Rivals on pitch, pals in the pub
IN the past Liverpool and Manchester United’s traditional rivalry was not just confined to the pitch – it was about who could drink the most.
As well as fighting for trophies in the 70s and 80s, Kop legend Terry Mcdermott and United’s iconic midfielder Bryan Robson would head up a boozers convention with players from both clubs.
A pub near Liverpool would usually be the venue and local punters became used to seeing Robson bring over the likes of Paul Mcgrath and Ashley Grimes from Manchester to join Mcdermott and his Anfield chums that included Alan Hansen, Alan Kennedy and Phil Thompson.
Mcdermott said: “Robbo and I met up at Anfield before a recent LiverpoolUnited game and we were both soon retelling some of the stories of the past.
“Robbo would invite some of the United lads over to a pub called The Quarry Green in Kirkby after training. They were more comfortable with that rather than us going over to Manchester.
“We would enjoy a few pints and a game of snooker. Robbo and I both had a reputation for liking a drink so at times we went for it trying to outdo each other.
“It was great camaraderie, but it didn’t stop us hating United on match day.”
Mcdermott admits that mobile phones and being able to snatch instant pictures makes it virtually impossible for today’s players to do the same. He added: “Sadly, word would quickly spread about who was drinking in a pub and before you know it there would be hassle.”