Latest news with #WillieStevenson
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Former Rangers and Liverpool star dies aged 85
The Leith-born footballer joined the Anfield club from Rangers where he made over 100 appearances in all competitions between 1958 and 1962. The left half played in league and Scottish Cup winning teams at Ibrox and in the club's run to the European Cup semi-finals in 1959/60. Stevenson was also selected for a Scottish League XI before before being signed by fellow Scot, Bill Shankly, in October 1962. He was ultimately replaced in the Rangers team by a young Jim Baxter. During his time at Liverpool, the left-half was a key member in the side 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. Former Glasgow Rangers and Liverpool legend sadly dies (Image: Liverpool FC) In total, he scored 18 goals for the club, including the penalty that clinched a 2-0 semi-final win over Chelsea en route to the historic FA Cup success of 1965. Stevenson made his final appearance in red in November 1967 before moving to Stoke City the following month. Announcing the news, a spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club said: "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. "The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Willie's loved ones at this sad time." A Rangers spokesperson paid tribute: "Everyone at Rangers is saddened to have learned of the passing of former player Willie Stevenson at the age of 85. "Stevenson made more than 100 appearances for the Light Blues, lifting the Scottish League title in 1959 and the Scottish Cup the following season. "After leaving Ibrox in 1962, he moved to Bill Shankly's Liverpool where he won two First Division titles, one FA Cup and three Charity Shields, before stints with Stoke City, Tranmere Rovers, Vancouver Whitecaps and finishing his career with Macclesfield Town. "The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with Willie's family and friends at this sad time." Evyerone 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. — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 28, 2025 A Stoke City FC spokesperson added: "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."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tributes pour in for Edinburgh-born football 'legend' as clubs issue heartfelt messages
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. READ MORE: Edinburgh passengers face 'cancellations' after emergency 'incident' closes lines READ MORE: Edinburgh man's warning as 'avian parasite' leaves him trapped in his flat "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." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 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. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 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.
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Live
Tributes pour in for Edinburgh-born football 'legend' as clubs issue heartfelt messages
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 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. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 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.
STV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Rangers pay tribute to former player Willie Stevenson following death at 85
Rangers have paid tribute to former player Willie Stevenson following his death at the age of 85. The midfielder spent four years at Ibrox between 1958 and 1962, winning a league title in 1959 and the Scottish Cup a year later. Following a string of impressive performances for Rangers he moved to Liverpool where he won two league titles and the FA Cup under legendary Scottish manager Bill Shankly. He also helped the Anfield side reach the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1966 when they defeated Celtic in the semi-final. Evyerone 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. — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 28, 2025 Edinburgh born Stevenson played for a string of clubs including Stoke City, Tranmere Rovers and Vancouver Whitecaps before finishing his career with Macclesfield Town. Rangers confirmed his death on Wednesday, saying: 'The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with Willie's family and friends at this sad time.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rangers and Liverpool title winner Stevenson dies
Former Rangers and Liverpool midfielder Willie Stevenson - who won top-flight titles in Scotland and England - has died at the age of 85. The Edinburgh-born left midfielder was part of Rangers' championship-winning team in 1958-59 and won the Scottish Cup with the Ibrox club the following season. But the emergence of the legendary Jim Baxter led to Stevenson moving to Liverpool in October 1962 for £20,000 and he became one of iconic Anfield manager Bill Shankly's favourite players. He was a key member of the Liverpool team that won the First Division title in 1964 and 1966 as well as the Reds' first FA Cup in 1965. Stevenson, who never played for Scotland despite his success at two of British football's most successful clubs, missed only nine league matches in his first four full seasons at Anfield. He scored 18 goals for Liverpool, including the penalty that clinched a 2-0 semi-final win against Chelsea on the way to the maiden FA Cup win. Stevenson played in the final against Leeds United - one of four Scots in the Liverpool team with four also in Don Revie's side - as Liverpool won 2-1 after extra time. He also suffered disappointment though, losing to Borussia Dortmund in the final of the 1966 Cup Winners' Cup at Hampden Park. The last of Stevenson's 241 appearances for Liverpool was in November 1967, three days after he scored a late penalty to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1. He then played for Stoke City, Tranmere Rovers, Vancouver Whitecaps, Limerick and Macclesfield Town. Visit our Rangers page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Get Rangers news notifications in the BBC Sport app
