 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Platini, Ferguson, Dalglish and Southall lead European Hall of Fame night in Liverpool
In collaboration with UEFA, the Professional Footballers Association and the North West Regional Devlopment Agency, the National Football Museum celebrated European football history with an exciting Hall of Fame evening at ACC Liverpool on 8 October. Forming part of Liverpool European Capital of Culture, the event coincided with the launch of a major exhibition, Only a Game?, at the World Museum Liverpool.
See Pictures from the night.
Special awards for achievement in European football were given to Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish. In addition, for the first time since its inception in 2002, the National Football Museum Hall of Fame presented an award to a footballer from outside the English game, with an all-time great European player award to Michel Platini.
Michel Platini said: "I am a great admirer of the English game. This is a wonderful honour."
Awards were also presented to the families of George Best, John Charles, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby. Nigel Clough paid tribute to his father, Brian, in an award to recognise his double European Cup successes, presented by former Nottingham Forest captain, John McGovern.
John Barnes accepted an award on behalf of his former England manager, Sir Bobby Robson, and read out a message that said:
"I am sorry I am not well enough to be with you, but I hope to be up and about in a few weeks."
John Barnes described Robson as "everyone's favourite uncle".
Alex Stepney and David Sadler accepted a special award for the Manchester United 1968 team in the 40th anniversary year of their European triumph. The award was presented by PFA boss, Gordon Taylor.
To tumultuous applause, Phil Thompson, Phil Neal, David Fairclough and Kenny Dalglish received an award on behalf of the Liverpool 1978 team, the first English team to win the European Cup for a second time. The award was presented by their subsequent team mates, Ian Rush and Alan Kennedy, and by Phil Redmond on behalf of Liverpool Capital of Culture.
Left to right, Paul Nugent from Umbro, Neville Southall, Howard Kendall and Rt.Hon. Andy Burnham MP
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham MP presented an award on behalf of Everton fans to Neville Southall. Howard Kendall and Kevin Ratcliffe applauded Southall's contribution to Everton's 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup success. Burnham, an Evertonian, described Southall as "an inspiration" to all Everton fans. The award was sponsored by Umbro.
The evening welcome addresses were given by National Football Museum Director, Kevin Moore, and NWDA Chief Exec. Steven Broomhead. The event was hosted by Claire Tomlinson and co-ordinated by MBN Promotions.
The European Awards
Players:
George Best
John Charles
Sir Bobby Charlton
Kenny Dalglish
Kevin Keegan
Managers:
Sir Matt Busby
Brian Clough
Sir Alex Ferguson
Bob Paisley
Sir Bobby Robson
Teams:
1968 Manchester United
1978 Liverpool FC
Liverpool People's Choice:
Steven Gerrard
Neville Southall
The event was supported by:
Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)
Professional Footballers Association
UEFA
Abbey for Intermediaries
New Football Pools
Umbro