Ronnie Moran
Defender (1952-1969) & Coaching Staff (1969-1999)
Date of Birth: 28-02-1934
Birthplace: Crosby
Debut : 22nd November 1952 v Derby County (A) Football League Division One: lost 2-3
1st team games: 379
1st team goals: 16
A Liverpool legend, Ronnie Moran has just about filled every role there is at Anfield.
Originally a left back Moran signed professional terms at Liverpool in January 1952 before making his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Derby County on November 22, 1952.
It was in season 1955-56 that Moran established himself as Liverpool's first choice- number three. The Reds were languishing in the Second Division at this time but Moran, a good marker who was rarely beaten by a winger for pace and was also something of a penalty expert, proved himself a consistent performer and he missed only six games between 1955 and 1959.
He was rewarded for his sterling service towards the latter part of the decade when he was handed the club captaincy. In 1961/62, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, he played 16 games as the Reds finally regained their top-flight status and two seasons later was part of the Division One Championship winning side.
Injury problems then began to set in and he missed out to Gerry Byrne for the left back slot in the 1965 FA Cup Final win over Leeds United. He did, however, play in the famous Anfield victory over Internazionale three days later before playing his last competitive game for the Reds in the awesome setting of the San Siro stadium when Liverpool were controversially beaten in the second leg of the European Cup semi-final.
Moran retired from playing during the 1968-69 season and joined Bill Shankly's coaching staff, where he became a part of the famous Boot Room team. In 1972/73, in his first season as reserve team trainer, he guided the Reds second string to the Central League Championship.
Moran became a vital ingredient in the Liverpool success story with his shrewd knowledge of the game and the ability to get the best out of the players. He was a fine, loyal servant working under Shankly, Bob Paisley, and then Kenny Dalglish.
He became famous on the bench for his loud voice shouting instructions to the players which could be heard in the packed Kop.
When Dalglish sensationally announced his resignation as manager in 1991, Moran was installed as caretaker boss, a role he occupied for 10 games. However, he had placed on record he didn't want the job full-time and he stood down when Graeme Souness was appointed to the hottest seat in football, as successor to Kenny.
Moran remained on the coaching staff under Souness and then under friend Roy Evans when he took over as manager.
Moran announced his retirement from football and left Liverpool in 1998. He enjoyed a richly deserved testimonial match against Celtic in 2000, and is still a regular visitor to Anfield on matchdays.
Honours with Liverpool: First Division Championship 1963/64, Second Division Championship 1961/62
Ronnie Moran