Liverpool FC legend and TV star Ian St John, 82

Former Liverpool and Scotland football striker Ian St John was described as a “true legend” yesterday after his death at the age of 82.

St John played 425 times for the Reds, scoring 118 goals as a key member of Bill Shankly’s famous side of the 1960s.

The Merseyside outfit confirmed St John died on Monday evening.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend,” the club said.

“The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021.”

On Liverpool’s website, the St John family said: “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.”

St John won two First Division titles under Shankly and scored the winning goal in the 1965 FA Cup final.

He played for Scotland 21 times, scoring nine goals.

After retiring in 1973, St John managed his home town club Motherwell and Portsmouth.

He won a new generation of fans in the 1980s presenting the Saturday afternoon football show Saint And Greavsie with former Spurs and England forward Jimmy Greaves.

A post on Greaves’ Twitter account said: “We are very sad to hear the Saint has passed away.

“He was a lovely man & will be sadly missed by many, many people. We must also remember he was a great footballer for Bill Shankly’s Liverpool and beyond. #IanStJohn.”

Former Liverpool forward and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish said on the club’s website: “I think it’s right to use the word ‘icon’.

“It’s because of what he did in those early days, Shanks especially, the Saint and Big Yatesey (Ron Yeats), his big mucker, and it’s because of them where this football club is at this particular moment in time.

“We should be eternally grateful for what he did for the football club.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to “a true legend” and told the club’s website it had been an honour to meet St John.

“He was not only football-wise a legend but a true legend as a person. It was a pure pleasure to meet him,” Klopp said.

Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher posted on Twitter: “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”

Former Reds captain Steven Gerrard heard the news during a Rangers press conference.

The Gers boss said: “That’s a shock and a surprise to me. I didn’t know that.

“I’m really disappointed to hear that. He’s an iconic figure at Liverpool Football Club.”

St John began his career with Motherwell in 1957 and scored 80 goals in 113 league games.

RED LEGEND: Ian St John with a mural of himself.