Loads of legendary Liverpool figures have bid farewell to Anfield on the finish of current seasons, with Jurgen Klopp rightly being given a rousing send-off this time final 12 months.
Kopites have additionally granted an emotional goodbye to fan favourites like Bobby Firmino within the not-too-distant previous, and whereas a sure England right-back received’t be proven something near the identical affection this Sunday, one other man on the stadium will depart with the fondest of needs from the Merseyside devoted.
Liverpool icon George Sephton to retire at finish of the season
On Friday, LFC confirmed through their official web site that George Sephton, affectionately referred to as the ‘Voice of Anfield’, will retire after greater than 50 years of service to the membership.
The long-serving stadium announcer will take to the microphone in L4 for one final time tomorrow when Liverpool host Crystal Palace on the day that Arne Slot’s facet are introduced with the Premier League trophy, thus guaranteeing that his ultimate match will probably be an unforgettable event.
Paul Cuttill, the membership’s vice-president of stadium operations, has rightly hailed Sephton as ‘a part of the material of Anfield’ who has ‘soundtracked numerous unforgettable moments’ and whose ‘presence within the gantry will probably be deeply missed’.
Liverpool residence video games received’t sound the identical with out his dulcet tones
So much has modified at Liverpool since George started his stadium announcer roll in 1971, however his voice has been a relentless all through that point, and a matchday at Anfield simply received’t sound the identical with out his dulcet tones ringing across the iconic venue.
His softly-spoken supply has been significantly appreciated by generations of match-going Reds supporters and makes for a welcome distinction to the needlessly shouty PA operators who frequent different Premier League stadia and demand on drowning out objective celebrations with booming music.
It isn’t simply Sephton’s voice which has seen him being dubbed a ‘legend‘ by Jamie Carragher and a ‘nice man‘ by Henry Winter – his constant promotion of native bands by enjoying their music on matchdays has given well-deserved publicity to their skills.
Such is his reputation that there have even been calls by many Liverpool followers on social media for him to have a seat on the bus together with gamers and training workers for the membership’s Premier League victory parade by way of town on Monday.
George’s humility and modesty would in all probability see him eschew any such invites, however his standing as a real icon of Anfield is past query. We want this legend of LFC all the most effective in his retirement and likewise prolong a heat welcome to whoever succeeds him within the position.