Liverpool legend Steve Heighway has announced his retirement from a coaching role with the club at the age of 75.
The University of Warwick graduate first joined the Reds as a player in 1970 under Bill Shankly and went on to make 475 appearances for the club, scoring 75 goals. He won five First Division titles and two European Cups as well as the FA Cup and League Cup, in a glittering career on Merseyside.
After hanging up his boots, Heighway returned to Liverpool in 1989 to head up the club's youth academy. Under his stewardship, players such as Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard came through his ranks to become first team success stories.
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He retired from the role in 2007, but returned at the request of Academy manager Alex Inglethorpe in 2015, initially in a part-time coaching position before he was appointed as a full-time consultant.
Inglethorpe told the club's official website: “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.”
Heighway was spotted playing for Skelmersdale United by Bill Shankly during the final year of his university studies and was snapped up as part of the Scot's revolution of the first team in 1970. He represented the Republic of Ireland at international level 34 times between 1970 and 1981.
To this day, his name is still sung at Anfield on match days, in the chorus of the popular Kop song 'Fields of Anfield Road'.
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