NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.34: Terry McDermott
Years: 1974-1982
Appearances: 329
Goals: 81
Trophies: First Division (1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82), UEFA Cup (1976), European Cup (1977, 1978, 1981), UEFA Super Cup (1977), League Cup (1981, 1982)
Terry McDermott could very well be the definition of an all-round midfielder.
The Scouser’s undoubted quality in seemingly every department was supported by a relentless work-rate.
Back in 1980, ‘Terry Mac’ became the first person to win the Football Writers’ Association and Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year awards in the same season.
His story with Liverpool virtually began by appearing against his boyhood club in the 1974 FA Cup final for Newcastle United. Having impressed in that defeat for the Magpies, McDermott became a Reds player six months later.
Bob Paisley was now the man in charge and would adopt a patient approach with McDermott, who appeared just 25 times in his first two seasons.
But in 1976-77 he truly cemented his role in the team and any of his frustration disappeared.
Thirty-eight appearances during that breakthrough term culminated in league and European Cup winner’s medals, McDermott scoring the opener in the latter’s showpiece with Borussia Monchengladbach in Rome.
“That was the most important goal I ever scored because it was our first European Cup win,” reflected the man from Kirkby.
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Watch on YouTubeAn engine of a great Reds side, he would then add a greater frequency of goals to his game, as well as a tendency to produce the spectacular.
An outrageously good flick-up and volley at White Hart Lane, a chip from an acute angle against Aberdeen and a thumping header to seal a flowing Anfield counter-attack versus Tottenham Hotspur were his own top picks from a marvellous bunch.
Of McDermott’s tally of 81 strikes for Liverpool, 58 came in his last three full seasons at the club – from midfield, remember – including hitting the 20 mark in 1980-81 and 1981-82.
His overall efforts meant he was an extremely important figure during an era of unprecedented success.
McDermott returned to Newcastle in 1982 having lifted three European Cups, five First Division titles, two League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Cup.
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