John Aldridge

Prolific striker and record-breaking goalscorer for Liverpool and the Republic of Ireland.

John William Aldridge (born 18 September 1958) is a former footballer and manager. Nicknamed "Aldo", he was a prolific, record-breaking striker. His tally of 329 Football League goals is the sixth-highest in the history of English football.

Quick Facts

Full name: John William Aldridge
Born: 18 September 1958
Birthplace: Liverpool, England
Height: 5 ft 11 in / 1.8 m
Position: Striker
Total caps: 673
Total goals: 362

Lore & Background

A Liverpudlian by birth, he was recruited to play for the Republic of Ireland as part of Jack Charlton's "Granny Rule" policy: his great-grandmother was from Athlone, and travelled to Liverpool to settle in the 19th century. His career with Ireland coincided with their most successful period in international football, and he played at two World Cups.

Reader's Guide

Aldridge began his career at non-league South Liverpool, then signed for Newport County in 1979. He moved to Oxford United in 1984, helping them win promotion to the First Division and the League Cup. He joined Liverpool in January 1987 as a replacement for Ian Rush, winning the league in 1988 and the FA Cup in 1989. He then played for Real Sociedad, becoming the first non-Basque player to sign for the club in several decades. He returned to England to play for Tranmere Rovers, becoming player-manager in 1996, retiring from playing in 1998 and resigning as manager in 2001.