'We will all miss Willie Stevenson, a very nice man who played with style'
David Fairclough has paid a special tribute to 1965 FA Cup hero Willie Stevenson, explaining why he will be sorely missed following his passing.
A Bill Shankly signing in 1962 who went on to make 241 appearances for Liverpool over the next five years, the Scot has died at the age of 85.
Stevenson was a shining light in the first Reds team to lift the FA Cup. He netted a crucial penalty in the semi-final win over Chelsea and then played his part in the 2-1 victory against Leeds United at Wembley.
A popular figure, Stevenson used to meet up with fellow ex-Reds star Fairclough and others as part of Forever Reds, the club's official former players association.
"It's very sad news," Fairclough told Liverpoolfc.com. "Sadly, there's not many of the 1965 boys left now.
"I saw Willie a few weeks ago and even though he has been struggling through ill health, he was a little bit better than he was for the past couple of years, so this has come out of the blue and I was very sad to hear this.
"Willie was a very nice man. He was quietly spoken, much like the way he played football with a bit of style and just went about his business.
"He had a little charm and was always one of the boys, and he was very much part of our former players association.
"Willie came to all of the events with his wife and loved to be involved with the lads. He was a lovely guy who will be well remembered.
"Anybody who remembers him playing during the 1960s for Liverpool would recall his quiet stylish play he had, he could beat players and always deliver a great pass for the likes of Roger Hunt and Ian St John."
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Stevenson's spell at Anfield included league title successes in both 1964 and 1966, though his finest hour was undoubtedly the 1965 FA Cup triumph.
"Willie played a big role in us winning the FA Cup for the first time, which was a very special moment for this football club," Fairclough added. "He will very much be remembered for the penalty against Chelsea in the semi-final at Villa Park.
"It was that thrill of getting to the FA Cup final because that competition had been the mountain for us to climb for many years, so when Willie put that penalty away to secure our place in the final, that was his big part.
"Maybe people forget as well, the part he played in the final when he helped set up the first goal when he went past a couple of players in midfield and set up Gerry Byrne before Roger scored.
"Willie was an integral part of the Liverpool team, one of our great Scots in the mix and was always with Ron Yeats and Ian St John, and all of us former players will miss him."