Ian Callaghan was born in Liverpool in 1942, he supported Liverpool as a child and went on to play for Liverpool. During his eighteen years at the club, Ian Callaghan made a record 857 appearances for Liverpool, a record that still stands today and is unlikely ever to be broken.
Callaghan signed for Liverpool as an apprentice and made his first team debut during the 1960 season, when Liverpool were playing in the second division, he began to play regularly in the first team from 1961 season onwards. The 1962 season saw Liverpool win the second division championship and gain promotion back to the first division.
Nick-named 'Cally' Ian Callaghan became the backbone of the Liverpool team which embarked on a journey from second division mediocrity, to English and European football supremacy.
The 1963-64 season saw Liverpool win the first division league title and again in 1965-66, winning the FA Cup against Leeds United in 1965.
Ian Callaghan was known as a true gentleman, and he was only booked once during all his appearances for Liverpool. Initially employed as a 'winger' Callaghan was renowned for his pace, stamina and accurate passing, from which he created many goals for strike partnership Ian St John and Roger Hunt.
Later in his career Callaghan assumed a midfield role, after a career threatening injury during the 1970-71 season, from which he fought his way back into the team, and many say he played better in that role than he had done before.
Many believe that the 1973-74 was Callaghan's best at Liverpool, when he again helped them to win the FA Cup and he was awarded the football player of year award, and subsequently awarded an MBE for his services to football.
Callaghan's career at Liverpool was still far from over, at the age of 34 he helped Liverpool win the league title and UEFA Cup in 1976, and the following season win the league, and the European Cup for the first time in Liverpool's history.
Ian Callaghan was to play one more season for Liverpool, and the 1978 season saw Liverpool retain the European Cup. In the Autumn of 1978 Ian Callaghan finally left Liverpool, when he joined Swansea City, after an incredible 857 appearances and 69 goals. A true Liverpool legend.
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