A celebration of the life of much-loved former Liverpool player liaison officer Norman Gard will take place next month.
Mr Gard, a passionate Evertonian, played a key role behind the scenes at Anfield for over 15 years providing invaluable support for the Reds ’ players and their off-pitch requirements before leaving the club in 2009.
He passed away last month at the age of 83, prompting a host of iconic Anfield figures such as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher Phil Thompson and Jerzy Dudek to pay affectionate tribute.
His son Jonathan told the ECHO the outpouring of love for his father had been overwhelming.
He said: “I've had literally hundreds of messages and calls from everywhere, from the Bolivian jungle to a Ghanian former youth player, but also from the local lads as well which meant a lot, as they leaned on him a lot less as they had their own local support networks.
“I can't begin to describe how happy his job made him. He viewed all of them as 'his boys' and it kept him young.”
Former Liverpool European Cup winning captain Phil Thompson, assistant manager to Gerard Houllier who had a very close relationship with Mr Gard, said: “The players absolutely loved and idolised him because he did so much for them.
“There was a really strong bond between them, and not just the players but their wives, children and families as well.
“Very few Liverpool fans would know of Norman but his importance, not just to the football club, but to the players and their wellbeing, was massive.
“He played a huge, largely unnoticed part in our success but those of us within the club from when he came in the mid 90s to his departure during Rafa’s time were never in any doubt over the contribution he made to our development, it was absolutely vital.”
The celebration of Norman Gard’s life will take place at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth at 3pm on Thursday 4th November.
