Ian Ross
Utility (1965-1972)
Date of Birth: 26-11-1947
Birthplace: Glasgow
Debut : 14th January 1967 v Sheffield Wednesday (A) Football League Division One: won 1-0
1st team games: 68
1st team goals: 4
Other clubs: Aston Villa, Notts County (loan), Northampton Town (loan), Peterborough United (initially on loan, then player/coach), Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hereford United, Huddersfield Town (manager), Berwick Rangers (manager), Valur (manager), Keflavik (manager)
Signed by Liverpool from junior football in his native Glasgow, where he was a school friend of Kenny Dalglish, Ross's aptitude for many roles rather than a specific position probably robbed him of many more appearances than the 68 he did make in Anfield colours following his debut in 1967.
He will be remembered for his success in two negative but crucial missions handed him by manager Bill Shankly. In December 1969 he was told to shackle the menacing talents of Alan Ball in the Goodison derby. The outcome was that a Liverpool side without injured Roger Hunt and Tommy Smith beat League leaders Everton 3-0.
The following season Shankly ordered Ross to do a similar job on the great Franz Beckenbauer in a European Fairs Cup quarter final second leg at Bayern Munich. Again his efforts were bathed in success as Liverpool drew 1-1 for a 4-1 aggregate triumph. Beckenbauer hardly had a kick and Ross also scored his side's goal, one of only four in his Anfield career.
Ross joined Aston Villa for £60,000 in 1972, captaining them to promotion and League Cup triumph. After various loan spells he became Peterborough player coach in 1977. He later joined Wolves - acting as caretaker manager for 10 days - and played for Hereford. He went on to manage Huddersfield and Berwick Rangers as well as Icelandic clubs Valur and Keflavik.
Honours with Liverpool: None
Ian Ross