‘SAINT MADE OUR CLUB WHAT IT IS TODAY’
icon,” said the Reds legend. “It’s because of what he did in those early days, Shanks especially, the Saint and Big Yeatsey [Ron Yeats], his big mucker, it’s because of them this football club is where it is.
“We should be eternally grateful for what he did for the football club.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp felt honoured to have met St John, who was the club’s record signing at £37,500 when he joined from Motherwell in 1961.
“He was not only football-wise a legend, but a true legend as a person,” Klopp said. “It was a pure pleasure to meet him. When I heard the news today, I was devastated.”
Rangers boss and Liverpool great Steven Gerrard said St John helped him during his Anfield career.
“He’s a legend and iconic figure at Liverpool Football Club,” Gerrard, right, said. “He’s someone I met on numerous occasions.
“He was really insightful in terms of his career and experience at Liverpool and trying to pass on his knowledge and expertise.”
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson tweeted: “RIP Ian St John. One of the greats.” Fellow Scot Andy Robertson paid tribute, saying: “A man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy. Scotland and Liverpool has lost a true giant.”
Reds legend Jamie Carragher grew up watching St John on
ITV’s ‘Saint and Greavsie’ on Saturday lunchtimes and said he helped make Liverpool great. Carragher tweeted: “Another Liverpool Legend sadly passes away. One of the players along with Bill Shankly who made this club what it is today. I’ll remember him most on the best football show on tv, The Saint & Greavsie. X”
Gary Lineker tweeted: “Saddened to hear that Ian St John has passed away. “A brilliant footballer and superb television presenter. The rapport between him and Greavsie was a delight. #RipSaint.” Greavsie paid his own tribute to his old friend and tweeted: “We had great fun working on the Saint and Greavsie. He was a lovely man & will be sadly missed by many, many people.” England World Cup winner Roger Hunt, St John’s Liverpool team-mate, was said to be “devastated” at the news of his death.