Jamie Carragher has hailed the 'huge influence' Steve Heighway had on himself and several other former Liverpool stars after the 75-year-old announced his retirement from coaching.
Heighway called an end to a career in football that has spanned over half a century earlier today, having joined Bill Shankly's Reds back in 1970. The winger went on to make 475 appearances for the club, scoring 75 goals and winning five First Division titles, two European Cups and both the FA and League Cups.
The Irishman returned to Liverpool in 1989, heading up the club;s youth academy and seeing the likes of Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard come through the ranks under his stewardship. He originally retired back in 2007, but returned eight years on Academy manager Alex Inglethorpe - initially in a part-time role before his appointment as a full-time consultant.
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One of the academy's most prominent success stories during Heighway's tenure was Carragher, who himself made 737 appearances for the Reds - the second highest in the club's history behind Ian Callaghan. And the former captain turned Sky Sports pundit took to Twitter after the news to share his admiration for the long-time Red.
He tweeted: "What a contribution from Steve Heighway @LFC as a player who won Leagues & European cups. Then heading up an academy that produced McManaman, Fowler, Owen, Gerrard……amongst a few others! A huge influence on me as a young player & still to this day. Thank you Steve"
Speaking to Liverpool's official website alongside the announcement Inglethorpe said: “Steve has decided it is the right time to retire from his coaching role at the club. Steve has not only enjoyed a successful playing career at the club, but also an incredible coaching career lasting over 40 years, in which he has overseen the development of some of the most iconic players to have played for Liverpool Football Club.
“Whilst Steve may no longer be putting on his boots to work on the grass, he will still be at the Academy to watch games and share his expertise and wisdom for those fortunate to be in his company. I would like to lead the thanks to Steve for the time and guidance that he has given to not only myself but to all of us at the Academy over the last seven years.”
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