Liverpool football club lost a club legend, Ian St John, in the late hours of Monday, March 1, 2021, aged 82, according to a statement from the club.
A statement from the family of Ian St John which confirmed the passing away of the football legend revealed that the football icon died after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.
Ian St John’s death came 7 years after he announced that he had successfully undergone surgery to treat bladder cancer in April 2014. The surgery was carried out to remove his bladder and prostate gland.
Ever since then, the Scottish football icon made fewer public appearances as he continued to receive treatment which sustained him until his family announced his death in the early hours of Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father, and grandfather”, a statement from his family read.
“He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside. We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times.”
In reaction to the demise of Ian St John, Liverpool issued a statement on the club’s website describing him as “Reds Legend”. The club revealed that St John who played as a forward during his time at Liverpool made 425 appearances for the club and scored a total of 118 goals.
“Under the management of Bill Shankly, St John was the scorer of one of the most iconic goals in Liverpool’s history when he netted in extra time to secure our first ever FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Leeds United in 1965”, the club’s statement read.
“League title wins have achieved either side in 1964 and 1966, while the Scot had earlier helped the Reds into the First Division by gaining promotion in his first season following his transfer for a then club-record fee of £37,500 from Motherwell.”
Some facts about Ian St John:
Ian St John was born in Motherwell, Scotland, on 7 June 1938. He started his professional football career at his childhood club Motherwell in 1956.
He left the club in 1961 to play for Liverpool football club. He remained at the Merseyside club until 1971. During his period at Liverpool, Ian St John won two Football League First Division, one Football League Second Division, and one FA Cup.
The late Scotland international also won three FA Charity Shield for Liverpool and played in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final during the 1965-1966 season.
He went on to play for a series of other clubs in Scotland before he retired from professional football in 1973.
After retirement, Ian St John went into coaching. He coached Motherwell for a season before he was appointed as manager at Portsmouth between 1974 -1977.
When he left coaching, he dived into punditry and became a television host. He partnered with fellow ex-footballer Jimmy Greaves to run Saint and Greavsie television show from 1985 until 1992.
Besides media, St John helped to set up several football academies where aspiring footballers were trained. In 2006, he was voted the 21st all-time fans favorite by Liverpool’s fans.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend, Ian St John.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 2, 2021
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian's family and friends at this sad and difficult time.
Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021.
