Former Liverpool and England winger Alan A'Court dies age 75Former Liverpool and England winger Alan A'Court has died at the age of 75, the club have announced.
A'Court made 381 Liverpool appearances and scored 63 goals in an 11-year spell at Anfield after signing in 1952. His strong and direct performances on the left flank earned him a place in the England squad at the 1958 World Cup despite Liverpool being in the Second Division at the time. In all he won five England caps.
A'Court also had the distinction of scoring Liverpool's first competitive goal under Bill Shankly, who began his tenure as Liverpool manager 50 years ago this week.
Former Liverpool midfielder Brian Hall, now the club's public relations manager, said: "It's extremely sad news and everyone at the club is deeply saddened and shocked.
"We knew he had not been well, but we did not realise how serious it was. He was a terrific footballer and a lovely guy. It is a real shock because I only saw him three or four months ago. Everyone at the club would like to pass on their sympathies to Alma and his family at this sad time."
The Guardian*Footnote - I underatnd Alan once owned a sweetshop on the Wirral.
