Ronnie Moran
Encyclopedia
Ronnie Moran is a former Liverpool
captain and coach, who has twice served as caretaker manager (after the departure of Kenny Dalglish
and when Graeme Souness
was absent due to heart surgery). He was the club's longest-serving employee when he retired in 1998, and a surviving member of the Liverpool Boot Room, with the likes of Bill Shankly
, Bob Paisley
, Joe Fagan
, and Reuben Bennett
having all passed on.
, Liverpool
, and began his footballing career at Liverpool as an apprentice electrician playing with the 'C' team
. Originally a left back, Moran signed professional terms for manager Don Welsh
in January 1952 and subsequently made his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Derby County
on 22 November 1952, at the age of 18 years old.
It was in season 1955-56
that Moran established himself as Liverpool's first choice number three. The Reds were languishing in the Second Division
at this time but Moran, a good marker who was rarely beaten by a winger for pace and was also something of a penalty expert, proved himself a consistent performer missing only six games between 1955 and 1959. Unfortunately he always hit his penalties low and to the goalkeepers' right and nearer the end of his playing career he became 'known' for this and had a number saved by the goalies .
He was rewarded for his sterling service towards the latter part of the decade when he was handed the club captaincy. In 1961-62
, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, he played sixteen games as the Reds finally regained their top-flight status and two seasons later was part of the Division One
Championship winning side missing only seven games all season.
Injury problems then began to set in and he missed out to Gerry Byrne
for the left back slot in the 1965 FA Cup Final
win over Leeds United
. He did, however, play in the famous Anfield
victory over Internazionale
three days later before playing his last competitive game for the Reds in the awesome setting of the San Siro
stadium when Liverpool were controversially beaten in the second leg of the European Cup
semi-final.
though he continued playing for Joe Fagan
's reserves for a further two years, helping to bring on the younger players.
and Reuben Bennett
.
In 1971 he took charge of the reserve team and in 1972-73
guided the Reds' second string to the Central League
Championship.
Moran, or 'Bugsy' as he had become known, became a vital ingredient in the Liverpool success story with his shrewd knowledge of the game and the ability to get the best out of the players. In a spectacularly successful period for the club he was a fine, loyal servant working first under Shankly, Bob Paisley
, Joe Fagan and then Kenny Dalglish
, and later for Graeme Souness
and Roy Evans
.
In keeping with the Boot Room traditions he never sought the limelight, never promoted himself above his colleagues or the team. He became famous on the bench for his loud voice shouting instructions to the players which could be heard in the packed Kop.
When Dalglish sensationally announced his resignation as manager in 1991, Moran was installed as 'caretaker' boss, a role he occupied for only ten games. He had placed on record an unwillingness to take the job on full-time and summarily stood down when Graeme Souness was duly appointed as Dalglish's successor.
In 1992 Moran took job as caretaker again after Graeme Souness went in for a Heart Surgery. Souness's first time back was The FA Cup Final where he chose the team along with Moran. Moran had the honour and pleasure of leading Liverpool out At Wembley for The Final. Souness returned to his fulltime duties in July.
Moran remained on the coaching staff under Souness and then under friend Roy Evans when he took over as manager. Evans became the ninth manager Moran had worked under at the club in one capacity or another in his near half century of dedicated service, the full list being:
George Kay
, Don Welsh
, Phil Taylor
, Bill Shankly
, Bob Paisley
, Joe Fagan
, Kenny Dalglish
, Graeme Souness
, Roy Evans
.
Ronnie Moran finally announced his retirement from football and left Liverpool in 1998. Along with the great Bob Paisley, he had filled every role imaginable at the club from player, to physio, to coach and trainer, through to manager.
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
captain and coach, who has twice served as caretaker manager (after the departure of Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish MBE is a Scottish former footballer and the current manager of Liverpool F.C.. In a 22-year playing career, he played for two club teams, Celtic and Liverpool, winning numerous honours with both. He is the most capped Scottish player, with 102 appearances, and...
and when Graeme Souness
Graeme Souness
Graeme James Souness is a Scottish former professional football player and manager.Souness was the captain of the successful Liverpool team of the early 1980s and player-manager of Rangers in the late 1980s as well as captain of the Scottish national team. He also played for Tottenham Hotspur,...
was absent due to heart surgery). He was the club's longest-serving employee when he retired in 1998, and a surviving member of the Liverpool Boot Room, with the likes of Bill Shankly
Bill Shankly
William "Bill" Shankly, OBE was a Scottish football player and manager, most noted for managing Liverpool between 1959 and 1974. One of Britain's most successful and respected football managers, Shankly was also a fine player whose career was interrupted by the Second World War...
, Bob Paisley
Bob Paisley
Robert "Bob" Paisley OBE was an English football half back turned manager. His association with Liverpool was to span nearly half a century including his contribution to the club, first as a player, then as a physiotherapist and coach, and finally as manager.In nine years as manager between 1974...
, Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan was an English football manager best known for being manager of Liverpool F.C. from 1983 to 1985.- Career:Joe Fagan's playing career was largely spent at Manchester City for whom he signed in 1938...
, and Reuben Bennett
Reuben Bennett
Reuben Bennett from Aberdeen was a Scottish professional association footballer for Queen of the South, Dundee F.C. and Elgin City. He was then manager at Ayr United and a founder member of the Boot Room coaching staff at Liverpool F.C.-Player:In Bennett's playing days he was a goalkeeper with...
having all passed on.
Full time player
Moran was born in CrosbyCrosby, Merseyside
Crosby is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, in Merseyside, England. Historically part of Lancashire it is situated north of Bootle, south of Southport, Formby and west of Netherton-History:...
, Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, and began his footballing career at Liverpool as an apprentice electrician playing with the 'C' team
Liverpool F.C. Reserves
Liverpool F.C. Reserves are the reserve team of Liverpool.-Reserve team:Liverpool Reserves play in the FA Premier Reserve League. In their division, the reserves became Champions in 2000. They competed in the Lancashire Combination from 1896 to 1911, with the exception of the 1898–99 season, in...
. Originally a left back, Moran signed professional terms for manager Don Welsh
Don Welsh
Donald "Don" Welsh was an English football player and manager. As a player he played at inside left for Charlton Athletic and for England, winning the FA Cup with Charlton in 1946–47.-Playing career:...
in January 1952 and subsequently made his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
on 22 November 1952, at the age of 18 years old.
It was in season 1955-56
1955-56 in English football
The 1955–56 season was the 76th season of competitive football in England. The First Division was won by Manchester United, the fourth time they had won that particular accolade.-Awards:Football Writers' Association...
that Moran established himself as Liverpool's first choice number three. The Reds were languishing in the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
at this time but Moran, a good marker who was rarely beaten by a winger for pace and was also something of a penalty expert, proved himself a consistent performer missing only six games between 1955 and 1959. Unfortunately he always hit his penalties low and to the goalkeepers' right and nearer the end of his playing career he became 'known' for this and had a number saved by the goalies .
He was rewarded for his sterling service towards the latter part of the decade when he was handed the club captaincy. In 1961-62
1961-62 in English football
The 1961–62 season was the 82nd season of competitive Football in England.-Overview:The season was notable for the remarkable achievement of Ipswich Town winning the League Championship. Under the managership of Alf Ramsey, the club progressed from the old Third Division South to the First Division...
, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, he played sixteen games as the Reds finally regained their top-flight status and two seasons later was part of the Division One
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
Championship winning side missing only seven games all season.
Injury problems then began to set in and he missed out to Gerry Byrne
Gerry Byrne (footballer)
Gerald 'Gerry' Byrne is an English former footballer who spent his entire playing career at Liverpool Football Club.-Life and playing career:...
for the left back slot in the 1965 FA Cup Final
1965 FA Cup Final
The 1965 FA Cup Final took place on 1 May 1965 at Wembley Stadium. It was the 93rd year, 84th final and the 37th to be played at Wembley...
win over Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
. He did, however, play in the famous Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
victory over Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
three days later before playing his last competitive game for the Reds in the awesome setting of the San Siro
San Siro
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, originally and commonly referred to as the San Siro because of its location, officially given its current name on 3 March 1980, is a football stadium located in the San Siro district in Milan, Italy. It is the home of both A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano...
stadium when Liverpool were controversially beaten in the second leg of the European Cup
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
semi-final.
Transition to coaching
In 1966 Moran was invited onto the coaching staff by Bill ShanklyBill Shankly
William "Bill" Shankly, OBE was a Scottish football player and manager, most noted for managing Liverpool between 1959 and 1974. One of Britain's most successful and respected football managers, Shankly was also a fine player whose career was interrupted by the Second World War...
though he continued playing for Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan was an English football manager best known for being manager of Liverpool F.C. from 1983 to 1985.- Career:Joe Fagan's playing career was largely spent at Manchester City for whom he signed in 1938...
's reserves for a further two years, helping to bring on the younger players.
Full time coach
He formally retired from playing during the 1968-69 season and joined the coaching staff full time, where he joined the 'Boot Room' team of Shankly, Fagan, Bob PaisleyBob Paisley
Robert "Bob" Paisley OBE was an English football half back turned manager. His association with Liverpool was to span nearly half a century including his contribution to the club, first as a player, then as a physiotherapist and coach, and finally as manager.In nine years as manager between 1974...
and Reuben Bennett
Reuben Bennett
Reuben Bennett from Aberdeen was a Scottish professional association footballer for Queen of the South, Dundee F.C. and Elgin City. He was then manager at Ayr United and a founder member of the Boot Room coaching staff at Liverpool F.C.-Player:In Bennett's playing days he was a goalkeeper with...
.
In 1971 he took charge of the reserve team and in 1972-73
1972-73 in English football
The 1972–73 season was the 93rd season of competitive football in England.-Overview:The Football League announced that a three-up, three-down system would operate between the top two divisions from the following season, rather than the traditional two-up, two-down system...
guided the Reds' second string to the Central League
Central League (football)
The Central League , is a football league in England for reserve teams primarily of Football League clubs in the Midlands and North of England....
Championship.
Moran, or 'Bugsy' as he had become known, became a vital ingredient in the Liverpool success story with his shrewd knowledge of the game and the ability to get the best out of the players. In a spectacularly successful period for the club he was a fine, loyal servant working first under Shankly, Bob Paisley
Bob Paisley
Robert "Bob" Paisley OBE was an English football half back turned manager. His association with Liverpool was to span nearly half a century including his contribution to the club, first as a player, then as a physiotherapist and coach, and finally as manager.In nine years as manager between 1974...
, Joe Fagan and then Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish MBE is a Scottish former footballer and the current manager of Liverpool F.C.. In a 22-year playing career, he played for two club teams, Celtic and Liverpool, winning numerous honours with both. He is the most capped Scottish player, with 102 appearances, and...
, and later for Graeme Souness
Graeme Souness
Graeme James Souness is a Scottish former professional football player and manager.Souness was the captain of the successful Liverpool team of the early 1980s and player-manager of Rangers in the late 1980s as well as captain of the Scottish national team. He also played for Tottenham Hotspur,...
and Roy Evans
Roy Evans
Roy Evans CBE was a Liverpool football player who eventually rose through the coaching ranks to become team manager.-Career:...
.
In keeping with the Boot Room traditions he never sought the limelight, never promoted himself above his colleagues or the team. He became famous on the bench for his loud voice shouting instructions to the players which could be heard in the packed Kop.
When Dalglish sensationally announced his resignation as manager in 1991, Moran was installed as 'caretaker' boss, a role he occupied for only ten games. He had placed on record an unwillingness to take the job on full-time and summarily stood down when Graeme Souness was duly appointed as Dalglish's successor.
In 1992 Moran took job as caretaker again after Graeme Souness went in for a Heart Surgery. Souness's first time back was The FA Cup Final where he chose the team along with Moran. Moran had the honour and pleasure of leading Liverpool out At Wembley for The Final. Souness returned to his fulltime duties in July.
Moran remained on the coaching staff under Souness and then under friend Roy Evans when he took over as manager. Evans became the ninth manager Moran had worked under at the club in one capacity or another in his near half century of dedicated service, the full list being:
George Kay
George Kay
George Kay was an English football player and manager of Luton Town, Southampton and Liverpool.The highlight of his playing career was when he captained West Ham United in the first FA Cup final to be played at Wembley, the so-called White Horse Final.He was manager of Liverpool for 15 years and...
, Don Welsh
Don Welsh
Donald "Don" Welsh was an English football player and manager. As a player he played at inside left for Charlton Athletic and for England, winning the FA Cup with Charlton in 1946–47.-Playing career:...
, Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor (footballer)
Philip Henry Taylor is an ex-English footballer who played for and managed Liverpool.-Player:Phil Taylor played for his hometown club Bristol Rovers as an apprentice before he was signed by Liverpool manager George Patterson for £5000 plus Ted Hartill in March 1936, he made his debut on the 28th...
, Bill Shankly
Bill Shankly
William "Bill" Shankly, OBE was a Scottish football player and manager, most noted for managing Liverpool between 1959 and 1974. One of Britain's most successful and respected football managers, Shankly was also a fine player whose career was interrupted by the Second World War...
, Bob Paisley
Bob Paisley
Robert "Bob" Paisley OBE was an English football half back turned manager. His association with Liverpool was to span nearly half a century including his contribution to the club, first as a player, then as a physiotherapist and coach, and finally as manager.In nine years as manager between 1974...
, Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan was an English football manager best known for being manager of Liverpool F.C. from 1983 to 1985.- Career:Joe Fagan's playing career was largely spent at Manchester City for whom he signed in 1938...
, Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish MBE is a Scottish former footballer and the current manager of Liverpool F.C.. In a 22-year playing career, he played for two club teams, Celtic and Liverpool, winning numerous honours with both. He is the most capped Scottish player, with 102 appearances, and...
, Graeme Souness
Graeme Souness
Graeme James Souness is a Scottish former professional football player and manager.Souness was the captain of the successful Liverpool team of the early 1980s and player-manager of Rangers in the late 1980s as well as captain of the Scottish national team. He also played for Tottenham Hotspur,...
, Roy Evans
Roy Evans
Roy Evans CBE was a Liverpool football player who eventually rose through the coaching ranks to become team manager.-Career:...
.
Ronnie Moran finally announced his retirement from football and left Liverpool in 1998. Along with the great Bob Paisley, he had filled every role imaginable at the club from player, to physio, to coach and trainer, through to manager.
Honours
As a player- Division 2Football League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
(Level 2): 1962 - Division 1Football League First DivisionThe First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
(Level 1): 1964 - Charity Shield: 1964 (Shared)