Liverpool Football Club was today saddened to learn of the passing of former striker Tony Hateley, aged 72.

Bill Shankly parted with a club record transfer fee of £96,000 to secure the services of the Derby-born centre-forward from Chelsea in the summer of 1967.

A powerful attacking presence in the Reds' team, Hateley racked up 52 appearances during his debut campaign at Anfield and registered an impressive 27 goals.

That record included a hat-trick on only his second appearance in front of the Kop and a four-goal haul in an FA Cup replay against Walsall.

Hateley began the following season, 1968-69, in Shankly's side but the pass-and-move doctrine preached by the legendary Scot did not quite fit the striker's style.

He left for Coventry City in September 1968 having featured on 56 occasions for the Reds and found the back of the net 28 times.

The Englishman later represented various clubs across the country, including Birmingham City, Notts County and Oldham Athletic.

The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club go out to his family and friends at this sad time.

RIP Tony Hateley 1941-2014