resigning over the lack of promised funds. Other moves 2007 - Ex-reds defender Stephen Wright joined Stoke City on loan from Sunderland. He played seventeen times as they made a belated return to the top-flight. 2009 – Ex-reserves defender Alan Navarro joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer from MK Dons. He struck once in 85 times for the Seagulls before joining Swindon Town in June 2012. 2016 – Winger Mohamed Salah left Chelsea to sign for Roma for a reported €15m after a successful loan spell there. 2018 – Future reds coach Gary O’Neil signed for Bolton Wanderers after a successful trial, scoring three times in 31 games and winning the club’s Player of the Year award despite their relegation to League One. He then retiring from playing. 2020 – Midfielder Jordan Rossiter joined Fleetwood Town from Rangers on a free transfer, having played nineteen times in a loan spell during 2019/20. 2021 – Brazilian midfielder Fabinho signed a new contract, having netted three times in 122 outings across his first three seasons, having helped us to claim the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and our first League title for thirty years. 2023 – Young forward Max Woltman left the reds to join Oxford United, making three senior appearances in his first campaign with the U’s. Youngsters on target 2010 – Adam Morgan bagged a brace on his England Under-17’s debut as they thumped Finland 5-0 in a Nordic Tournament group game in Vaasa. 2006 - Shane O’Connor was on target as the Republic Of Ireland Under-17’s lost 3-1 to Poland in a tournament game in Hungary. 1994 – Future red Haukur Ingi Gudnason netted while winning his first cap for Iceland Under-17’s as they beat Norway 2-1. 2011 – Dani Pacheco was in action as Spain Under-20’s beat Ecuador 2-0 in a World Championship Finals group game in Colombia. Other international reds 1988 – Future reds goalkeeping coach Cláudio Taffarel played for Brazil in their 2-0 friendly win in Austria. 1999 - Brad Friedel won his 59th cap as the USA beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in Guadalajara in the Confederations Cup to claim third place. 2021 – Future red Wataru Endō represented host nation Japan as they lost 1-0 to Spain in the Semi-final of the Olympics in Saitama. Role model reds 2011 - Managing Director Ian Ayre was presented with the Football Is More Role Model award in the Social Department of a Professional Club category in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland.

Happy birthdays 1946 - Midfielder Peter Cormack was born in Edinburgh. He signed from Nottingham Forest for a club record £110,000 in July 1972 and won League title and UEFA Cup winners’ medals in his first season. He scored 26 times in his 178 reds appearances before moving on to Bristol City in November 1976 for £50,000. 1922 - Left-winger Peter Kippax was born in Burnley. He left his hometown club to join the reds as an amateur in 1948, having helped Great Britain to fourth place in the Olympics football competition that summer. He made one League outing, against Birmingham City in March 1949, having already netted in a Wartime League fixture for the reds against Bolton Wanderers in August 1945, before moving on to Preston North End in 1950. 1928 - Post-war red Joe Shepherd was born. He never played a senior game for us. His two brothers, centre-forward Arthur and full-back Bill, were also Liverpool players at around the same time. Hark! It’s Harkness 1989 - Steve Harkness signed from Carlisle United for £75,000. He went on to make 139 appearances for the reds, bagging three goals before being sold to SL Benfica by Gérard Houllier for ten times his purchase price in March 1999. Andriy off the mark 2007 - Andriy Voronin scored his first two reds goals as we beat SV Werder Bremen 3-2 in a friendly in Switzerland. Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres all played their first games for the club. John Arne Riise was also on target with a 25-yard strike. Heading off 2007 - Mark González was sold to Real Betis Balompié for £4.2m. The Chilean international winger was actually born in Durban, South Africa. He struck three times in 36 games after signing from Albacete Balompié for £1.5m in October 2005, although work permit problems delayed his arrival until the following summer. 2001 - Christian Ziege was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £4m, only a year after his acrimonious transfer from Middlesbrough. He had notched twice in 32 appearances whilst at Anfield, including coming off the bench in Cardiff for the first leg of the treble. Milly off the mark 2015 – James Milner struck his first goal for the club as we beat Brisbane Roar 2-1 at their Suncorp Stadium, with winger Ryan Kent making his first senior appearance. Adam Lallana scored our other goal. 2016 – Danny Ings and Ben Woodburn netted as we won 2-0 at Wigan Athletic’s DW Stadium in a pre-season friendly. Double departure 1999 - Rob Jones signed for West Ham United on a non-contract basis. He had famously failed to score in his 243 reds appearances, but persistent back problems led to his departure from Anfield. He was unable to achieve full fitness while with the Hammers and subsequently retired from the game. On the very same day, second string keeper Tony Warner joined Millwall on a free transfer, after nearly a decade at Anfield without making a first team appearance. He joined Cardiff City from the Lions in July 2004 after 225 games for Millwall. 2017 - Keeper Ryan Fulton signed for Hamilton Academical, playing seven senior games in his first campaign with the Accies. Backroom changes 2007 - Ian Ayre was appointed as our new Commercial Director, although he would not actually take up the role for another month. He had previously been Chief Executive of Total Sports Asia, a brand solutions company advising international companies on rolling out Asian sports and entertainment campaigns, having also been Chief Executive and Chairman of Huddersfield Town. He said, “Being Liverpool born and bred, this is a dream job for me”. Ayre became the club’s CEO in May 2014, moving on from the reds when his contract expired three years later. 2002 - Hughie McAuley was confirmed as our new reserve team manager, leaving his position as the club’s Under-19’s boss. Academy Director Steve Heighway said, “Hughie is going down to Melwood to coach, but he will have a wide range of responsibilities and provide continuity between the Academy and Melwood. We are delighted for Hughie as he has been with us for a long time.” Leo the first 1997 - We lost 1-0 to IFK Göteborg in our first pre-season friendly, with Øyvind Leonhardsen making his debut appearance in a red shirt. This is one of only two games we have played on this day in history. Another honour for Ged 2002 - Gérard Houllier was awarded an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University in a ceremony at the city’s Anglican Cathedral. Bob hitched 1946 – Bob Paisley married Jessie Chandler at All Souls Church in Springwood. They remained happily married until his death in February 1996, having two sons and a daughter. Mixed Copa América fortunes 1995 - Future red Brad Friedel saved two penalties as the USA beat Mexico 4-1 in a shoot-out, following a goalless Quarter-final in Uruguay. 2011 – Lucas Leiva was sent off in extra time as Brazil were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay in La Plata, with the underdogs eventually triumphing 2-0 on penalties. Bamber on target 1920 - Reds right-half John Bamber scored as an England side trounced South Africa 9-1 in an FA Tour game in Cape Town. Clubmate Ephraim Longworth also played. Forwards on the move again 2018 – Winger Harry Wilson joined Derby County on loan, netting eighteen times in 49 outings as the Rams just missed out on promotion. On the same day, young forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Rhian Brewster both signed new contracts, while ex-reds full-back Ryan McLaughlin joined Blackpool from Oldham Athletic after three goals in 62 games for the Latics. 2006 - Ex-reds reserves striker John Durnin was appointed to the coaching staff at Conference outfit Southport. He only stayed in the role for less than three months. 2003 - Ex-reserves forward Paul Dalglish joined Northern Irish side Linfield from Blackpool on a free transfer. He remained there less than six months, before moving to Modena in Italy. 2007 - Centre-half Dejan Lovren joined Inter Zaprešić on loan from Dinamo Zagreb, scoring once in 56 games across two seasons. 2012 – Future keeper Andy Lonergan joined Bolton Wanderers from Leeds United, where he was competing with Ádám Bogdán for the number one spot. He played 62 times before moving to Fulham in June 2015. 2023 – Left-back Yasser Larouci joined Sheffield United on loan from Troyes, making thirteen senior outings as the Blades finished bottom of the Premier League. On the same day, centre-half Ragnar Klavan signed as a player for Tallinna Kalev, having been their President since 2016. He played fourteen times in his first season there. Youngsters in Euro action 2000 - Future red Milan Baroš won his sixteenth cap for the Czech Republic Under-18’s as they drew 1-1 with Russia in a European Championship Finals group game in Augsburg. 2008 – Future reds Victor Moses and Daniel Sturridge featured in England’s goalless draw in the Under-19’s European Championships in the Czech Republic. On the same day, Péter Gulácsi, Krisztián Németh and András Simon all played for Hungary as they beat Spain 1-0 in the same competition. 2018 – Adam Lewis played for England Under-19’s in their 3-2 defeat of Turkey in a European Championships Finals group game in Finland. On the same day, Bernard Diomède took charge of France Under-19’s as they lost 2-1 to Ukraine in a European Championships Finals group game in Finland. World Cup win 1994 - Thiago Alcântara's father Mazinho played for Brazil in the World Cup Final in California. The game ended goalless after extra time, with the Brazilians beating Italy 3-2 on penalties. Future reds goalkeeping coach Cláudio Taffarel saved one of the shoot-out spot-kicks. 1991 – Taffarel also represented his country as Brazil lost 3-2 to Argentina in a Copa América final round game in Chile. 1988 – Taffarel again played for Brazil, this time helping them to a 2-0 win over the host nation in the Australia Bicentenary Gold Cup Final in Sydney. Signing on 2020 – Midfielder Jake Cain signed a new contract with the reds. He had made his senior debut the preceding February in our FA Cup Fourth Round replay win over Shrewsbury Town at Anfield. 2021 – Polish keeper Fabian Mrozek signed pro terms, having joined the Academy the previous August. On the same day, future red Wataru Endō played for Japan Under-23’s in their 1-1 draw with Spain in Kobe.

Happy birthday Tosh 1949 - John Toshack was born in Cardiff. He signed from his hometown club for a club record £110,000 in November 1970 and scored 96 goals in 247 reds appearances, helping us to three League titles, two UEFA Cups, FA Cup and FA Charity Shield before returning to Wales to join Swansea City as Player/Manager in February 1978. 1890 – Half-back Charles Hafekost was born in Sunderland. He signed from Gillingham in 1914, but made just one senior reds appearance before joining Darlington Forge Albion the following year. 1997 – Winger Harry Wilson was born in Wrexham. He became the reds’ and Wales’s youngest ever senior international in October 2013 aged just sixteen years and 207 days. He made his reds bow in January 2017 in our FA Cup Third Round replay win at Plymouth Argyle, but only made one further first-team appearance before being sold to Fulham for a reported £12m in July 2021. Farewell Bugsie 2017 - Reds stalwart Ronnie Moran died. He spent 49 years at Anfield, making 379 senior appearances and bagging seventeen goals. He helped us to win the Second Division in 1963 and the League title the following year, before joining the coaching staff. He took charge of the reds for ten games in between Kenny Dalglish’s departure and Graeme Souness’s appointment and had another spell in temporary charge while Souness recovered from his heart operation. Stevie’s treble 2009 - We thumped Aston Villa 5-0 at Anfield with Steven Gerrard bagging his first League treble that included two penalties, meaning that he had successfully converted spot-kicks in three consecutive fixtures. Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring before Albert Riera grabbed his fifth and final reds goal, while Pepe Reina kept his hundredth clean sheet in a club record 197 games. Brad Friedel was sent off for the visitors when conceding the second penalty, although this was later rescinded. Stevie’s unwanted record 2015 - We lost 2-1 at home to Manchester United, with Juan Mata bagging a brace for the visitors. Steven Gerrard was sent off just forty seconds after coming off the bench at the start of the second half, a club record. Daniel Sturridge struck our goal, with Simon Mignolet saving a late Wayne Rooney penalty. Martin Škrtel was later given a retrospective three-match ban after allegedly stamping on David De Gea. League Cup despair 1978 - The only goal of our League Cup Final replay with Nottingham Forest came from a John Robertson penalty awarded for a Phil Thompson foul on John O’Hare that was actually committed outside the box. We therefore had to wait a further three years for our first triumph in this competition. Ian Callaghan was booked by referee Pat Partridge for the only time in 857 first-class games for the reds, while Terry McDermott had a goal disallowed. Luis at the treble 2014 - Luis Suárez scored a hat-trick as we won 6-3 at Cardiff City, despite falling behind twice. This was his sixth and last reds treble as he equalled Robbie Fowler’s Premier league club record of 28 goals in a season. Martin Škrtel struck twice and Daniel Sturridge also on target. Frazier Campbell scored one of his four goals past us, with Jordon Mutch nabbing a brace. New loanees 1990 - Ronnie Rosenthal signed for the reds on loan from Standard de Liège. He made the move permanent for £1m three months later, going on to net a total of 22 goals in 97 reds games before being sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £250,000 in January 1994. 1995 - Keeper Alec Chamberlain arrived on loan from Sunderland as cover for David James. He was on the bench at the Coca-Cola Cup Final later that season, and five subsequent League games, without getting onto the pitch. Reds promoted 2011 - Damien Comolli was promoted from Director of Football Strategy to Director of Football, while Commercial Director Ian Ayre moved up from Commercial Director to Managing Director. Comolli left the club in April 2012, with Ayre departing in February 2017. A reds leader passes on 1936 - John McKenna died in Walton Hospital. He served as a Director from the formation of the club until July 1921, having two lengthy spells as the club’s Chairman. He acted as our boss for the 1895/96 season, guiding us to the Second Division title, before being replaced by Tom Watson. He was later Chairman of the Football League for two decades. Knocking the U’s for six 1986 - Oxford United were the unlucky visitors to Anfield as two goals apiece from Ian Rush and Jan Mølby, plus Mark Lawrenson’s eighteenth and final reds strike and a goal from Ronnie Whelan sent them home on the wrong end of a 6-0 scoreline, as they just escaped relegation back to the Second Division. Off the mark 1930 – Outside-left Gordon Gunson bagged his first reds goal as we beat Aston Villa 2-0 in a top-flight encounter at Anfield, with Jimmy Smith also netting. Fagan’s treble 1940 - Willie Fagan scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, as we thumped Crewe Alexandra 6-3 in a Wartime League match at Gresty Road. Len Carney, Jack Balmer and Billy Liddell bagged the other goals. Mixed fortunes against Spurs 1995 - We held Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw at White Hart Lane, with David James saving a penalty from Jürgen Klinsmann. 1987 - We also failed to score at Spurs, losing 1-0 to a Chris Waddle strike. 1975 - Kevin Keegan and Peter Cormack netted as we won 2-0 in north London, with Ian Callaghan playing his 700th reds game. Derby stalemate 1977 - We held Everton to a goalless draw at Goodison Park, our third consecutive scoreless trip across the park. Last outing 1947 – Centre-half John Easdale played his second and final reds game in our 1-1 top-flight draw with Derby County at Anfield. Phil Taylor struck for the reds. Twice against the Seagulls We twice faced Brighton & Hove Albion in the League on this day in the early 1980’s. 1980 - An Alan Hansen goal was enough for victory at Anfield. 1983 - Ian Rush netted a brace in the final quarter of an hour as we came from two goals down at half time to draw 2-2 at the Goldstone Ground. Future red Michael Robinson and Gary Howlett struck for the home side. Twice against the Magpies twice We have twice faced Newcastle United at Anfield on this day in history. 1902 – We went down 1-0, with defender Thomas Hunter playing his fifth and final reds game and inside-forward John ‘Sailor’ Hunter turning out for the 45th and last time for us. Future red ‘Wee’ Ronald Orr struck the goal. 1952 – We won 3-0 when Albert Stubbins struck his last two reds goals, with John Smith also on target as Bob Paisley played his 200th League game for us. We have also twice visited Notts County on this day over the years. 1913 - We lost 3-0 at Meadow Lane with Jack Peart bagging a treble, the first of his four strikes against us. 1958 - We won 2-0, with Jimmy Melia and Louis Bimpson on the scoresheet. International beginnings and end 1890 - Future reds player, Manager and Director Matt McQueen won the first of his two senior caps for Scotland, helping them to thump Wales 5-0 in the British International Championships in Paisley. 1994 – Future reds midfielder Jean-Michel Ferri won the first of his five senior caps for France as they beat Chile 3-1 in a friendly in Lyon. 2012 – Future red Samed Yeşil won his third and last cap for Germany Under-18’s in their 3-2 home friendly defeat by France. 2019 - Bobby Adekanye featured for the Dutch Under-20’s for the only time in their 3-2 friendly defeat of Mexico in Rijnsburg. Rhys Williams winning his first cap for England Under-18’s as they lost 1-0 to the Czech Republic in the UAE Sports Chain Cup in Dubai, with Bobby Duncan and Curits Jones also featuring. Bernard Diomède took charge of France Under-20’s as they drew 2-2 with the USA in Spain. 2023 – Dominic Corness and Jarell Quansah won their first caps for England Under-20’s in their 2-0 friendly defeat of Germany at the Manchester City Academy Stadium, with Harvey Davies also in action. On the same day, Luke Chambers, Bobby Clark, Melkamu Frauendorf, Caoimhín Kelleher and Kieran Morrison all also played for their countries. Strikers on target 2013 – Luis Suárez scored for Uruguay in their 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Paraguay in Montevideo. Meanwhile, Daniel Sturridge scored his first senior goal while winning his first cap as a reds player in Roy Hodgson’s England’s 8-0 thumping of San Marino in Serravalle, with future red Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also on target. Ex-red John Arne Riise played his 110th and last game for Norway as they lost 1-0 to Albania in Oslo. Also in international action that day were Daniel Agger, Martin Škrtel, Danny Ward, future reds Christian Benteke, Ragnar Klavan, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho, and ex-reds Charlie Adam, Álvaro Arbeloa, Craig Bellamy, Yossi Benayoun, Alexander Kačaniklić, Robbie Keane, Javier Mascherano, Raul Meireles, Nikolay Mihaylov, Maxi Rodríguez and Nuri Şahin. 2017 – Adam Lallana faced Emre Can as Germany beat England 1-0 in a friendly in Dortmund, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and future reds Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas were also in international action. 2018 – Harry Wilson scored for Wales as they thumped the host nation 6-0 in the China Cup in Nanning, his first senior strike. Ben Woodburn and ex-red Joe Allen both also featured, with Corey Whelan turning out for the Republic of Ireland Under-21’s on the same day. On the same day, future red Ozan Kabak scored his first goal for Turkey Under-18’s, converting a spot kick as they beat Belgium 2-0 in a friendly in Mons, while Olympiacos’s Kostas Tsimikas scored for Greece Under-21’s for the first time while captaining them in their 4-0 European Championships qualifying defeat of San Marino in Xanthi. Meanwhile, Carl Medjani scored his last goal for Algeria, and only one as a Sivasspor player, captaining them to a 4-1 friendly defeat of Tanzania in Algiers. Future red Dominik Szoboszlai also represented his country that day. 2019 – Ex-red Raheem Sterling bagged a treble in England’s 5-0 thumping of the Czech Republic in a Europeans Championships qualifier at Wembley, with Jordan Henderson also featuring. Nikolay Mihaylov won his first cap in his second spell as a PFC Levski Sofia player as Bulgaria drew 1-1 with Montenegro in a qualifier in Sofia. Ex-red Sebastián Coates and future reds Luis Díaz and Takumi Minamino and also played for their countries that day. 2024 - Harvey Elliott scored in his third consecutive game for England Under-21's, bagging a brace as they thumped Azerbaijan 5-1 in a European Championships qualifier in Baku. Dominik Szoboszlai converted a penalty as he led Hungary to a 1-0 friendly win over Türkiye in Budapest, while ex-red Sadio Mané scored for Senegal as they beat Gabon 3-0 in a friendly in France. Gini Wijnaldum was on target while winning his first cap as an Al-Ettifaq player as the Netherlands beat Scotland 4-0 in another friendly in Amsterdam. Jayden Danns scored in the shoot-out as England Under-18’s beat Germany after their Pinatar Super Cup game in Spain ended goalless. Kaide Gordon debuted for England Under-20’s in their 5-1 friendly win in Poland, while Lewis Koumas netted on his Wales Under-21’s bow as they beat Lithuania 2-1 in their European Championships qualifier in Newport. Conor Bradley, Luke Chambers, Bobby Clark, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, Tyler Morton, Amara Nallo, Trey Nyoni, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and ex-reds Péter Gulácsi and Ozan Kabak all played for their countries, with ex-reds coach Steve Clarke taking charge of Scotland. Other reds games 1989 – We won 3-1 at Coventry City, thanks to goals from John Barnes, John Aldridge and Ronnie Whelan. 1924 – We were held to a goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers. 1922 – Alf Baker netted the only goal as we lost at Arsenal. Ex-reserves on the move 2001 - Paul Dalglish joined Wigan Athletic on loan from Norwich City. He played six times for the Latics and returned for the whole of the following season. On the same day, reserves defender Alan Navarro temporarily joined Crewe Alexandra. He netted once in eight appearances and returned for a second loan spell five months later. 1999 - Jim Magilton joined Ipswich Town from Sheffield Wednesday for £682,500, after a loan spell. He later took over as Manager at Portman Road. 2003 - Midfielder Neil Prince signed for Leigh RMI from fellow Conference strugglers Southport. Also in international action 2008 - Harry Kewell captained Australia while winning his thirtieth cap, as they were held to a goalless draw in a friendly in Singapore. On the same day, future red Jonjo Shelvey appeared for England Under-16’s as they lost 1-0 to the USA in the Montaigu Tournament in Les Brouzils. 2007 – Future red Philipp Degen played for Switzerland as they beat Jamaica 2-0 in a tournament game in the USA. 1989 – Future red Karlheinz Riedle played for West Germany in their 2-1 friendly win in Bulgaria. 1988 – Future red Nigel Clough played for England Under-21’s as they beat Scotland 1-0 in the second leg of their European Championships Quarter-final at his home City Ground, to progress 2-0 on aggregate. Future reds coach Steve Clarke played for Scotland on the same day. 1972 – Larry Lloyd captained an England Under-23’s side that also included Kevin Keegan as they lost 1-0 to East Germany at Ashton Gate. 1919 – Elisha Scott played for Ireland as they lost 2-1 to Scotland in an unofficial Victory International at Ibrox.

Rafa’s century 2009 – Rafael Benítez secured his hundredth League win as reds boss as we came from behind to trounce Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the spot but Fernando Torres hounded Nemanja Vidić into a mistake before coolly slotting home the equaliser, with Steven Gerrard converting a penalty a minute before the break. The hapless Vidić was sent off against the reds for the second time that season with a quarter of an hour to go, with Fábio Aurélio netting from the resultant free-kick. The day was complete when Andrea Dossena struck his second and final reds goal, in consecutive fixtures. Happy birthday Joe 1990 – Welsh midfielder Joe Allen was born in Carmarthen. He signed from Swansea City for £15m in August 2012, still a Welsh record sale, following his former boss Brendan Rodgers. He notched seven times in 132 reds games before being sold to Stoke City for £13m in July 2016. 1979 - Ex-red Nicolas Anelka was born in Versailles, Paris. He struck five times in 22 reds games while on loan at Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain, arriving in December 2001. The real Busby babe 1936 - Right-half Matt Busby made his reds debut in a 1-0 League defeat at Huddersfield Town, the first of his 122 reds appearances, many as captain. He of course found even greater fame as Manager down the East Lancs. Road. Reg Chester struck the last of his four goals against the reds. 1925 – Forward Tom Scott debuted as we were thumped 4-0 at Preston North End. Horace Barnes struck the last of his nine goals against the reds, with George Sapsford netting twice and William Aitken also scoring. League Cup Final 1981 - West Ham United held us to a 1-1 draw at Wembley in the League Cup Final, with Ray Kennedy deputising as captain for the injured Phil Thompson, for whom Colin Irwin stood in. Veteran Steve Heighway replaced David Johnson, whose throat infection ruled him out just half an hour before kick-off. The game was goalless after ninety minutes, before Alan Kennedy’s right-footed extra-time strike looked to have won us the trophy for the first time, with Sammy Lee lying on the ground in an offside position. However, a last-minute Terry McDermott handball led to a Ray Stewart penalty that meant we had to wait another three weeks before we claimed the cup in the Villa Park replay. Four-tons up 1992 - Bruce Grobbelaar played his 400th League game for the club as we lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace. 1990 – Peter Beardsley netted the only goal of our FA Cup Sixth Round replay early on against Queens Park Rangers at Anfield as Ian Rush played his 400th reds game. Trebles all round 1989 - John Aldridge bagged a hat-trick, including a penalty, in a 5-0 First Division victory over Luton Town at home, with Peter Beardsley and Steve McMahon also netting. Aldo’s first strike was his fiftieth reds goal. 1995 - Peter Ndlovu scored all three goals for Coventry City in their 3-2 League win at Anfield, including one from the spot, the first treble by a visiting player in the newly-renamed Premier League. Ex-red David Burrows scored an own goal, with Jan Mølby bagging our other as he played his 292nd and last reds outing. 1942 - Jack Balmer and Cyril Done both scored hat-tricks as we trounced Rochdale 8-2 at Spotland in a Wartime League fixture that also counted for the War League Cup. Done’s treble included a spot-kick, while Berry Nieuwenhuys added a brace. Most recently 2024 - Mohamed Salah became the first reds player to score at least twenty games in all competitions in seven consecutive seasons as we thrashed Sparta Praha 6-1 at Anfield in the second leg of our UEFA Europa League Round of 16 at Anfield. We took an early four-goal lead through Darwin Núñez, Bobby Clark’s only goal for the club, Salah and Cody Gakpo, with Dominik Szoboszlai on target after the break before Gakpo struck again. Left-winger Mateusz Musiałowski played his only game for the club. Goalscoring milestones 1987 – We won 3-1 at Oxford United with the transfer-listed John Wark netting either side of an Ian Rush strike, taking the Scotsman to a final total of 42 goals for the club. 1953 - Left-winger Alan A'Court struck the first of his 63 reds goals as we beat Sunderland 2-0 in a top-flight encounter at Anfield. Sammy Smyth had opened the scoring inside a quarter of an hour as right-half Phil Taylor played his 300th League game for the club. 1914 - Billy Banks scored on his reds debut, although we lost 5-2 at Burnley in a First Division fixture. Jimmy Nicholl grabbed our other goal. On the same day, Billy Lacey played for Ireland in their 1-1 draw with Scotland in the British International Championships in Belfast. English debutants galore 1921 - Right-half John Bamber won his only cap as England held Wales to a goalless draw in the British International Championships in Wrexham. Clubmates Tom Bromilow and Harry Chambers also made their England debuts in the same game. 1910 - Forward Jack Parkinson made his England bow as they beat Wales 1-0 in the British International Championships at Ninian Park. Sam Hardy was in the England goal, while ex-red George Latham won his ninth cap for Wales, and only one as a Southport Central player. 1984 – Future red Jan Mølby played for the Netherlands as they thumped Denmark 6-0 in a friendly in Amsterdam. The Wright signing 1934 – Forward Vic Wright signed from Rotherham United. He struck 33 times in 85 reds games, moving on to Plymouth Argyle in June 1937. Michael misses again 2004 - Michael Owen had a penalty saved as we lost 2-0 at Southampton, in what was Paul Sturrock’s first of only thirteen games in charge of the Saints. This was Michael’s ninth failure in 22 spot-kicks for the reds. James Beattie and Kevin Phillips netted for the home side. Souey to Ewood 2000 - Graeme Souness was appointed Manager of Blackburn Rovers. He led them back into the top flight in his first full season, and the Worthington Cup the following year. He left them in September 2004 to take over at Newcastle United. Swap deal 1936 – Right-half and future reds boss Phil Taylor signed from Bristol Rovers for £5,000 plus outside-right Billy Hartill. Hartill had failed to score in four outings since arriving from Everton two months earlier, while Taylor went on to net 32 times in 343 reds games. Thumping the Baggies 1896 - Tom Bradshaw struck a brace with Frank Becton, Malcolm McVean and Jimmy Ross all also on the scoresheet as we trounced West Bromwich Albion 5-1 in a friendly at Anfield. Other reds games 1998 – We drew 3-3 at Tottenham Hotspur. Steve McManaman nabbed a brace with Paul Ince also on target. 1970 – We lost 2-1 at Arsenal. John Radford bagged one of his seven goals against the reds, with Jon Sammels also scoring before Ron Yeats scored. 1964 – We lost 1-0 at Fulham. 1931 – Derby County held us to a goalless draw in L4. 1908 – George Dorsett missed a penalty for Manchester City, having already scored as the visitors won 1-0 at Anfield. 1906 – We won 2-1 at Nottingham Forest with Joe Hewitt grabbing both our goals. On the move 2016 - Ian Ayre announced that he would be stepping down as the club’s Chief Executive Officer in May 2017. He was later replaced by Peter Moore. On the same day, future red Diogo Jota agreed to sign for Club Atlético de Madrid on 1st July of that year, when his contract with Paços de Ferreira expired. 2022 – Ex-reds right-winger Toni Silva signed for Turan in Kazakhstan, failing to score in nine League outings. King Kenny on target 1973 - Future red Kenny Dalglish netted for Scotland Under-23’s in their 2-1 defeat of Wales at the Vetch Field. Peter the dad 2011 – Ex-red Peter Crouch became a father for the first time, to a girl named Sophia Ruby.