A hero from my childhood

I have been looking forward to writing this blog, because when you are a child you develop hero's and although 'King' Kenny Dalglish was my hero from when I was 12 he was not my first.

The person who inspired me prior to Kenny was the late great Emlyn Hughes.

I have such fond memories of Emlyn. His pictures adorned my bedroom walls for years, I used to write notes to him in my scrapbook, especially after Liverpool lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United in 1977. I wote “never mind Emlyn you'll win the European Cup next week” and that's just what he and the rest of the 1977 legends did.

I used to write to many footballers asking for sign photographs, some replied, some didn't – Emlyn did. (He was at Wolves at the time)

He had such a bubbly personality, it was infectious. He looked like he really enjoyed life and especially playing football. He is responsible for getting this Liverpool fanatic hooked.

Emlyn played for Liverpool between 1967 & 1979 making 665 appearances and helping Liverpool become the top team in Europe. He became captain of his club and also of the national side making 62 appearances for England.

He had such a cheeky smile it was very hard not to like and admire this man.

He was a battler and had so much skill; an enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm, and that coupled with his amazing powerful runs earned him his nick name “Crazy horse”.

Emlyn was a major force and inspiration behind the all-conquering Liverpool team in the 1970's and helped them to win trophy after trophy.

All Emlyns trophies were won during his time at Liverpool except the League Cup, which he won when he captained Wolves to the final in 1980.

EMLYN HUGHES' HONOURS

2 European Cups

2 Uefa Cups

4 League Championships

1 FA Cup

1 League Cup

1 European Super Cup

INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

62 England Caps

Captained England 23 times

1st cap v Holland 1969

Unfortunately he was not too successful in management and after leaving Rotherham he started up on another very successful career.

From 1984 to 1987 he became captain on “A Question of Sport” opposite Bill Beaumont and here is where he became a household name to any non-footballing fans. Emlyn never did things by half and so he pushed himself into his new chosen occupation with gusto, he managed to gain the admiration of the thousands, maybe even millions or people who watched the show.

He made every episode hilarious with his wide grin and infectious laugh. He was cheeky enough to put protocol aside when he had Princess Anne on his team, by putting his arm around her shoulder.

In August 2003 Emlyn was diagnosed with brain cancer, I couldn't believe it, this was my hero and he had to pull through. He battled bravely for 15 months before the terrible disease took him.

He is an absolute legend and was my childhood hero. 

RIP Emlyn – miss you.

Other Liverpool related blogs :  

My Favourite Football Match

What does Hillsborough mean to me?  

How it all started for me