Sunderland join LFC to honour Tom Watson
Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC have proudly unveiled a headstone on the previously unmarked grave of the great manager Tom Watson.
Watson successfully managed Sunderland from 1889 to 1896, guiding the Wearsiders to their first three league championships before triumphantly managing Liverpool between 1896 and 1915, leading the Reds to their first two titles.
To mark the occasion at Anfield cemetery, Tom’s grandson Gerald Jensen flew over especially from the United States to assist with the unveiling.
Both Liverpool and Sunderland have contributed towards the cost of the headstone of their hugely successful former manager on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Gerald spoke of his pride at Anfield cemetery: “It is an extremely proud moment for both myself and our family that my granddad has been honoured in such a manner.
“It is testament to both clubs that they have contributed towards the cost of the headstone of somebody who was a big success at both Liverpool and Sunderland AFC.
“I know that my granddad will be smiling down, beaming with pride that his success in football has been recognised by two fantastic football clubs.”
Alan Kennedy, who played for both LFC and Sunderland, was also in attendance at the unveiling. He said: “It was an honour for me to attend the unveiling of Tom’s headstone. He was a great manager for both clubs and it is only right for him to be celebrated.”
Eric Doig, who served as LFC's official statistician during the compilation of the club's Hall of Fame, also played a key role in the ex-Reds boss being honoured.
And he was delighted when both clubs combined to unveil the headstone.
Doig said: “I am thrilled that both Liverpool and Sunderland have decided to honour the late, great Tom Watson.
“The story is particularly close to my heart as my grandfather, Teddy Doig, actually played for Sunderland whilst Tom was in charge, before being signed by Tom when he moved to manage Liverpool!
“The fact that my grandfather, who carried Tom’s coffin at his funeral, is buried not 40 yards from his mentor and friend who had been such a major influence on his life is just extraordinary.”