Soccer Legend Emlyn Hughes Dies
Last updated : 09 November 2004 By Richard Evans
Football legend Emlyn Hughes has passed away at the age of 57 following a brave 15-month battle against a brain tumour. Hughes will best be remembered for his participation in the incredible Liverpool side of the 1970's, where he captained sides to countless league and cup triumphs. Perhaps Hughes' greatest moment, was becoming the first Liverpool captain to lift the European Cup in
1977 - a feat which they went on repeat the following year. Towards the end of his career, Emlyn Hughes played an integral part in John Toshack's promotion-charged Swansea City side of the late 70's and early 80's, before spells as a captain on "A Question Of Sport" and as a soccer pundit.
Hughes began his career at Blackpool before Bill Shankly snapped the energetic midfielder up for £65,000 in 1966. Hughes first occupied the left midfield berth, before eventually moving to full-back and then to the centre of defence. Nicknamed "Crazy Horse" for his energetic and vibrant displays, Hughes won the first of his 62 England caps in 1969 under Sir Alf Ramsey and eventually went on to captain his country 23 times over the next decade.
Emlyn Hughes became an integral part of the all-conquering Liverpool side of the 1970's, winning four league championships, one FA cup and two UEFA cups. 1977 saw Hughes captain Liverpool to a 3-1 victory over Borussia M'gladbach in the European Cup final, before a 1-0 victory over FC Bruges the following year.
Following spells at Wolves, Rotherham, Hull and Mansfield, "Crazy Horse" joined ex-teammate John Toshack's promotion-winning Swansea City side of the late 70's and early 80's, that charged from the Fourth to the First Division. Playing out the final years of his career, Hughes graced the Vetch Field on a number of occasions before deciding to concentrate on the coaching side of things.
Following a brief and unsuccesful spell in management, Hughes became a captain on the popular BBC show "A Question Of Sport" and a familiar soccer pundit on numerous other television shows. His passing follows a 15-month battle with a brain tumour. "Crazy Horse" will be fondly remembered by many and sorely missed.
