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Monday, March 11, 2024

The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part 85- A video Interview and blog presentation with English Football fan Mr. Chris Bayes, discussing Liverpool Champions Cup winning run in 1976/77 season.

 For this interview, I look back at Liverpool’s Champions Cup winning run in 1976/77 season.

The Interview will be as a video link companion, while the Blog will be a presentation of the events.

The Interviewee is:

English Football fan Mr. Chris Bayes

 

Mr. Bayes’ contact info:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.bayes.77


 

My contact information:

on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.

https://linktr.ee/sp1873



Listen on Spotify / Google Podcasts / Apple Podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iEd21H9J2lLtxvKLUovZH?si=COsCq2cqSo2g3OoAYs7Now&nd=1&dlsi=0e0827800fc64c01

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS84MzgyNzMucnNz/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xNDY3MjIyNw==

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast/id1601074369?i=1000648835049








Liverpool FC in the Champions Cup 1976/77

 

When the 1976/77 season kicked off, Liverpool were to take part in the Champions Cup.

Liverpool had come off a glorious season, where they had won the League title as well as the UEFA Cup.

In fact, they had won the League title in 1973, the FA Cup in 1974 and the UEFA Cup in 1973 as well and were now ready to make a tilt for the big prize.

Bob Paisley had taken over from Bill Shankly in 1974 and by the next decade would be the most decorated Liverpool Manager.

The foundations had been set by Shankly and Paisley could rely on a reliable backbone that wanted to write their own story.

The ever-present Ray Clemence was the man in the net.

Skipper Emlyn Hughes led the defense, along with Phil Neal, Welshman Joey Jones, Phil Thompson, and the veteran Tommy Smith.

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1620, April 26, 1977

(Emlyn Hughes)



Photo From: Onze, Issue 16, April 1977

(Emlyn Hughes)



The midfield included Terry McDermott, Ray Kennedy, Irishman Steve Heighway, Jimmy Case (one of the best English players to never be capped) and veteran from the sixties era Ian Callaghan.

The team’s main star Kevin Keegan led the frontline with Welshman John Toshack, with David Fairclough and David Johnson providing support when called upon.

 

Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 4, May 1977

(Steve Heighway)



Photo From: Onze, Issue 14, February 1977

(Kevin Keegan)


The transfer activity was typically minimal that season. The only arrival was that of former Ipswich Town striker David Johnson.

In addition, Tommy Smith returned in September from his loan spell in the NASL with Tampa Bay Rowdies.

There were no major departures in this already formidable squad.

 

Photo From: Onze, Issue 14, February 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)


Photo From: Onze, Issue 14, February 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)





Photo From: Onze, Issue 14, February 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)



Photo From: Onze, Issue 14, February 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)




Liverpool started their Champions Cup adventure against Northern Irish side Crusaders FC.

The first leg was at Anfield on September 14, 1976, and Liverpool won (2-0).

 

The Return leg at Belfast was on September 28th, 1976, and Liverpool displayed its superiority by winning (5-0) with a late flurry of goals.

 

Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(Kevin Keegan and David Fairclough)



In the Second Round Liverpool faced Turkish side Trabzonspor.

The first leg was at Trabzon on October 20, 1976. Liverpool had somewhat of a scare as they returned with a (0-1) loss scored through a penalty kick.

Liverpool carried on and in the second leg at Anfield, on November 3rd, won (3-0) as was expected of them, with Heighway, David Johnson and Keegan scoring inside the first twenty minutes.

An untroubled Liverpool qualified to the Quarterfinals in the Spring.

 

Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(Steve Heighway)



For the Quarterfinals in the Spring of 1977, Liverpool were paired with French side Saint Etienne.

Saint Etienne were the losing finalists in the previous season’s competition and one of the best teams of the era that included a host of Internationals, including the likes of Dominique Rocheteau and Dominique Bathenay.

By this stage of the season, Liverpool were in the hunt for the League title and on the verge of a second consecutive title and still alive in the FA Cup.

The first leg was at Saint Etienne on March 2nd, 1977. Liverpool were missing the injured Keegan. The French side won (1-0) through a Dominique Bathenay goal in the 78th minute.


Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(March 2, 1977, Champions Cup, Saint Etienne 1-Liverpool 0)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(March 2, 1977, Champions Cup, Saint Etienne 1-Liverpool 0)



Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 2, March 1977

(March 2, 1977, Champions Cup, Saint Etienne 1-Liverpool 0)



Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 2, March 1977

(March 2, 1977, Champions Cup, Saint Etienne 1-Liverpool 0)



Saint Etienne had the advantage going into the second leg at Anfield on March 16th, but there was everything to play for and Liverpool had Keegan back on the side.

Phil Thompson was out injured, and Tommy Smith replaced him in Liverpool’s defense.

Liverpool took the lead as early as the second minute, as Keegan scored a brilliant goal with a cross/shot from the left side far out and from a narrow angle.

However, Saint Etienne fought back and Bathenay again tied the match in the 50th minute. Liverpool could have folded but fought back again and within nine minutes, Ray Kennedy scored Liverpool’s second. Super-sub-David Fairclough dealt the killer blow in the 84th minute and Liverpool were through.

Liverpool had defeated a great side and were confident going into the semifinals.

 

Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(March 16, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Saint Etienne 1)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(March 16, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Saint Etienne 1)



Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 3, April 1977

(March 16, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Saint Etienne 1)



In contrast, the semifinals were an easier task as Liverpool faced Swiss side FC Zürich.

The first leg was at Zürich, on April 6th, and Liverpool were missing the injured pair of Phil Thompson in defense and John Toshack upfront. Bob Paisley started with Tommy Smith and David Fairclough to deputize for the missing duo.

Liverpool comfortably won (3-1) through a double strike by Phil Neal (including a penalty kick) and a memorable strike from Heighway.

Liverpool were again untroubled for the return leg at Anfield on April 20th as they won (3-0) with a double strike by Jimmy Case including a free kick.

 

Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(April 6, 1977, Champions Cup, FC Zürich 1-Liverpool 3)



Photo From: France Football, Issue 1618, April 12, 1977

(April 6, 1977, Champions Cup, FC Zürich 1-Liverpool 3)



Photo From: World Soccer, May 1977

(April 20, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3-FC Zürich 0)



Liverpool were in the Final facing West German giants Borussia Mönchengladbach on May 25th, 1977, at Rome. The West German side was led by skipper Berti Vogts and included stars such as Rainer Bonhof, future Real Madrid player Uli Stielike and Danish legend Allan Simonsen.


Photo From: Onze, Issue 17, May 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)




The sides had met years earlier in the 1973 UEFA Cup Final and Liverpool had been victorious on that occasion.

Days ahead of the Final, Liverpool missed the chance to complete a possible treble as they lost in the FA Cup Final to Manchester United.

Liverpool had already won the League title and missed the chance for their first ever domestic double.

In addition, star of the team Kevin Keegan had expressed his desire to leave the club for an adventure abroad (joining West German side SV Hamburg).

 

There was some debate on the availability of John Toshack and the tactics of Mönchengladbach based on that. In the end neither Toshack nor Phil Thompson were available. Tommy Smith played in Thompson’s place and would make his mark in this Final.

Liverpool took the lead in the 28th minute, on the right side, Heighway sent McDermott through, and he shot past Kneib.

In the second half, in the 51st minute, Allan Simonsen took advantage of an error by Jimmy Case to pick up the ball on the left and score from a narrow angle.

Liverpool continued to attack and in the 65th minute took the lead with Smith heading in Heighway’s corner kick from the left.

This match had been a battle between Keegan and his shadow Vogts. In the 83rd minute, after a run by Keegan, Vogts fouled him in the box. Phil Neal scored through a penalty kick, and it was all over.

Liverpool had won the greatest prize of all, becoming the first English side to do so since Manchester United in 1968.

They were about to embark on a European dynasty (that was really a continuation of the UEFA Cup wins in 1973 and 1976).

They would have to do so without Keegan, but Kenny Dalglish was on his way to Anfield……

 

Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 5, June 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 5, June 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 5, June 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 5, June 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



Photo From: L’Année du Football 1977

(May 25, 1977, Champions Cup, Liverpool 3- Borussia Mönchengladbach1)



 

Liverpool Football Club (1976/77 season):

Players who took part in these matches (on the field or on the bench):

Goalkeeper:

Ray Clemence (August 5, 1948-Skegness, Lincolnshire-November 15, 2020, Corby, Northamptonshire) (aged 28 years old at the time)

Peter McDonnell (June 11, 1953, Kendal) (aged 23-24 years old at the time)


Defenders:

Emlyn Hughes (August 28, 1947, Barrow-in-Furness-November 9, 2004, Sheffield) (aged 29 years old at the time)

Joey Jones (Wales) (March 4, 1955, Llandudno, Wales) (aged 21-22 years old at the time)

Phil Neal (February 20, 1951, Irchester, Northamptonshire) (aged 25-26 years old at the time)

Tommy Smith (April 5, 1945, Liverpool-April 12, 2019, Crosby) (aged 31-32 years old at the time) (returned from loan in September 1976)

Phil Thompson (January 21, 1954, Kirby, Lancashire) (aged 22-23 years old at the time)

Brian Kettle (April 22, 1956, Prescot) (aged 20-21 years old at the time)

Alec Lindsay (February 27, 1948, Bury) (aged 28-29 years old at the time)

Max Thompson (December 31, 1946, Liverpool-June 27, 2023) (aged 29-30 years old at the time) (Transferred December 1976)

 

Midfielders:

Ian Callaghan (April 10, 1942, Toxteth, Liverpool) (aged 34-35 years old at the time)

Jimmy Case (May 18, 1954, Liverpool) (aged 22-23 years old at the time)

Steve Heighway (Republic of Ireland) (November 25, 1947, Dublin, Republic of Ireland) (aged 28-29 years old at the time)

Ray Kennedy (July 28, 1951, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland-November 30, 2021) (aged 25 years old at the time)

Terry McDermott (December 8, 1951, Liverpool) (aged 24-25 years old at the time)

Sammy Lee (February 7, 1959, Liverpool) (aged 17-18 years old at the time)

Peter Cormack (Scotland) (July 17, 1946, Edinburgh, Scotland) (aged 30 years old at the time) (Transferred in November 1976)

Kevin Kewley (March 2, 1955, Liverpool) (aged 21-22 years old at the time)

 

Forwards:

Kevin Keegan (February 14, 1951, Armthorpe, Doncaster) (aged 25-26 years old at the time)

John Toshack (Wales) (March 22, 1949, Cardiff, Wales) (aged 27-28 years old at the time)

David Fairclough (January 5, 1957, Liverpool) (aged 19-20 years old at the time)

David Johnson (October 23, 1951, Liverpool-November 23, 2022) (aged 24-25 years old at the time)

Alan Waddle (June 9, 1954, Wallsend) (aged 22 years old at the time)


Coach: Bob Paisley (January 23, 1919, Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham-February 14, 1996, Liverpool) (aged 57-58 years old at the time)

Team Captain: Emlyn Hughes

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Shirt Sponsor: None

 




Photo From: Onze, Issue 17, May 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)




Photo From: Onze, Issue 17, May 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)




Photo From: Onze, Issue 17, May 1977

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)



Photo From: Football League 1976-1977 (FKS Publishers)

(Liverpool squad 1976/77)



Transfer Activity:

 

Arrivals:

David Johnson (Ipswich Town)

Tommy Smith (came back from loan from Tampa Bay Rowdies, September 1976)


Departures:

Brian Hall (Plymouth Argyle)

Tommy Tynan (Sheffield Wednesday)

Peter Cormack (left in November 1976 to Bristol City)

Max Thompson (left in December 1976 to Dallas Tornado)

 

 

References:

Onze, Issue 15, March 1977

Onze, Issue 16, April 1977

Onze, Issue 17, May 1977

Onze, Issue 18, June 1977

France Football, Issue 1618, April 12, 1977

Mondial, Old Series, Issue 2, March 1977

Mondial, Old Series, Issue 3, April 1977

Mondial, Old Series, Issue 4, May 1977

Mondial, Old Series, Issue 5, June 1977

World Soccer, June 1977

L’Année du Football 1977

 


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