A chat with Billy Liddell: Reflections on football Then and Now.

An Article by Jerry.

So my friend is quite the clever “them” you know. “They” have a direct line upstairs and knowing this, I asked “they” put me in touch with  a true legend, our Billy Liddell. 

I wanted to know what football was like back in the day and what he thought of the modern game and how he would get on if still here and playing.   

I wish I hadn’t have asked now because he wouldn’t shut up.  Typical Scot 🙄

Ah, the beautiful game. When I think back to my days playing for Liverpool FC, it feels like it was just yesterday, though the game has certainly changed quite a bit since my time. Let me take you on a wee journey through the past and give you my thoughts on the modern game and how I reckon I’d fare today.

Football in My Day

Back in the ’40s and ’50s, football was a different beast altogether. The pitches were muddy quagmires come winter, and the ball felt like a bloomin’ cannonball when it got wet. We didn’t have the fancy kits or the plush stadiums you see now. Our boots were heavy leather, and you’d be lucky if they lasted the season.

Playing for Liverpool was a grand honour, and Anfield was always special. The roar of the Kop, even in those early days, could make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. We played for the love of the game and the pride of the shirt. There were no massive wages or celebrity lifestyles. We were just lads from the local area, giving our all for the club and the supporters.

Training was straightforward, none of this sports science malarkey. We did our drills, ran our laps, and practiced our set-pieces. The game was physical, and you had to be tough to make it. Tackles flew in, and referees let a lot more go than they do now. But it was honest, and there was a camaraderie among the players that’s hard to describe.

The Modern Game

Today’s game is almost unrecognisable from when I was playing. The pitches are like carpets, the balls are lighter, and the boots are like slippers. The players are fitter, faster, and have the benefit of modern nutrition and training techniques. It’s a different level of professionalism.

The money in football today is staggering. Players earn more in a week than we did in our whole careers, and the transfer fees are mind-boggling. The game has become a global business, with commercial interests and media coverage that we could never have imagined.

The style of play has evolved too. It’s less physical, more tactical, and the emphasis on technical skill is greater. Teams press high, play out from the back, and the tempo is relentless. The game is beautiful to watch, but I do miss the raw physicality and the simpler tactics of my day.

How I’d Fare Today

It’s a funny thought, imagining myself playing in today’s game. I’d like to think I’d hold my own. I was always known for my versatility – playing on the wing, inside forward, even in midfield. My fitness and work ethic were my strengths, and I think those would stand me in good stead.

I’d have to adapt to the modern style, of course. The emphasis on speed and technical skill would mean a lot of hard work on the training ground, but that’s never bothered me. The physical side of my game might need to be toned down a bit – I’d likely get a few more yellow cards these days!

I think the biggest challenge would be the scrutiny and pressure from the media and fans. We were under pressure in our day, but nothing like the constant spotlight today’s players live under. Social media, 24-hour news, it’s a different world.

But one thing would never change – the pride of wearing the Liverpool shirt and playing in front of the Kop. That, I think, would feel just the same. And as long as you give your all for the club and the supporters, you’re doing it right.

Final Thoughts

Football has changed, no doubt about it. But at its heart, it’s still the same game. Eleven lads on each side, a ball, and a pitch. The thrill of scoring, the agony of defeat, the joy of victory – those things are timeless.

So here’s to football, in all its forms, past and present. And here’s to Liverpool FC, a club that’s always been close to my heart. No matter how much things change, that will never waver.

Cheers, Billy