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.
