Tommy Smith Labrant Everleigh Death and Obituary, Cause of Death

Tommy Smith Labrant Everleigh Death and Obituary, Cause of Death

Sir Kenny Dalglish, who led the memorial service for former Liverpool captain Tommy Smith, has died aged 74.

Smith – nicknamed “The Anfield Iron” – is one of the club’s most influential and successful players. From 1960 to 1978, he made 638 appearances, won nine major trophies, and captained Liverpool for three years. The tenacious defender has won four league titles, one European Cup, two FA Cups and two UEFA Cups.

He was a key figure in Bill Shankly’s side, winning his first FA Cup against Leeds in 1965. Twelve years later, he helped the club win their first European Cup under Bob Paisley in a 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in the final in Rome.

Dalglish told the club’s website: “The way he acted was a good advertisement for Liverpool FC. His memory will live on forever. [He] was in the first team at 18 and I think he was in the first team shortly after I arrived. Left. When I stepped down in 1977, he was a regular in the locker room and he and Souey [Graeme Souness] looked after me and my wife Marina, helped us settle in, and showed us around the area to see us Can you find a suitable house to move in?”

Born in Liverpool in April 1945, Smith grew up in the shadow of Anfield and joined the club in 1960, where he supported the club as a student, first as a ground staff, then briefly as a centre-forward and then as a Defensive enforcers.

His reputation grew so much that the player became the subject of a transfer request from Manchester United manager Matt Busby, who was quickly turned down by Shankly. On 8 May 1963, he came off the bench in a 5–1 home win over Birmingham City.

An uncompromising tackler, Smith would terrify opponents like Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves, while keeping Ian St. John, Roger Hunt, Kevin Keegan and Terry Mack Teammates like Dermot thrived. Not only is Smith a tough guy, he can play football, scoring 48 goals in his career, including just one sent-off.

Smith has recently been battling dementia and other illnesses.

His daughter Janet Simpson told the club’s website: “Dad passed away peacefully in his nursing home at 4.30pm today. He was growing weaker and suffering from various ailments, especially over the past three years. Mid-month. We’re all obviously devastated.”

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemens, who won the league and UEFA Cup doubles title under Captain Smith in 1973 and played with him for a decade, tweeted: “Sorry to hear News of the passing of Tommy Smith, a true legend of the club. It was an honour to play with him. Great captain and leader of humanity.”