Emlyn Hughes

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Emlyn Hughes was born in Barrow-in-Furness, the son of Fred Hughes, a Great Britain, Wales, Barrow, and Workington Town rugby league footballer. He joined Blackpool in 1964 after being refused a trial by local side Barrow. He made his debut for Blackpool in 1964 playing alongside Jimmy Armfield and Alan Ball, initially as an inside forward, but later at left-half. In February 1967, after 28 appearances for Blackpool, Hughes joined Liverpool for £65,000. He made his Liverpool debut in a 2–1 league win over Stoke City on 4 March 1967 and scored his first goal in a 6–0 defeat of Newcastle United on 26 August 1967. Hughes settled into the midfield during a transitional period and earned the nickname 'Crazy Horse' for 'his energy, rampaging runs and all-round enthusiasm for the game.' He filled in at left back and central defence. He made his England debut on 5 November 1969 against the Netherlands, playing at left back. He scored his only international goal against Wales in 1972. Hughes was the youngest player selected by Alf Ramsey for the 1970 World Cup squad and the only Liverpool player in the squad, but did not feature in any game. He captained Liverpool after Tommy Smith had a publicised falling-out with Bill Shankly. Hughes captained Liverpool to the 1977 European Cup final win over Borussia Mönchengladbach. He was voted the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1977.

In Their Own Story

The 1976–77 season marked the pinnacle of Hughes' leadership as Liverpool sought an unprecedented treble. They secured the League Championship but lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United. However, four days later, on a historic night in Rome, Hughes captained Liverpool to a 3–1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in the European Cup Final. This was the first time Liverpool won Europe's most prestigious club title. For this achievement, he was named the Football Writers' Player of the Year in 1977. The following year, despite losing the League Cup final to Nottingham Forest, Hughes led his side to retain the European Cup with a 1–0 win over FC Bruges at Wembley. This made him the only captain to lift the trophy for the club twice. His place in the team eventually faced competition from young Scottish defender Alan Hansen.

Reader's Guide

Hughes was known for his energy, rampaging runs, and all-round enthusiasm, which earned him the nickname 'Crazy Horse.' He was versatile, playing as an inside forward, left-half, left back, central defender, and defensive midfield. He was a vocal player who constantly berated referees. Hughes captained both Liverpool and England. He was made an OBE in 1980 for services to sport.

Did You Know?

• Hughes was the only Liverpool player in England's 1970 World Cup squad.
• He scored his only international goal against Wales in a 3–0 British Home Championship victory in 1972.
• Hughes was named the Football Writers' Player of the Year in 1977.
• He was made an OBE in 1980 for his services to sport.