NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.67: David Fairclough
Years: 1975-1983
Appearances: 154
Goals: 55
Trophies: First Division (1975-76, 1976-77, 1979-80, 1982-83), UEFA Cup (1976), European Cup (1977, 1978), UEFA Super Cup (1977), League Cup (1983)
It must be stated, David Fairclough started more games for Liverpool than he appeared in as a substitute.
Regardless, the Scouser will always be synonymous with the unwanted ‘super sub’ tag as a result of his impact in cameos off the bench.
Having grown up a mile-and-a-half from Anfield, Fairclough signed on as a Red in the Bill Shankly era but would flourish under the management of Bob Paisley.
His seven league goals in his breakthrough season of 1975-76 helped the side lift the First Division title – the first of nine major honours during his L4 career.
Liverpool would not have lifted the European Cup for the first time in 1977 had it not been for Fairclough’s heroics in the quarter-finals.
The second leg with Saint-Etienne is enshrined in Anfield folklore for its ferocious atmosphere and the late decider scored by the red-haired attacker, who left his mark not long after stepping on the pitch.
His calm finish in front of the Kop to send the Reds through that night is, by far, the most famous of the 55 goals he scored for the club.
“It was a terrific feeling,” he said. “The amazing thing is, it seemed so quiet as I homed in on the target but when the ball hit the back of the net the noise was just unbelievable.
“It must be mentioned to me almost every day.
“At the time, I never realised just what an effect it would have, and when I look back now, I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity to go on that night. It’s definitely a night I’ll never forget.”
Yet there were other moments – such as skipping past six Everton players and converting – to strengthen the case that he was rather unfortunate to only appear 154 times.
But as he showed, Fairclough made the most of every minute representing his boyhood club.
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