Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LEAGUE KOP LOVE AFFAIR
BY
IN the 80s, Liverpool’s players pocketed as much in bonuses for winning the League Cup as they did for landing the European Cup.
There were some bloated Anfield pay packets as the club triumphed in domestic football’s first trophy of the season four years in succession.
And a number of big names from the Merseyside club’s past still believe today’s meeting with Chelsea has huge significance.
Ian Rush announced his arrival as a potent attacking force on the Liverpool stage in the 1981 final replay against West Ham at Villa Park.
He went on to score 49 goals in the competition – an all-time best he shares with Sir Geoff Hurst.
“When we won it in the 80s, it was very important for Liverpool,” he said. “We got the same bonus for winning the League Cup as we did for winning the European Cup, so that shows how high up in the list of priorities the League Cup was.
“It made it special – we wanted to win it every year. We won it four years on the run and the fifth time we lifted the trophy, in 1995, I was captain.
“It was great then for the youngsters coming through, like Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Redknapp.
“We were hoping that success in the League Cup would give them the taste for going on to win more silverware.”
Rush is hoping history can repeat itself.
“We’ve seen a number of youngsters coming through the Liverpool ranks. Seeing Wembley and stepping out on the pitch will provide valuable experience.”
There will also be the incentive for Jurgen Klopp and his players to reach Wembley again in the FA Cup.
Kop legend Alan Kennedy believes the success against West Ham paved the way for his winning goal two months later in the European Cup final against Real Madrid.
He said: “I’m certain it contributed to us winning the European Cup. We were a decent team, but too inconsistent.
“We finished fifth in the league, but the League Cup final win gave us momentum.
“I remember Ian Rush coming into the side for the replay and never looking back after that.
“Getting that first trophy of the season makes you hungry for more – and that should be the same for today’s Liverpool side.”
Ronnie Whelan featured in three of the victorious finals. “Fans loved their trips to Wembley, they were there so many times, they christened Wembley ‘Anfield South’,” he said.
Terry McDermott played in the 1981 and 1982 triumphs before moving to Newcastle United.
“The League Cup is part of Liverpool’s folklore. We loved it,” he said.
“Try telling today’s Liverpool fans that the competition isn’t important. Loads of them are desperately trying to get hold of tickets.
“It’s a good few years since they were last there after almost taking Wembley for granted, the number of times Liverpool reached finals.
“Playing at Wembley always stimulates you – especially if you win.
“You want more.”