Liverpool great Moran dies aged 83

LONDON: Former Liverpool captain, coach and caretaker manager Ronnie Moran has died aged 83, his son Paul announced on Wednesday.

“I am devastated to tell everyone on behalf of the family that my dad passed away this morning after a short illness,” Paul Moran said on Twitter.

Moran spent his entire playing career at Liverpool between 1952 and 1968, making 379 appearances, and served as a coach under managers including Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish.

Known as ‘Bugsy’, he had two spells as caretaker manager during the early 1990s and had spent 49 years at the club by the time he retired in 1998.

“Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Ronnie Moran,” the club said in a statement.

“Ronnie is fondly remembered for his 49 years of service to Liverpool, during which time he represented the club with distinction as a player, coach, physio, reserve-team coach, assistant manager and caretaker manager.

“The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ronnie’s wife Joyce, his children, family and many friends.”

Moran joined Liverpool on a part-time basis in 1949 and became an ever-present at left-back under Shankly, winning two league titles and the FA Cup. His time on the back-room staff coincided with the greatest period in the club’s history.