Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy has died at the age of 70.
Kennedy arrived at Anfield in 1974 from Arsenal on the same day that Bill Shankly announced his shock retirement and became the Scot’s final signing.
Under Shankly’s successor Bob Paisley, the forward was reinvented as a tenacious midfielder who was a vital part of the Reds’ success-laden dynasty.
That position shift earned him international recognition with England, winning 17 caps and scoring three goals for his country between 1976 and 1980.
Paisley later opined Kennedy, who hailed from the North East like himself, was ‘one of Liverpool’s greatest players and probably the most underrated’.
A seven-and-a-half-year spell on Merseyside produced five league titles, three European Cups, a UEFA Cup, one League Cup and the European Super Cup.
Kennedy made 393 appearances for Liverpool and score 72 goals, two of which etched his name into their continental successes of 1977 and 1981.
He joined Swansea City in 1982 before enjoying spells at Hartlepool, Cypriot side Pezoporikos and Ashington in his native north east before retiring.
However Kennedy’s post-playing life was overshadowed by a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed just a year after hanging up his boots.
A club statement read: “Liverpool FC is mourning legendary former player Ray Kennedy, who has passed away at the age of 70.
“The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Ray’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.
“Rest in peace Ray.”