Tommy Lawrence, former Liverpool goalkeeper, dies aged 77

Tommy Lawrence, who made 390 appearance for Liverpool, has died aged 77. Photograph: Getty Images

The former Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence, a key member of Bill Shankly’s side in the early 1960s, has died aged 77.

Lawrence joined Liverpool as an apprentice and made his debut in 1962 during a 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion. He became affectionately known as “The Flying Pig” due to both his physique and flair for spectacular, acrobatic saves.

He missed only four league matches between 1963 and 1969 and was part of the side that won the 1963-64 league title, the 1965 FA Cup and the 1965-66 league. He set a then record for the fewest goals conceded in a season in 1968-69 when he let in only 24 league goals.

Lawrence made 390 appearance for Liverpool before moving to Tranmere Rovers in 1971, where he made 80 league appearances before joining non-league Chorley.

In February 2015, the Scot made the news when BBC reporter Stuart Finders was conducting vox pops on the street in Liverpool, asking for memories of the Reds’ 1967 Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park. After unwittingly approaching Lawrence and asking if he could remember the match, the goalkeeper replied that he had: “I played in it – I was goalkeeper for Liverpool. It was a great game.”

RIP Tommy Lawrence

Here's the moment a BBC reporter unwittingly stopped to ask him for memories from a 1967 derby game, not realising who he was! pic.twitter.com/zUoglnfsyC

— Match of the Day mag (@MOTDmag) January 10, 2018

A Liverpool club statement read: “The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Tommy’s family and friends at this sad time.”