Liverpool legend John Aldridge has paid tribute to David Johnson after the former striker's passing was confirmed on Wednesday.
Johnson, 71, had been ill for some time having been diagnosed with throat cancer in recent years before the sad news of his death was made public on Wednesday morning.
Johnson was the first player to score for both Liverpool and Everton in Merseyside derbies and scored six times for England in just eight games during a decorated playing career.
The forward had two spells with the Blues and spent four years at Ipswich Town alongside brief periods at Barnsley, Manchester City, Preston North End. He also turned out for teams in the United States and Malta later in his career.
It was at Anfield, though, where Johnson's exploits are best remembered. He won 10 major honours that included four First Division titles and three European Cups during his 271 appearances for the Reds.
In a heartfelt tribute shortly after Johnson's passing was made public, Aldridge spoke warmly of his close friend in a chat with the ECHO.
"He was a big part of the ex-players groups and he was just larger than life," Aldridge said. "You knew that when you were in The Doc's company that you were going to have a laugh.
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"That's the way he loved life. He lived life to the full and we could never really be serious when we were together, me and Dave because I am a jovial person myself, I like to laugh all the time.
"I try to laugh through life and when you are with Doc, you do. Or you did. He was a great bloke; I can't speak highly enough of him."
Aldridge added: "He was a great player too. He perhaps didn't get the credit that he should have got because he's got the medals to prove it. He played for England, scored on his debut I am pretty sure. But more importantly, he was great for our club and it was his club.
"He used to go and watch Liverpool away like I did but when he had no money, he'd hitchhike to go and watch Liverpool for the away games, he was a top man.
"He will leave a hole. Everyone, whoever met him would say he was a great character. He played for both the Reds side and the Blues side. He was a massive Liverpool fan though and always was. He was such a great character and what a lovely man.
"You know I knew he hadn't been well for about 10 months or so and it really hasn't sunk in yet. I knew he was poorly and I spoke to him probably around 10 days ago now but I just didn't expect it so quickly.
"He's going to be really deeply missed. He was such a good footballer, so quick and he didn't get the credit he deserved because we had so many great strikers at the club before and after him. He was a No.9 who scored goals for Liverpool though and he worked his socks off for the club. He worked hard and played hard too."
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