Tributes pour in for Edinburgh-born football 'legend' as clubs issue heartfelt messages
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Edinburgh-born footballer Willie Stevenson has passed away at the age of 85.
Stevenson made 241 appearances and scored 18 goals in his five years with Liverpool FC. He made his name at Rangers before moving to Australia in 1962 - although he was unable to officially play as Rangers still held his registration, reports Liverpool Echo.
Liverpool FC said in a statement: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Willie Stevenson. Stevenson, who made 241 appearances for the club in the 1960s, has died at the age of 85.
"A skilful left-half, Edinburgh-born Stevenson was signed by Bill Shankly from Rangers in October 1962 and was a key member of the team that won First Division titles in 1964 and 1966, as well as the Reds' first FA Cup in 1965. He missed only nine league matches in his first four full seasons at Anfield and also collected a runners-up medal in the 1966 Cup Winners' Cup. Stevenson scored 18 goals for Liverpool, including the penalty that clinched a 2-0 semi-final win over Chelsea en route to the historic FA Cup success of 1965.
"His final appearance for the club came in November 1967, three days after he marked his Anfield swansong by netting a late spot-kick winner to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Willie's loved ones at this sad time. RIP Willie Stevenson 1939-2025."
A Rangers statement read: "Everyone at Rangers is saddened to have learned of the passing of former player Willie Stevenson at the age of 85.
"The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with Willie's family and friends at this sad time."
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Stevenson joined Stoke City in 1967. A statement issued by the Championship club read: 'Stoke City Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former left half, Willie Stevenson, at the age of 85. We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to Willie's family and friends at this sad time.'
Football historian Kieran Smith said: "Extremely sad news to announce the passing of the great Willie Stevenson. An Anfield legend and an esteemed member of Shankly's great team of the 1960s. Our thoughts are with his family and friends YNWA."
On returning to Glasgow, Liverpool outbid Preston North End to sign him for £20,000 in October 1962. He made his debut the following month and soon became a regular, starting the FA Cup semi-final loss to Leicester City later the same season. The next campaign saw Stevenson a fixture in the team that won the championship, playing 38 of 42 league games while featuring on the left of midfield.
And in 1964/65, he was a key figure in the run to the FA Cup final, particularly in the semi-final against Chelsea. Remarkably, Liverpool had missed six penalties in a row when they were awarded a spot kick when 1-0 up. Stevenson, who had never previously taken a penalty for the Reds, stepped up to score and would remain the regular penalty taker for the rest of his Anfield career.
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He then played the full 120 minutes as Liverpool beat Leeds United at Wembley 2-1 after extra time to win the FA Cup for the first time. The following season, Stevenson started all bar one game as the Reds sealed another championship, but there was disappointment when Shankly's side were beaten 2-1 by Borussia Dortmund in the European Cup Winners' Cup final in Glasgow.
"We should have won that game but on the night we were awful," said Stevenson. "All us Scots had all our families and friends there. I was so disappointed that in the shower room I picked up my medal and hurled it through the window. It must have fallen somewhere in the car park below."
Stevenson remained a regular the following season as Liverpool finished fifth, but made only one appearance in the opening months of the 1967/68 campaign after losing his place to Emlyn Hughes. He moved to Stoke City in December 1967, and later went on to play for Tranmere Rovers and had spells in Canada, Ireland and South Africa before retiring.
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