ROGER, WORLD CLASS LEGEND

I THINK it’s somehow fitting that the tribute to Roger Hunt will take place before — and during — this huge game at the summit of English football.

It’s no exaggeration to suggest that he was a hugely influential figure in putting Liverpool onto that stage, at the top of the world game.

I met Roger (below) several times. He was unassuming, modest, quiet. He wasn’t a man of conversation and most certainly not a man who shouted out his achievements across the rooftops.

Yet his presence was that of a man who had touched greatness, who had it in his hands. You knew he had been there and done it, had delivered on the greatest stage – without him ever once even referring to it.

He led — literally as the main striker — Liverpool from the Second Division to the best team in England, and to a European trophy. He took them to the top and they stayed there because of the sustained success they had with him as the figurehead.

As a goalscorer, I always looked up to him and respected him deeply. I know people still have this impression of me being a cheeky lad, who didn’t respect anything, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

I was brought up to admire and respect those who deserved it. I was in awe of those people – and Roger was one of those.

It was a terribly sad day when he died and my heart goes out to his family. But they can be proud that he was a man who put so much concrete into the foundations of Liverpool Football Club, which still holds up the monument they are today.

And I can say that if I am remembered even half as fondly as this lovely, genuine man is, then I will be immensely proud.