Billy Liddell

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Lore & Background

Primarily a left winger, Liddell's versatility enabled him to play comfortably on the opposite wing and as a striker, at centre and inside forward. Liddell became noted for his strong physique, acceleration, powerful shot, professionalism, and good conduct on the pitch. Such was his influence and popularity that the club acquired the contemporary nickname 'Liddellpool'. Posthumous recognition has included a plaque and a plinth unveiled in 2004 and 2018 at Anfield and sixth place in a poll of Liverpool fans, conducted in 2006 under the title '100 Players Who Shook The Kop'. He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in November 2008.

In Their Own Story

The 1947 First Division title remains Liddell's crowning achievement. In a season disrupted by severe winter conditions, Liverpool secured their first championship since 1923 on 14 June, decided only after Sheffield United defeated Stoke in the final fixture. While tannoys announced the result during the Senior Cup Final between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield, Liddell, a strict teetotaler, refused champagne to celebrate. Positioned on the left wing, he provided crucial assists for strikers Albert Stubbins and Jack Balmer. Later, his brother Tom joined as a teammate in 1949, though he never played a senior match. In the 1950 FA Cup Final against Arsenal, Liddell had scored critical goals against Blackpool and Everton to reach Wembley, but the team fell to defeat. He surpassed Elisha Scott's club record for league appearances in 1957.

Reader's Guide

Liddell's official debut for Liverpool came in the third round of the FA Cup on 5 January 1946 against Chester City, where he scored in the 30th minute. He made his first official league appearance on 7 September 1946, scoring twice in a 7–4 defeat of Chelsea. He contributed to Liverpool's first championship since 1923 in the 1946–47 season, appearing in 34 matches and scoring seven goals. Liddell was capped eight times for Scotland during the war, scoring on his debut in a 5–4 win over England in 1942 (wartime internationals are not official caps).

Did You Know?

• Liddell was born in Townhill, near Dunfermline, on 10 January 1922, the eldest of six children.
• He signed for Liverpool as an amateur on 27 July 1938 and became a professional in 1939 on a weekly wage of £3.
• During the war, Liddell guested for Chelsea, Cambridge Town, Toronto Scottish (under an assumed name), Dunfermline Athletic, and Linfield.
• He was a strict teetotaler and refrained from accepting glasses of champagne to celebrate Liverpool's 1947 league title.