Former Liverpool and England legend Kennedy dies following illness

Former Hartlepool United, Arsenal, Liverpool and England footballer Ray Kennedy has died aged 70 following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in the Northumberland village of Seaton Delaval and a product of the celebrated New Hartley Juniors, Kennedy ended his professional career in this country making 23 league appearances for Pools, scoring three goals.

He then spent a short spell with Cypriot-based Pezoporikis, before ending his career with non-league Ashington.

But long before then, Kennedy was a member of the Arsenal team that won the First Division and FA Cup Double in 1971.

With Liverpool, the midfielder won five more league titles and the European Cup on three occasions as part of their vintage team of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Bob Paisley described him as “one of Liverpool's greatest players and probably the most under-rated”.

Kennedy won 17 caps for England.

He was first diagnosed with Parkinson's whilst at Pools.

Paying tribute, former Liverpool striker John Aldridge tweeted: “Yet another magnificent Ex LFC star has passed away folks, Ray Kennedy what a player and lovely bloke who suffered so much with Parkinson's disease for most of his life. He will definitely never walk alone. RIP Ray.”

Ex-Reds and England defender Phil Thompson tweeted: “More sad news with the passing of Ray, what a great player and such a wonderful team-mate RIP pal YNWA.”

Former Denmark international and Liverpool player Jan Molby also tweeted: “RIP Ray Kennedy // Maestro #LFC #Legend.”

Kennedy spent sevenand-a-half years at Anfield, making 393 appearances and scoring 72 goals.

He arrived from Arsenal in 1974 on the same day that Bill Shankly confirmed his exit from Liverpool.

Kennedy also won a UEFA Cup, a European Super Cup and one League Cup with Liverpool.

Kennedy's passing comes just two months after the death of Liverpool striker Roger Hunt, 83.

A 1966 World Cup winner with England, Hunt established himself as one of Liverpool's greatest ever strikers.

Back in March another Liverpool great in Ian St John died at the age of 82 following a battle with illness.