Former Liverpool and Wales striker Ian Rush was the guest of honour for the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Liverpool Supporters Club Gozo branch, held earlier this month. Rush, Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer with 346 goals in all competitions, joined the Kopites from the sister island for a reception (picture above) and the unveiling of a statue depicting former manager Bill Shankly (right) who led the team to several honours during his reign at Anfield between 1959 and 1974.

Simply the greatest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history. When he was 13 playing for Deeside Primary schools his scoring prowess alerted scouts at Liverpool and Manchester United. He eventually went on trials to Burnley, Wrexham and Chester. Cliff Sear, the youth team manager at Chester, put him at ease and Rush felt at home at Chester. Liverpool scout Geoff Twentyman was a regular visitor at Chester’s games and come 1980 Bob Paisley was convinced enough about his talent to convince the club to splash out £300,000 on the 19-year-old which was the highest fee ever paid for a youngster at the time in the world. What clinched the deal for Rush was that Chester manager, Allan Oakes, told him: ‘If you don’t make it, you can always go back to Chester.” Rush left Chester after scoring 17 goals in 39 matches. He made his debut for Liverpool in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich on 13 December 1980 replacing Kenny Dalglish in the side, who was out with an injured ankle. Wearing the famous number seven at Liverpool was quite a responsibility for the youngster, who was raised as an Everton supporter. Rush’s second game was a League Cup final replay no less. He had an impressive game at Villa Park and rattled the crossbar. Liverpool celebrated a 2-1 win courtesy of Dalglish’s and Hansen’s goals. Rush finished the season with nine games for Liverpool but still no goals. He had though so far netted twelve goals in 30 reserve appearances.

Birthdate: 20 October 1961
Birthplace: St Asaph, Wales
Bought from: Chester for £300,000
Liverpool debut: 13.12.1980
Last appearance: 11.05.1996
Debut goal: 30.09.1981
Last goal: 05.05.1996
Win ratio: 54.7% W:361 D:165 L:134
Games/goals ratio: 1.91
Honours: League Championship 1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86, 1989/90; FA Cup 1986, 1989, 1992; League Cup; 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995; European Cup 1984; PFA Young Player of the Year 1983, FWA Footballer of the Year 1984, PFA Player of the Year 1984, The European Golden Boot 1984
League games / goals / assists: 469 / 229 / 64
Total games / goals / assists: 660 / 346 / 84