Liverpool announce death of ex-player Willie Stevenson as emotional statement issued

Liverpool announce death of ex-player Willie Stevenson as emotional statement issued Newspoint | 28/05/2025 05:39:08

have confirmed the death of former player Willie Stevenson. The ex-midfielder, who was 85, played for the all-conquering Reds team of the 1960s.

Stevenson won the First Division, now the , with Liverpool in 1964 and 1966. He was also a member of the club's first FA Cup-winning team in 1965. Having signed from Rangers in 1962, Stevenson also played in the 1966 Cup Winners' Cup final and scored a total of 18 goals for the Anfield outfit.

Liverpool said in a statement: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Willie Stevenson. Stevenson, who made 241 appearances for the club in the 1960s, has died at the age of 85.

"A skilful left-half, Edinburgh-born Stevenson was signed by Bill Shankly from Rangers in October 1962 and was a key member of the team that won First Division titles in 1964 and 1966, as well as the Reds' first FA Cup in 1965.

"He missed only nine league matches in his first four full seasons at Anfield and also collected a runners-up medal in the 1966 Cup Winners' Cup. Stevenson scored 18 goals for Liverpool, including the penalty that clinched a 2-0 semi-final win over Chelsea en route to the historic FA Cup success of 1965.

"His final appearance for the club came in November 1967, three days after he marked his Anfield swansong by netting a late spot-kick winner to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Willie's loved ones at this sad time. RIP Willie Stevenson 1939-2025."

Stephenson once said of playing for Liverpool: "I'd just like to think I'd been a good player, I did my best for the club. I loved playing for the club. To win the Scottish Cup, the Scottish league and the FA Cup and the two league titles with Liverpool, that's not bad achievements - I've been very fortunate."

Stevenson joined Stoke City in 1967. A statement issued by the Championship club read: "Stoke City Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former left half, Willie Stevenson, at the age of 85. We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to Willie's family and friends at this sad time."

The Edinburgh-born player went on to play for Tranmere Rovers, Vancouver Whitecaps, Limerick and Macclesfield Town. He also had a loan spell with South African club Hellenic while he was on the books of Stoke.