Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Sir Kenny & Steve salute a Kop icon
he did in those early days, Shanks especially, the Saint and 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 manager Jurgen Klopp felt honoured to have met St John, who was the club’s record signing at £35,000 when he joined from Motherwell in 1961.
Klopp said: “He was not only footballwise a legend but a true legend as a person. It was a pure pleasure to meet him. When I heard the news, I was devastated.’’
England World Cup winner Roger Hunt, St John’s Liverpool team-mate, was said to be “devastated” too.
Rangers boss and Liverpool great Steven Gerrard revealed how St John helped him during his Anfield career. “He’s a legend and iconic figure at Liverpool Football Club,” said Gerrard.
“He was really insightful in terms of his experience 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”