Farewell, Sir Roger
Liverpool icons mourn 1966 World Cup legend
LIVERPOOL legends turned out to pay their respects at the funeral of Anfield goal king Roger Hunt yesterday.
Known as “Sir Roger” to Reds fans, the England World Cup hero died on September 27, aged 83.
Hundreds also gathered at the club’s ground as the hearse paused outside before the service at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.
Ian Rush, Kevin Keegan, Ian Callaghan and former manager Roy Evans were among the stars who heard a tribute by comedian Jimmy Tarbuck.
He said: “Thanks for all the pleasure I got from watching you, it was just a joy.
“I am honoured to be called a friend of yours. God bless Sir Roger Hunt.”
Liverpool anthem
You’ll Never Walk Alone was played at the end of the hour-long service.
Former Anfield hero Keegan said Hunt was one of his two favourite players of all time.
Ex-Reds striker David Johnson said the club’s record league scorer with 244 goals was his hero.
Hunt lifted the 1966 World Cup along his strike partner Sir Geoff Hurst, who in a message added: “What a player he was.
Up there with Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Kevin Keegan and Mo Salah.” Fellow goal kings John Aldridge and David Fairclough heard the Rev Dr Neil Barnes describe Hunt as a “national icon”. Born in Golborne, near Warrington, Cheshire, he joined Liverpool in 1958 and played 492 times. Under Bill Shankly, he helped the club out of the Second Division before winning the First Division in 1964 and 1966. He also scored in Liverpool’s first FA Cup final win in 1965. Hunt, who also played for Bolton, went on to join the family haulage firm. In 1959, he married first wife Patricia and they had two children David and Julie.
He is also survived by second wife Rowan.
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