Ian St John: Former Liverpool striker dies at 82
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Sir Kenny Dalglish has led the tributes to Liverpool "icon" Ian St John, claiming he helped make the club what it is today.
St John has died aged 82 and was a cornerstone of Bill Shankly's first great Liverpool side, winning two Division One titles and the club's first FA Cup in the mid-60s.
Dalglish claims his fellow Scot helped lay the foundations for Liverpool's enduring success.
"I think it's right to use the word 'icon'," said the Reds legend.
"It's because of what he did in those early days,Shanks especially, the Saint and Big Yatesey, his big mucker, it's because of them this football club is where it is.
"We should be eternally grateful for what he did for the football club."
© MirrorpixIan St. John in action for Liverpool in 1968
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp felt honoured to have met St John, who was the club's record signing at £35,000 when he joined from Motherwell in 1961.
"He was not only football-wise a legend, but a true legend as a person," he said. "It was a pure pleasure to meet him.
"When I heard the news today, I was devastated."
© PAClub legend Dalglish has paid tribute to St John
Rangers boss and Liverpool great Steven Gerrard claimed St John helped him during his Anfield career.
"He's a legend and iconic figure at Liverpool Football Club," he said.
"He's someone I met on numerous occasions. He was really insightful in terms of his career and experience at Liverpool and trying to pass on his knowledge and expertise."
© PAIan St John, Geoff Strong, Ron Yeats, Wilf Stevenson, Gordon Milne, Chris Lawler, Ian Callaghan, Peter Thompson, Roger Hunt and Tommy Smith celebrate
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson tweeted: "RIP Ian St John. One of the greats."
Fellow Scot Andy Robertson paid tribute, saying: "A man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy. Scotland and Liverpool has lost a true giant."
Reds legend Jamie Carragher grew up watching St John on ITV's 'Saint and Greavsie' on Saturday lunchtimes and said he helped make Liverpool great.
Carragher tweeted: "Another Liverpool Legend sadly passes away. One of the players along with Bill Shankly who made this club what it is today. I'll remember him most on the best football show on tv, The Saint & Greavsie. X"
Greavsie paid his own tribute to his old friend and tweeted: "We had great fun working on the Saint and Greavsie.
"He was a lovely man & will be sadly missed by many, many people."
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