I’LL MISS MY MATE
Jimmy Greaves & Tam Cowan on the Motherwell, Liverpool and Scotland legend
ENGLAND legend Jimmy Greaves broke down in tears yesterday after hearing of the death of his much-loved TV partner Ian St John.
An emotional Jimmy, 81, led tributes to his old friend, saying he would “never forget the laughter” they shared.
Ian, 82, who died surrounded by his family after a long illness, was one half of football’s favourite double act in the Saint & Greavsie show on ITV.
To millions of fans, they were the face of the game in the 80s and 90s – and trailblazers for presenters of the modern era.
Jimmy told his son Danny, “I will miss my mate forever,” when he heard the sad news yesterday morning.
“He broke down and cried and he’s very, very sad,” Danny said. “We’re all very sad as a family.
“Unfortunately, like Dad, Ian has been unwell for a little while now but it’s still a very sad day when the news finally comes through that one of Dad’s big pals has passed away.”
He added: “My fondest memory is that the two of them were such good friends. The job they did wasn’t a job to either of them. It worked because it was two friends who came together, two ex-football colleagues, ex-players, who understood the game and just generally had fun and a laugh.
“It was iconic and people came up to Dad now and said, ‘I never saw you play but I absolutely loved Saint & Greavsie.’”
Jimmy, who struggles with his speech after a massive stroke in 2015, said: “After my illness, Ian phoned several times to see how I was.
“And now he’s gone. He was a lot of fun to be with and a great footballer. I will never forget his laughter for all the years we worked together.”
Jimmy travelled to New York to meet Donald Trump with “The Saint” in 1992.
In bizarre scenes, the future US president made the quarterfinal draw for the Rumbelows League Cup in the boardroom of Trump Tower in Manhattan.
A bemused Trump was presented with a Saint & Greavsie mug.
To those who remember his brilliant attacking prowess on the pitch, former Scotland striker Ian was at the heart of the “Shankly Revolution” at Liverpool. Legendary Reds manager Shankly told the board: “We cannot afford not to sign him,” when they baulked at a record £37,500 fee paid to Motherwell in 1961. Ian, the son of a steelworker, repaid his manager’s faith. He headed an extra-time winner to beat Leeds United 2-1 and give the Reds their first FA Cup in 1965. And he went on to score 118 goals in 425 appearances for the Reds. Liverpool
FC said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a “true Anfield legend”.
Rangers manager and former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard described Ian as an “iconic figure” and “fantastic guy”.
He said: “He’s someone I’ve got incredible respect for.”
Sir Kenny Dalglish said on the club’s website: “I think it’s right to use the word ‘icon’. We should be eternally grateful for what he did for the football club.”
After leaving Liverpool, Ian had spells with South African sides Hellenic and Cape Town City, and Coventry City, ending his playing days at Tranmere Rovers. He returned to his native Motherwell as manager in 1973, then moved on to Portsmouth before embarking on his successful career in broadcasting.
The final episode of Saint & Greavsie was broadcast in 1992.
A statement from Ian’s family read: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform
you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather. He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.”
After Liverpool’s announcement of his death, celebrities paid their respects to the national treasure.
Piers Morgan wrote: “RIP Ian St John, 82. Liverpool football legend & great TV broadcaster. Loved his double act with Jimmy Greaves on Saint & Greavsie – such a knowledgeable, warm, funny guy. Sad news.”
Liverpool’s current Scotland captain Andy Robertson added: “A man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy. Scotland and Liverpool has lost a true giant. My love goes to his family. Rest in peace Ian St John.”
Motherwell FC released a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ian St John. The thoughts of everyone are with his family at this difficult time.”
The Scottish FA wrote: “We are saddened by the passing of former Scotland National
Team international Ian St John. Ian won 21 caps for his country, scoring nine times during a career that saw him represent Motherwell FC and Liverpool FC. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with Ian’s family and friends.”