Alan Kennedy
Alan Kennedy came through the ranks at Newcastle United and was signed by Bob Paisley at Liverpool in August 1978 for a fee of £330,000. He became popular figure with both the fans and his team mates at Anfield who gave him the affectionate nickname ´Barney Rubble´ in comparison to the cartoon character in the Flinstones.
He became a regular first choice and even after some injury and loss of form before the 1981 European Cup Final he fought to get his place back in the side and then repaid the faith shown in him by scoring the only goal of the game, and then in 1984 he again remarkably scored the goal that won the European Cup once more for Liverpool.
His call up to the England squad took longer than it should have done and just two caps for his country does not justify his ability.
He was a superb player amongst a solid back line for the reds. He finally lost his place to Jim Beglin in 1985 and moved on to join Sunderland.
Alan is now a popular figure on the after dinner circuit.