NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.17: Emlyn Hughes
Years: 1967-1979
Appearances: 665
Goals: 49
Trophies: First Division (1972-73, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79), UEFA Cup (1973, 1976), FA Cup (1974), European Cup (1977, 1978), UEFA Super Cup (1977)
Emlyn Hughes captained Liverpool to their first European Cup success and remains the only skipper to have lifted the trophy for the club twice.
The popular defender initially got his hands on Old Big Ears in May 1977 when the Reds defeated Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 in Rome.
And a year later, Hughes had the duty again, his trademark smile reflecting off the silverware as he hoisted it above his head following a 1-0 victory for Bob Paisley’s side over Club Brugge at Wembley.
Bill Shankly had long admired the Englishman at Blackpool and anticipated such great heights for him having finally captured his signature for a handsome £65k in February 1967.
“If he’d have cost five times that he would have been worth it,” boasted Shankly. “It’s debatable if there’s a better player in the game. He’s got everything; ability, guts, he’s quick, good in the air – you name it, he has it.”
Hughes immediately went into the Reds side and became a regular throughout a period of rebuilding as Shankly crafted his second great team on Merseyside.
Versatile to play at full-back, centre-half or in midfield, Hughes earned the nickname ‘Crazy Horse’ for his energy, rampaging runs and all-round enthusiasm for the game.
He had a thumping finish in his back pocket, too.
In 1972-73, the trophies began to roll in, Hughes appearing in 65 of the 66 fixtures across all competitions as Liverpool were crowned First Division champions and UEFA Cup winners.
Shankly’s faith in him was underscored by his appointment as captain, replacing Tommy Smith, ahead of the next campaign.
With Hughes now firmly established in the middle of defence and forming a fine partnership alongside Phil Thompson, he and the Reds settled into an historic winning groove.
The FA Cup was his first honour collected as skipper – Newcastle United trounced 3-0 in the 1974 Wembley final – and another league title and UEFA Cup double followed under new boss Paisley in 1975-76.
Hughes featured in every match of a 1976-77 campaign that yielded his third championship and that coveted European Cup triumph at Stadio Olimpico.
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Watch on YouTubeA captain on the international stage too, Hughes was subsequently selected as the country’s Footballer of the Year for 1977.
That broad smile was on show again in 1978 when Liverpool successfully defended the European Cup and lifted it in London.
Injury reduced Hughes’ game time in the next season, allowing new arrival Alan Hansen to begin taking up his mantle, though he did play 16 times in the league as the Reds conceded only 16 goals en route to another title.
It was a victorious send-off as he switched to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 1979.
“I had millions of failings, lots of failings, but one thing I did have was a load of enthusiasm,” Hughes once said. “Enthusiasm and enjoyment of what you’re doing, what you’re paid for, is the greatest thing in life.”
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