Gary McAllister has told the wonderful story of his Merseyside Derby winner from all those years ago.
In 2001, the veteran midfielder, who’d arrived on a free transfer the summer previous, bagged a 40-yard free-kick to secure us the three points against Everton.
The 3-2 victory set the tone for the rest of that season, which saw us add the FA Cup and UEFA Cup to our League Cup – which were followed by the Community Shield and the Super Cup at the start of next term.
But if Jamie Carragher had his own way, McAllister would’ve never shot on goal!
“I was more afraid of what Carra would say if I missed!” the Scot told FourFourTwo – cited in the Echo.
“Jamie could see that I was twitching to have a go. The Everton goalkeeper was moving to his left and leaving a gap.
“‘Don’t you f***ing dare, Gary,” he whispered. On my run-up, the keeper moved again and so I thought: ‘Just go for it’. That was a nice moment!”
McAllister only stayed at Liverpool for two seasons, but established himself permanently in our folklore. Not only were his on-field performances excellent, but he massively helped Steven Gerrard’s early development, and proved one of Gerard Houllier’s real masterstrokes.
McAllister had a job on Liverpool’s backroom staff at the beginning of the season, but lost it when Brendan Rodgers was fired as Jurgen Klopp wanted to bring in his regular coaching team.
Still, he has a place in Liverpool hearts, and stories like this will bring a smile to the face of every Red.