Graeme Souness
The driving force of an all-conquering side
Graeme James Souness (born 6 May 1953) is a Scottish former professional football player, manager and television pundit. A midfielder, Souness achieved his greatest period of success as an integral part of the Liverpool team of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Graeme James Souness
- Born
- 6 May 1953
- Birthplace
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Height
- 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in
- Position
- Midfielder
- Total caps
- 545
- Total goals
- 74
Lore & Background
As a player, Souness established himself at Middlesbrough, where he played for six years, before moving to Liverpool in 1978. During his six years at Liverpool he won five First Division titles and three European Cups. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year every season between 1981 and 1984. Described by The Guardian as 'the driving force of an all conquering side', Souness was captain for three seasons at Liverpool between 1981 and 1984. In 2026 he was ranked the club's sixth greatest ever player in an official Liverpool F.C. poll. His Liverpool teammate Mark Lawrenson, who in 2015 ranked Souness fourth in his top 10 Anfield greats, called him 'a great leader of men'. He moved to Sampdoria in 1984 and won the Coppa Italia the following season, and then became player-manager for Rangers, leading the club to three Scottish titles and four league cups. His final game as a player came in the closing minutes of Rangers' final match of the 1989–90 season, which was his only appearance of the season.
Reader's Guide
Souness continued as Rangers coach for a further year before joining Liverpool as manager for the 1991–92 English First Division season. Winning the FA Cup in 1992, his time as manager of Liverpool did not come close to matching his success as a player at the club, and after two substandard seasons he resigned in 1994 before he went on to have spells at Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. At international level, Souness gained 54 caps for Scotland, captaining the team on 27 occasions.
Did You Know?
- Souness was born in Edinburgh and supported Heart of Midlothian and Rangers as a boy.
- He made one first-team appearance for Tottenham Hotspur, as a substitute in a UEFA Cup tie.
- During the summer of 1972, he played for Montreal Olympique in the North American Soccer League and was named in the league's All-Star team.
- Souness scored a hat-trick in Middlesbrough's 8–0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the 1973–74 season.
- His first goal for Liverpool was a volley from just inside the penalty box, later voted fans' goal of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did he play on the pitch?
Operating as a powerful engine room, Souness provided physical dominance and tactical intelligence that anchored Howard Kendall's championship-winning midfield. His fierce leadership was instrumental in controlling the tempo of matches during his playing days.
What is his major achievement with Everton?
Souness is best remembered for helping Everton secure the Football League First Division title in the 1984–85 season. This victory cemented his legacy as a key figure in one of the club's most successful periods.
How did his time as manager end?
His tenure as manager was short-lived and ultimately ended in controversy, marking a complex chapter where his transition from player to boss faced significant challenges. He left the role before completing a full season at the helm.
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