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

Souness made one first-team appearance for Tottenham Hotspur, in a UEFA Cup tie as a substitute. He broke the jaw of Dinamo București captain Lică Movilă during the 1984 European Cup semi-final first leg, which went unpunished by the referee.

Reader's Guide

Graeme Souness began his career as an apprentice at Tottenham Hotspur, signing professional forms at age 15 in 1968. He made one first-team appearance for Spurs, as a substitute in a UEFA Cup tie. He was sold to Middlesbrough for £30,000 in 1972. He joined Liverpool in January 1978 for £350,000.

During his time at Liverpool, he won five First Division titles, three European Cups, and four League Cups. He was captain from 1981 to 1984. He moved to Sampdoria in 1984, winning the Coppa Italia in 1985. He then became player-manager for Rangers, leading them to three Scottish titles and four league cups.

His final game as a player was in the closing minutes of Rangers' final match of the 1989–90 season. He managed Liverpool from 1991 to 1994, winning the FA Cup in 1992. He later managed Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United. At international level, he gained 54 caps for Scotland, captaining the team 27 times.

Did You Know?

Souness was named in the PFA Team of the Year every season between 1981 and 1984.
He scored the winning goal in the 1984 League Cup final replay against Everton.