Liverpool great Smith dies at 74

Liverpool legend Tommy Smith , one of the key figures in the club ’ s first golden era , died on Friday at the age of 74 .
Smith ’ s no – nonsense performances at the heart of Liverpool’ s defence saw him nicknamed the ‘ Anfield Iron ’ during his 18 -year spell on Merseyside .

Making 638 appearances for the Reds between 1960 and 1978 , Smith won a host of medals as the club rose to prominence both domestically and in Europe .
Under the management of the great Bill Shankly, Smith helped Liverpool dominate for two decades .

Reflecting his tough style of play , Shankly once said of one of his favourite players , “ Tommy Smith wasn ’ t born , he was quarried ” .

Smith , who captained the club for three years , was one of the most influential members of the Liverpool team that won the FA Cup for the first time in 1965 .
Twelve years later , with Bob Paisley at the helm , he would head a crucial goal as Liverpool won their maiden European Cup by defeating Borussia Moenchengladbach in the 1977 final in Rome.

In total , Liverpool- born Smith , who grew up in the shadow of Anfield before joining the club he supported as a boy, won the English title four times , the FA Cup twice, the European Cup once and the UEFA Cup twice.
Speaking to Liverpool’ s official website, Smith ’ s daughter Janette Simpson said , “ Dad died very peacefully in his sleep shortly after 4 . 30 pm today .

“ He had been growing increasingly frail and suffering from a variety of ailments over the last three months especially . We are obviously all devastated. ”
Smith left Liverpool for Swansea , managed by his old Reds team – mate John Toshack , in 1978 , and helped them to promotion from the old Third Division .

He received the MBE for services to football and retired from playing in 1979 .
A brief return to Anfield as youth coach preceded a career as an after – dinner speaker and newspaper columnist .
Smith suffered a heart attack in 2007 before being diagnosed with Alzheimers and dementia in 2014 .

Smith ’ s former Liverpool team – mate Phil Thompson told Sky Sports that his fellow defender was an ‘ icon’ .
“ I loved him from the Kop , because of his passion , commitment and never- say – die attitude , ” he said .

“ He was an incredible figure who helped me out enormously . LiverpoolFootball Club owe this guy a debt of gratitude .
“ To go on and play with him , rub shoulders with him , go into battles with him , he was iconic . He wanted and desired the points every week .

“ Tommy was the epitome of what Bill Shankly demanded . He drove the team , he was incredible . ”
Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish added : “ He was a great advert for Liverpool Football Club , the way he conducted himself . His memories will be there forever . ”

Ray Clemence was one of the Liverpool goalkeepers who benefitted from Smith ’ s defensive excellence .

“ So desperately sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy Smith a real legend of the club . Honoured to play with him . Great captain and leader of men thoughts are with family and friends , ” Clemence said .
( AFP )

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