They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
BIG night for Liverpool. Big night for Jack.
He just about remembers the Reds last Champions League final in 2005 (in particular me blasting champagne into his face, soaking his Shrek dressing gown and triggering hysteria). Ah...slightly misjudged that one.
This time he's great shown interest in the build-up and was delighted with his huge Athens 2007 flag from Dad, even though he's still not sure if he's a Red or a Blue.
Jack will be wearing his Steven Gerrard top, he'll have a Liverpool scarf choking him and his LFC magazines spread across the coffee table in the living room as he sits back on the couch.
His collection of four-foot flags will also be placed in plantpots or vases around the telly. He may even put on his Liverpool CD (Billy Maher sings Scow-zer Tommy).
Yes, the countdown to kick-off is underway and he's giddy as anything.
So, where will Dad be?
Well, I'm off to grab a seat in Shankly Corner (beneath a pic of the great man) in the local pub. Plenty of boozing, singing, roaring and back slapping with the lads.
The news has been greeted with dismay by some, though not I should add by The Gaffer who's been very supportive. What's she after??
It was fellow touchline dad Ron who put the seed of guilt in my mind on Monday night. After careful consideration, Ron said he wanted to spend this evening with his son Peter rather than choking on cigars and being a bloody bloke. Mind you, he's a good dad. I'm Captain Von Trappe with a headache.
Then there was the reaction from The Witches of Eastwick when I picked up Jack from Beavers (that's Scouts to anyone over the age of 15) last night.
'Are you looking forward to watching the match with Jack?' asked Mary. 'Errr...actually,' I spluttered.
'Oh yeah big night for you and Jack,' added Karen.
'What's that?' chirped Bernie. 'Ah yeah, that'll be nice for you both, a special memory for him when he looks back. You can't buy moments like that.'
Admittedly, I began to feel pangs of guilt. While he was in the bath I asked if he was OK to watch the match on his own (The Gaffer will be there too). He said I shouldn't worry about him but he asked me to ring him at half-time.
Fleetingly, I even hoped we'd lose so Jack would forget the night anyway.
However, my sports editor colleague Geoff, a man with many seasons under his belt and a no-nonsense Lancashire approach to life, settled matters in an instant.
'Balls to that,' he said. 'It's got to be the pub. Dead right. What's the bloody matter with these people?'
Decision made. Sorry Jack. Hope you'll forgive me.
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RON SILCOCK wrote...
Have you no shame man?! Have you no morals? No conscience? This game has 'Dad and Lad'written all over it. Call yourself a father?!
Don't forget, he'll be looking after you in your old age, and he's got a long time for his anger to fester...
Posted by: RON SILCOCK | May 23, 2007 4:29 PM